Photograph Gallery Stage 54 Chadwick End to Stratford upon Avon
Photograph Gallery Stage 54 Chadwick End to Stratford upon Avon, Sunday 17th July 2011
The Story:
Alone again for just a week as Strolling Steve attends to home matters so instead of his daily statistics you will have to make do with Meandering Mikes Daily Marks! Before that let me tell you the story of todays walk. Like yesterday it started with persistent rain as soon as Strolling Steve had dropped me off at Chadwick End. After leaving the village I followed good tracks through more lovely Warwickshire countryside resplendent with lush woodland, dark green fields and quintessential English villages. There were some crop fields too, mostly cereal but not as many as yesterday and not a bull in sight. The miles passed serenely as I walked steadily and without a break until I reached Yarningale Common where I took a break on top of a small hill with yet more luscious woodland ahead of me. I took the break as the rain had stopped but only long enough for my break as dark clouds rolled over and deposited buckets as soon as I had scampered to the shelter of the trees. Fortunately it was a short shower and to my relief the last of the day. After the lovely Yarningale I continued on to Claverdon then Tattle Bank where I met a very hospitable gentleman who allowed me to pass through his garden to continue my way. Tattle Bank then led to Langley which I entered by passing through a series of back gardens, small ones at that. I felt a little uncomfortable so close to the houses but gates and stiles led me from one to another. Not as uncomfortable as if the residents had been out though; not very nice for them or the hiker.
From Langley the next two miles were fast on a dead straight line across very large fields to Snitterfield, the last village before Stratford upon Avon. In between I walked on undulating terrain through Hallowed Meadows, a large market garden and then across a golf course at Whicombe Hills Country Park. As I walked through I asked one golfer if it was a good or bad day. “Diabolical” was his reply. After the golf course I reached the top of a hill and passed by a huge obelisk overlooking Stratford. I was now within sight of the Bards hometown. After a long street I reached the canal, chatted to some Americans taking a narrow boat through locks and then emerged at Waterside in the town centre. Masses of people were there, more speaking foreign than English. First impression of Stratford was that it was a beautiful place with lots of Tudor buildings, many of immense character. The impression was right as I toured the town. I am certainly now in the heart of England and it is magic, just as this walk continues to be.
Meandering Mikes Daily Marks:
Scenery: 7/10 – Middle England continues to impress.
History: 6/10 – The Shakespeare connection and Tudor buildings.
Interest: 5/10 – More towards the end of the day, Stratford thrilled me.
Track: 4/10 – Good but I didn’t like walking through peoples gardens.
Comment: Another good day out with new adventures.
The Photographs:
Did he visit Chadwick End? Is there a connection?
Alone again, no Strolling Steve for a week as I leave Chadwick End
Only real flora please, no fakes allowed
Baddesley Clinton Church (I didn't find any plastic flowers)
Most appropriate, my target today is Stratford upon Avon
They have seen me coming, lovely shires in a field near Rowington Green
Sadly this excellent example of an old milesign was hidden under overgrowth at Rowington (I just spotted it as I passed)
Close encounters of the best kind, a very enchanting white light beckons me at Culvers Hill near Rowington
Railway bridge near Rowington and just before I crossed the M40
Super green lane with another inviting white light straight ahead
Beautiful Yarningdale Common
With respect to the late Mr Hudson I took a break here in Yarningale Common
Lovely walking as long as the path can be seen
Just sublime, the best walking with lots of interest in the hedgerows
To slow down horses I presume on a bridleway near Claverdon
Split in two
On the trail of Charles II
Green everywhere near Langley
Following the Monarch's Way from Langley to Snitterfield
Thistles galore near Snitterfield
Kangaroo anyone?
Orchard at Holly Meadow, south of Snitterfield
Welcombe Hills Monument north of Stratford upon Avon
The Bard's Way
Lots of history trails to follow
Stratford upon Avon Canal
The canal near Bridge Foot
Statue of William Shakespeare
Holy Trinity Church in Stratford upon Avon
My way tomorrow