The Way follows a curving route through gently undulating farmland and lowland heath, woodland and riverside paths. It takes in Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Kingsbury Water Park, the Arden countryside (see Arden Way), the Avon Valley and the northern aspects of the Cotswolds to Chipping Campden, Swell and Lower Slaughter, finishing at Bourton-on-the-Water. It passes close to the village of Meriden, officially the centre of England, and through the historic town of Henley-in-Arden, crossing the River Avon at Bidford-on-Avon.

The Heart of England Way Association provides a volunteer warden service to keep the route waymarked and walkable. Walkers are asked to report any issues to secretary@heartofenglandway.org. The Association’s website lists route changes and current temporary diversions, including ongoing diversions linked to HS2 construction work.

The European long distance path E2 (Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dover) joins the Heart of England Way on Cannock Chase, very close to its start, and follows it all the way to Bourton-on-the-Water, where it continues on the Oxfordshire Way.