The Shakespeare's Avon Way - Bidford On Avon (16)

Here we are again in the picturesque village of Welford on Avon. We set off down the much photographed 'Boat Lane'. We are walking in an anti-clockwise direction following the course of the River Avon. 

It is very noticeable how clear the water is, numerous fishes are visible.There are one or two Narrow Boats on the water too. It's a beautiful scene, on a very pleasant day for walking. We are walking in the direction of Bidford on Avon.

This is how I had envisaged walking on The Shakespeare's Avon Way. Blue skies and nice easy riverside walking as we move into early Autumn.

There are quite a few other walkers out and about. Nearly all of them seem to be going into the opposite direction to the one we are walking ? There is a derelict old shack on the path that has fallen into disrepair. 

Maybe it was used for anglers weighing in their daily catch? Whatever it was it makes for an interesting photograph at least. 

 

 

We pass the point where the 'Heart of England Way' crosses the Shakespeare's Avon Way. That is another walk that we have started but runs north to south, as opposed to the East to West that we are walking today.  

We are getting closer to the Worcestershire border, and my finely tuned ears can detect a slight change in accent. Bidford Bridge is a scheduled monument and Grade I listed. The bridge dates from the 15th Century and was actually destroyed by supporters of Charles I as he fled his pursuers. We won't be going over it today though. That will have to wait for when we get up this far on the Heart of England Way.

We have sadly reached the point where we have to say goodbye to the River Avon, for today at least. We are heading inland in the direction of  the small village of Bickmarsh. Although in a blink of an eye we seem to have passed through it! Not too surprising as there are only about 60 odd residents. I don't mean that they are odd in any way, just to clarify that bit.  Next stop Dorsington!

By comparison Dorsington is a sprawling metropolis. It was originally at the centre of The Heart of England Forest. Entering the village there are some very nice house indeed. I was quite taken with one of the elaborate gates actually. Taken enough in fact to have my picture taken by them. 

The church is Grade II Listed and was built between 1764–1768. I have to say it isn't the most attractive Church building I've ever seen. Perhaps the Architect was an Atheist? Built to the glory of his Bank Account rather than to that of God?

I help myself to one of the plentiful apples on offer. The Blackberries though are very small and many seem to have gone over. We continue past a couple of farms, some interesting looking sheep eye us up cautiously. Dare I say 'Sheepish'? There are some nice views though as we make our way back towards the starting point at Welford on Avon. I shall be quiet glad too as the knee is starting to struggle.

A bit of 'zig-zagging' through the housing estate and the walk is complete.Another leg of this cracking walk completed. In total a distance of 10.56 miles!