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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

WARWICKSHIRE RAMBLE
LOWER QUINTON to STRATFORD upon AVON


Wednesday 21st May 2008
.................................Walk No. 716

Warwickshire Ramble No 19                       Total 168 miles


Time Taken:   4 hrs       Distance:      Enjoyment:      Weather:    Warm & Sunny
 10:30 am - 14:30 pm        8 miles                80%                                  Mild

Temp:    Cloud:     Rain:   Visibility:  Ground Conditions:    Wild Life:   Buzzard
 21oC       10%       None       Good             Very Good                 Rabbits

Total AA:      Total MH:    Total LD:      Total AW:      Other:        Total Distance:
 1027.5 mls    931.5 mls     1895 mls        162 mls     1192.5 mls       5208.5 miles

Companions: (Derek)   Ken Powers

Points of Interest and LINKS:
Stratford upon Avon                      Stratford Greenway                         Lower Quinton
Long Marston                              Avon Valley Footpath                     Monarch's Way
Heart of England Way                       Chain Ferry                                 Shakespeare

Description:
Bus ride to Lower Quinton via Stratford. If someone hadn't made an enquiry to the bus driver at Stratford, the connection would have been missed. Pleasant ride to Lower Quinton Village with Ken and myself the only passengers on the bus. Alighted the bus outside the village school in Lower Quinton. I wanted to take a photo at the start of the walk so the time would be recorded on the camera. As I poised to take a photo of the children playing in the playground, Ken pointed out that wasn't a good idea with the present adverse publicity of child molesting. I took a photo of the bus instead. Walked from the school across several fields to the Stratford main B4632 road, with pleasant views of Meon Hill and the church spier of St Swithins. A very picturesque church with its yellow cotswold stone. Just after crossing the main road Ken noticed a buzzard soaring high in the sky about the lush green fields. Shortly after, we circumnavigated 'Doctor's Farm'. The field had a new barbed wire fence installed to define the path exactly. This is fairly narrow path with pot holes on the walking line hidden in the grass. Care required not to twist an ankle or break a leg. Long Marston Airfield visible from the path, with exciting glimpses of forthcoming attractions. Past the unpleasant sewerage works then the very pleasant and attractive ponds surrounded by willow trees, before arriving at the 'Greenway Recreational Route', Wyre Lane Crossing. Plenty of signs around, including the attractive 'National Cycle Network' sign for Route No.5. Long steady flat walk, passing many cyclists and walkers before the busy junction at Milcote Picnic Area, with the comfort stop in the old railway carriage housing the tea shop. More useful maps and signs around to inform the passing active people about the surrounding area. Good car park for anyone wanting to visit the railway carriage and soak up the busy but calm atmosphere. Onwards, after a cup of tea and a biscuit, passing the old station platform and the rows of cloches in the fields to the bridge over the River Stour. Good views across the River Avon at Luddington Village to the houses and impressive mature trees. Passed some interesting old signalling equipment just before the river. Soon reached the Stannels metal truss bridge over the River Avon, where we diverted from the Greenway to the Monarch's Way path along the bank of the river. Quick look from the Greenway, across to the Stratford Race Course before the steep bank down to the river bank. Good fishing from the river bank with plenty of places to sit between the stinging nettles. Passed Brake Weir before reaching the new by-pass road bridge just before the detour from the river, up Mill Lane and past Shakespeare Burial place, Holy Trinity Church. Short distance ahead to the Chain Ferry over the river. Ferry in action as we passed in the sunshine. Ferryman supporting a big white sun hat. A little further ahead again to the Shakespeare Theatre. Here the action was around the re-building of the theatre without destroying the original facade. Returned to the bus stop and a short journey back to base. Thanks to Ken for another great day in the countryside.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start from Lower Quinton 417800/247145 , - Finish at Stratford upon Avon 420305/254945, - via Greenway at Long Marston 415755/248495. (Click on location and use Zoom).

Hazards:
Take care to avoid hidden pot holes along the walking route, especially when the ground is covered by grass and flora. Be aware of vehicles when walking along the Greenway and passing Crossings.

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2008
Devised: November 2008