The Shakespeare's Avon Way - Twyning & River Avon & Severn Confluence (23)

Home for the night was close to the 'Severn Ham'. an island between the Rivers Severn and the two arms of the Avon. An area of outstanding beauty and wildlife. One of the finest Commons in the country they say.

Traditionally managed for centuries it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a conservation area. In the distance the Romanesque tower of Tewkesbury Abbey looms large. Sadly it has not been a night of restful sleep. Despite the addition this time of a 'luxury pillow,' sleep is at a premium. Lots of tossing and turning, a desperate search for comfort.

Weir at 'Upper Lode'

The nearby weir is picturesque by day, noisy by night. Just as I'm nodding off, the clock in the Abbey strikes midnight. It continues to provide unwanted updates throughout the night. The early morning alarm call is in the form of a dog. Who takes a dog for a walk at 5:30 AM on a Sunday morning? The tent dismantled and a quick tidy up, nobody would be any the wiser that we had even been there.

It is still early morning, perfect for a wander into Tewkesbury and the Abbey. A building with over 900 years history. Work began on what is now the present building in 1121. 

A former Benedictine monastery, after the dissolution of the monasteries, it became the parish church for the town.  Tewkesbury of course played a key role in the 'War of the Roses' in 1471. The Yorkist King Edward IV's victory over his Lancastrian opponents.  

Today it is world renowned for being one of the UK's greatest examples of medieval architecture.    

A short drive takes us to the starting point for the walk today at 'Hill End' near to the village of Twyning. The village had been a crossing point on the River Avon since medieval times. The ferry service was an entitlement given to the riverside Innkeeper. There is going to be a lot of riverside walking today for sure. Another large stretch of The Shakespeare's Avon way lies ahead of us. It's all pretty easy walking and very pleasant with the water on our left as we walk in a clockwise direction.

Children's Regatta at the Marina

We pass an area of the river known as 'Chad Well. Where there is indeed a well.All fenced off of course to prevent someone disappearing into the Avon. St Chad's Well is named after the 7th century missionary St. Chad of Mercia, who is attached to a great number of healing wells.We continue along the side of the river passing Mythe Farm on our right. There are two confluences of the River Avon and the River Severn. The first we camped right beside the previous night. We have now reached the smaller branch at 'Lower Lode'.

We make the turn onto the River Severn. The Mythe Bridge can be seen in the distance carrying the A438 over the Severn. It is a cast-iron Arch Bridge spanning 170 feet (52 m) and 24 feet (7.3 m) wide, designed by Thomas Telford. completed in April 1826. It is a Grade II listed structure. The total cost of the bridge including masonry approaches was £14,500.

The splendid looking Water Works  with it's red brickwork is situated on the east bank. It provides drinking water to a population of some 400,000 people. In July 2007 the site was partially inundated with flood water from the River Severn. We actually walk right through it on a fenced path. Getting out again wasn't quite so straightforward though. 

Making our way in land the walking gets more difficult. The paths are overgrown and uneven in places. Once again I question wearing shorts with all the nettles and thistles. Things do improve eventually. We have passed the site of 'King John's Castle'. The castle today is set in a private location, back from the lane behind tall electric gates.Nothing to be seen sadly. 

Things take a turn for the worse though... My existing Hernia problem flares up, and is quite painful. I have a few doubts about even finishing the walk. That would be a let down to falter at the final hurdle. A silent prayer and a couple of painkillers does the trick as the discomfort eases. 

Reaching 'Puckrup' we have a Golf Course to negotiate. Which it turns out is far from straightforward. Public footpaths through golf courses are quite dangerous in my experience. The course at 'Puckrup Hall Hotel' is busy as befits a Summer Sunday afternoon. Balls flying around in all directions. With some relief we exit the course and cross the A38 towards Church End Twyning.We are on the last stretch now heading towards 'Nut Orchard. The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a traditional Grade 1 listed Norman building. The village is divided into two main parts, the older "Church End", and 'Twyning Green'.   

We are spoiled for choice with several footpaths that will take us close to our starting point. The path that we take is a good one though as we pass through an orchard. The trees are laden with fruit just ripe and ready for picking. Best of all were the Damsons, perfect for some home made Damson Gin or Vodka. Something to warm you up on a cold winters night. We meet the owners of the orchard as we come out the other end. The husband is an avid long distance walker himself. They are still working their way through a supply of Damson Jam from last year apparently.

Well that it folks, as far as The Shakespeare' Avon Way is concerned. It has felt a bit strange doing back to back walks. Along with the lack of decent sleep, today has been something of a struggle. But we got there in the end, which is what it is all about really. 

A total of  9.5 miles walked today.

Other walk stats 

Started 4'12'20 

Ended 31'8'24   

23 circular walks and a total of 225.75 miles walked!