LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked car in Dorsington Village and cycled to Old Stratford Road, by the River Arrow, between Oversley Green and Alcester. Walked over River Arrow bridge into the picturesque Oversley Green Village. Crossed bridge over A46 Trunk Road to Primrose Hill and Lower Oversley Lodge. Good views of Ragley Hall on the hill to the west. Wide track to and around Oversley Castle, but unfortunately only a glimpse of the castle. More good views to the south, across the Valle of Evesham towards Bredon Hill and the Cotswold Hills. Steady walk downhill on a single road to Oversley Farm and St. Milburga's Church. 'Way' overgrown after church to caravan park, care required past stinging nettles. I had to drag myself past The Fish Public House in Wixford Village to the picturesque River Arrow. Continued past Crabtree Farm fields of horses to Manor Hall. Good views back to Oversley Castle completely contrasting the heavy machinery within the Manor grounds. Onwards past the lovely village of Broom with its timber beamed cottages towards Bidford on Avon. Stopped for a short while to watch the rabbits feeding in Broom Playing Fields. Into Bidford on Avon and the early 15th Century Bridge over the River Avon. River ofttimes busy with boats around the bridge. Sat on a bail of hay in field after bridge to eat a snack and enjoy the panoramic view of the village and its church by the river. hurriedly vacated the bail of hay as the farm workers were gradually collecting the bails in my corner of the field. Interesting views of the river at Barton Village as the weir and lock approached. More pleasant cottages in Barton, especially at Owls End, but care required crossing the busy Welford Road. Steady walk out of Barton up the wide track to Barton Farm and good views across to Dorsington and the Cotswold Hills beyond. Misleading 'Way Sign' before Collett's Farm caused me to take the wrong hedgerow down to the brook. Observed the fenced pond closely before realising my error. Corrected the mistake and discovered the Nature Reserve ponds before the diversion to 'The Way'. Extra distance to follow the diversion but a narrow twisty lane by-passed. Path very muddy just before lane to Fox Convert Farm. As I walked into Dorsington I was surprised to see lots of sheep standing and watching me from an adjacent field. I couldn't understand it until the farmer came round the corner on his quad bike. The sheep were being moved between fields. As I entered Dorsington Village I passed a large house on the southern side of the lane, with sculptures in the garden and two perfectly formed naked lady statues guarding the entrance. Another welcome surprise. Through the village past more idyllic cottages to the car. Slow drive back to Oversley Green to collect the bicycle.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: from Alcester Roman Town 409255/257052, - Finish: at Dorsington Village 413410/249790, - via: Bidford on Avon 409905/251786. (Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Buttons).

The Oak Tree Heart of England 'Way' signs generally very frequent and well placed. Take care to follow map carefully between Barton Farm and Collett's Farm.