The Shakespeare's Avon Way - Marlcliff & Offenham (17)

 

The first Shakespeare's Avon Way walk of 2023. We are starting from the pretty Hamlet of Marlcliff, a mile south of Bidford-on-Avon. Parking is a little tricky, we park further up the lane where it is a little wider. Clearly a popular spot for walkers being so close to the river Avon.Considering we finished the previous leg of the walk here , It doesn't look very familiar?  Bit of a false start too, as we climb the steep steps away from the River up the bank. Realising the error we soon came back down again. Maybe all will become clearer on the return part of the walk?  

Thankfully It's a dry day if not a bright one. Lots of early signs of Spring with masses of Snowdrops and Crocuses in bloom. We are walking towards Marlcliff Lock.

This part of the river is referred to as the Stratford Avon to distinguish it from other navigable river Avons such as the Bristol Avon. The Upper Avon (Evesham to Stratford) fell foul of the railways and fell into disuse after 1875. It was finally restored and reopened by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1974.

Surprisingly enough there are very few people around? Not quite sure where they have all disappeared to? Anyway it's a peaceful and picturesque scene. Sadly though that is all about to change......

It started with some panes of broken glass, and soon escalated to abandoned cars, trailers and all sorts of other types of rubbish. An absolute blight on a beautiful landscape. I couldn't actually bring myself to photograph the majority of it in all honesty. A painful reminder of how some people have now appreciation of the environment in which they live. I find it hard to understand the mentality,but unfortunately as I cyclist I see similar acts of rubbish dumping all to frequently. There is a close by 'Travellers' Park that may or may not have anything to do with it?  

 

Thankfully things improve as we head towards Offenham. 

We are now in the famed 'Vale of Evesham'. For centuries regarded as the fruit and vegetable basket of England. This is a huge area of the River Avon flood plain given over to market gardening. 

It's a bit early for the world famous 'Asparagus' grown here. Picking usually starts in April, the end of the harvest in June or July. Other crops such as;carrots, peas, parsnips, leeks and cabbages are all grown in the area. There are literally acres of glass houses to protect the precious crops. 

Offenham village is noted for its 64 ft Maypole,the tallest of only six permanent maypoles remaining in England. I could see it standing proud in the distance but we turned off beforehand.The tradition of Maypole dancing dates back to medieval times. The St Mary and St Milburgh Church was first built in 1538.

Offenham was founded as a monastic grange and medieval deer park by the Benedictine Abbots of Evesham Abbey in the 13th Century. 

The British Legion appears to be the place where it is all going on these days. The posters on the glass door advertise upcoming events including an Oompah Band (bring your own tea for the interval). There is also a Psychic reading and afternoon tea event. Presumably the Psychic will be reading the leaves once the tea has been drunk I presume? I would be tempted to combine the two events and make a real night of it.   

We make our way out of Offenham down the interestingly named 'Three Cocks Lane'. Passing 'Three Cocks Cottages in the process.  

It's a bit of a climb to get to the top of  Windmill Hill Nature Reserve. The excellent views of the Avon Valley more than compensate. One of the best remaining limestone grasslands in the county, a haven for wildflowers and butterflies. A great area for the lime loving plants such as; cowslip, fairy flax, field scabious, common knapweed, and common and spiny restharrow. The Malvern Hills in the distance provide a stunning backdrop.

My knee has been fine too, an absolute blessing. The recent steroid injection seems to have been a huge success!It makes such a difference.On some of the walks before Christmas I was literally dragging myself along towards the end. 

We drop back down to river level again as we head back towards Marlcliff. It isn't long before we find another dumped vehicle. Ominously perched on the riverbank as though taking a drink. A version of a cautious Zebra sipping at an African Waterhole. My companion disappears for reasons best not disclosed on here. A comfortable seat is found on a gate that has been bumped and dented a few times. Normal service is quickly resumed , relief is felt all around.    

There are some nice views looking back towards the Vale of Evesham. Arriving back to  where we left the car I noticed several other vehicles have notes left on the windscreen. A quick glance reveals a friendly invitation to 'park better next time'. The distributor actually congratulated us on our thoughtful parking, which was nice.In summary I would say this walk has been 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' for fairly obvious reasons. In total a distance of 10.7 miles covered. A friend of mine sent me a 'Thought for the Day'. It seems quite fitting for the walk today.

'No man ever steps in the same river twice. 

For it's not the same river , and he's not the same man' - Heraclitus. 

Maybe we should be more like water and be formless?

  

Broughton and Pytchley Triangular Walk

 

 

A hastily marked out route to occupy a couple of hours on Saturday morning. Not quite followed to the letter, but then that's half the fun sometimes. Starting point for this shortish walk is the Church of St Andrew at Broughton.  The village is around 2 miles (3.2 km) south-west of Kettering, and bypassed by the A43.  The broad spired church is mostly early 14th century. I always like to park near a church for two reasons. There is generally somewhere to park without upsetting anybody. Secondly it provides a bearing or reference point on the landscape and map. My intention was to take the path to Kettering and 'Broughton Grange' However things don't always go according to plan. My eyes lit up at the first Bridleway sign and off I went. What I should have done of course was continue past the Village Hall, past the cemetery and through the gates to the track... It didn't matter too much I would just do the walk in reverse.    

By now I have worked out that I am on the way to Pytchley. Not to Broughton Grange as originally planned. The sun has also broken through which is good. There are lots of signs of Badgers digging, the setts look active too. There are some lovely views across to Kettering and looking back towards Broughton.There is as always the obligatory Red Kite circling overhead. A bit of cunning map work is  required upon reaching Pytchley. A bit of road walking is required to get me back on track. 

 

 

 

Leaving the road and It's a downhill course all the way towards the A14.  It's quite nice cutting across two fields with the busy road ahead. A sort of 'Ying and Yang' effect. It is then literally a case of walking around the back of the Service Station, and Coffee Shop. It's not very pretty I must admit... Cars are then literally racing past within about 5 yards of the path that has the driving range at Kettering Golf Course on the other side.

Over a stile and then it is a bit of an upward hike on the road that leads to Broughton Grange. There are a few buildings which you have to cut trough to pick up the path. A good spot for a photo! As I walked a bit further I decided to take another. After some frantic searching of multiple pockets, it became clear that the phone and myself had become detached. I retraced my steps in some haste and thankfully found the phone unscathed on the verge. On the verge of what I'm not quite sure?

The path back to Broughton is not a right of way but is recognised locally as a path to Kettering. It has been suggested that this was once a right of way and I believe there was an attempt to have its right of way status (re)established. However, it is not currently an official right of way.

The path ends at the gates close to Broughton. I continue on past the playing fields and the cemetery. A short cut back to the starting point through the Church of St Andrew is taken. 
In terms of wildlife spotting it has been a bit disappointing. Always seems to be the case when I remember to take the binoculars. Nevertheless an enjoyable enough walk. A total distance of just over five and a half miles.  

The Market Harborough Round (3) Burton Overy and Kings Norton

We are starting off from the village of Burton Overy, 9 nine miles south-east of Leicester city centre. Bit of a short walk today, a fitness test after the recent Steroid injection in the knee. I'm sure that all will be well! I've heard about the 'milk vending machines before, but never actually seen one until now. The milk is free-range. The cows graze outside for at least six months of the year. Milk sales currently stand at over 180 litres per day.

It's a bit of a dull day as we walk in a clockwise direction across the fields to Little Stretton.  

As we left the village a plaque half hidden amongst the undergrowth caught my eye. Being of an inquisitive nature I ventured further. The Ivy covered Oak tree was planted some 25 years ago to mark the local W.I's 70th anniversary. It isn't long before we get to our first stile.  a bit of a luxury one it is too! Very sturdy, a wooden path leading up to it and no barbed wire or electric fence to contend with. I think I've mentioned previously  how useful the bright yellow marker posts are for guidance purposes.   

We arrive in Little Stretton to the rear of the Church, or 'Chapel of Ease'. A smaller place of worship, more accessible to some parishioners than the main church. Moving around to the front entrance it is a bit surprising to find the door unlocked. Unfortunately the door to the tower was firmly locked, which was a shame.

 

 

 

In 1919, the village gained a certain notoriety as the location of the 'Green Bicycle case'. The case would prove to be one of the UK's most celebrated and controversial murder cases of the 20th century. A lady named 'Bella Wright' was shot and killed on 5th July by a single bullet to the face. On the fateful night she had been seen with a man who was riding a 'green bicycle'. The prime suspect was a man called 'Ronald Light' who initially denied, then admitted to being in the company of Wright shortly before her death. Largely due to a lack of motive Wright was acquitted of the murder. This despite a man matching his description being seen on the green bicycle. He is also known to have made attempts to dispose of both his bicycle and holster for his revolver in the canal.He had something of a checkered past too..In 1902, at the age of 17 expelled from Oakham School, for "lifting a little girl's clothes over her head"Attempting to seduce a 15-year-old girl, and had admitted to engaging in "improper conduct" with an 8-year-old girl. All sounds very dubious to my suspicious mind..

Kings Norton St John the Baptist Church

It's a short wall to the next village 'Kings Norton'. The very impressive church looms majestically  above all else. Dating back to the 13th century has an impressive and unusual crocketed spire that is a landmark visible for several miles.With a population of only around 70 in the village it seems almost out of place. A bit like Manchester United playing non league football perhaps? Maybe not. Anyway, It is  said to be one of the most beautiful churches in the midlands. I for one would not disagree.  

Snowdrops are always and indicator that Spring is around the corner. Although delicate looking they are extremely hardy. Creating a white carpet they will multiply every year. 

Would you believe it? Someone or something has only gone and snapped the top off  one of my beloved yellow markers posts.. They have however stuck it back into the hedge as a temporary fix. Got to have been a Tractor or some other form of farm machinery I would have thought?

Leaving Kings Norton we are heading back towards Burton Overy. Although not spectacular the countryside is more rolling fields and streams. By a Ford we cross the Roman Road 'Via Devana' or 'The Chester Road' or 'Gartree Road'. Whichever takes your fancy. It rand from Colchester through Cambridge up to Chester. The Latin name for Chester is 'Deva' and 'Via Devana' is thus 'The Chester Road'. 

Gartree comes from 'The Gore Tree', an Oak situated to the North of the Roman Road. Arguably one of the most important local landmarks in the ancient landscape. Ancient Oaks were revered by Pagan folk, Druids would worship the Oak and hold ceremonies beneath the branches. 

It looks as though someone has been taking pot shots at the sign by the Ford.Probably a shot gun at close range my ballistic instinct tells me.Perhaps I've just been watching too many American Detectives series on various channels?   

Returning to Burton Overy we pass the third church of the walk and dedicated to 'St Andrew'. Fully available for Marriages, Christenings, Thanksgiving for a Child and Funerals. Whatever your need may be really. An impressive looking medieval church. The two large east windows are both of a similar design They are separated by a large gargoyle that meets the two roofs from the chancel and north chapel.The tower is the oldest part of the church and dates from the late 13th century as does the south entrance. 

It's a nice little village and also has a pub 'The Bell'. With time on our hands it would have been pure folly not too have popped in. Two excellent pints of 'Timothy Taylor's Landlord' went down with little effort on my part.

A shorter walk, but no less enjoyable. in Total 6.5 miles distance covered.