The Shakespeare's Avon Way - Charlton, Fladbury & Cropthorne (19)

Starting off close to Evesham things got off to a tricky start.. Perfect walking conditions as we climbed 'Clark's Hill'. All was fine until we came to a 'No Entry' Private Property sign. Firstly we had found ourselves walking down towards the river. A retreat was required. We had turned off too early, backtracking we climbed higher. There didn't seem to be any signs for 'The Shakespeare's Avon way' either? We continued regardless in the direction of the Sewage Works. At least the views to our right were pretty decent. The top of Evesham Abbey showing amongst the treetops. Thankfully we were able to link up with the right path after passing the Sewage Works.  

In the distance storm clouds are gathering over Bredon Hill. Steeped in thousands of years of history. At the summit of the hill is an Iron Age Hill fort that dates back to well before the 1st century A.D. Not visible from where we are today though sadly. In 2011 the largest hoard of Roman silver coins ever found in Worcestershire was discovered near to the Hill fort.

 We have reached the village of Charlton. The village Green is really impressive! A beautiful stream flows through the village. Thankfully the storm clouds seem to have gone in a different direction and the sun is now out. We approach 'Jubilee Bridge' and have a choice to make. The figure of eight route gives us options. We could follow the River or continue towards Fladbury. 

Mr Heron enjoying the view

We chose to leave the River leg of the walk until last. A good decision as it turned out. Something is afoot? I have a nose for such matters. Cars are being parked up in a field, people are gathering en masse. Further investigation is required with immediate effect. I ask a red faced rotund gentleman in a check shirt and waistcoat what was occurring?  'Everything' came the reply. It's the Fladbury Walkabout'. Whatever it was they seemed to be charging for it.We made a hasty retreat before being relieved of our hard earned. Most people seemed to have a fluorescent green sticker about their person. This seem to allow them 'access all areas' privileges.  Most of which seemed to be in other peoples back gardens!

This was only the start of things though. as we got nearer to the village Green things got even busier. Stalls and marquees, a Caribbean Jerk Chicken BBQ, a Ukulele band, a Classic and Vintage Car display and best of all a Pie Shop. Complete with two pubs this looks to me like a village punching above it's weight! You can keep your fancy Glastonbury and Latitude Festivals, this is where it is at! The man in the field was quite right it has everything.What more could you possibly want on sunny quintessential English village afternoon. A pint of Beer, live music and a fresh pie and I'm in some sort of heaven. However there is still well over half of the walk to complete. Fladbury , you rocked! It was good while it lasted. 

We continue on the Shakespeare's Avon Way (Still no signs) past Spring Hill Farm and join up with the River. It's a peaceful scene, just the odd Angler and a few canoes on the water. Some lovely houses too, huge sloping gardens reaching down the the Avon. A touch of jeopardy is in the air.... The official footpath ends at one point. The path still exists but just not officially. Maybe It's just a Fisherman's path? There is nothing to say we shouldn't be there so we carry on regardless.  Ignorance is bliss as they say.

A footbridge with a gated off entrance is too tempting to pass by. A bit of physical strength and flexibility is required to manouvre myself into position. It felt good too, outwitting the authorities, giving it to the man!  Whoever he might be? The rebellious self righteousness was short lived though as I pondered how I was going to get back down to ground level. Not to mention the footings didn't feel too stable either. A 'hanging and letting go' technique was required. It did the trick but didn't do the already dodgy knees much good. I picked myself up in installments and carried on. 

Approaching Copthorne we pass by some very fit looking Racehorses. It is the professional racing Stable of former Jockey turned Trainer Tony Carroll. 'Mill House Racing' has fantastic facilities by the look of things. Over 70 stables, and state of the art all weather gallops. Best of all the horses are all fenced in securely and my blood pressure is safe. 

St Michael's Church Cropthorne

 We have reached Jubilee Bridge again and connecting the last part of the figure of eight route.

St Michael’s Church is sited at the heart of the ancient village settlement of Cropthorne.Offa, King of Mercia, had a hunting lodge on the site of Cropthorne Court, which is behind the Church.

 

There is still some lovely scenery to enjoy as we head back towards the start point.

Another fantastic walk in the Vale of Evesham.A total of 11.06 miles walked.