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Stratford-upon-Avon circular

Warwickshire Walk

County/Area - Warwickshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.8 miles / 6.1 km    Ascent - 100 feet / 30 metres

Time - 2 hours 0 minutes    Grade - easy

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Ordnance Survey Explorer 205Sheet Map1:25kBUY
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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Stratford-upon-Avon circular
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This walk explores a section of the River Avon on the southern outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. In addition it offers the opportunity to visit Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried. The walk is generally flat and undemanding. After rain, some of the paths may be muddy so suitable footwear should be worn.

The start is the front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Grid ref. SP203547). Facing the theatre, walk left towards the river and follow the concrete walkway along the riverside of the Theatre. Cross the grassy area and reach the road (Waterside) by the ferry. This leads you into Southern Lane. Turn left at the next junction into Old Town passing Holy Trinity Church on your left. (If you wish to see the graves of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are then a small admission charge is payable.)

Just after the Church bear left down Mill Lane following the footpath to reach a main road (Grid ref. SP200540). Go under the bride and bear slightly left to continue along the riverside path, which forms part of the Monarch's Way long distance footpath. The riverside walk is very pleasant and you soon pass a weir and lock that helps make this section of the Avon navigable. Continue alongside the river to reach a substantial girder bridge that once carried the railway from Stratford to Honeybourne.

Walk up onto the old track bed and cross the bridge (Grid ref. SP188533). You will see the return path on your left as you reach the other side of the river. To get to the path turn left off the old railway and go under a small bridge and then back on yourself to reach the path. The path follows the river to pass the restored lock and weir to reach the main road (Grid ref. SP201539). Go under the road and continue on the path through pleasant grassed areas past another weir. Passing the bandstand you get a good view of the Royal Shakespeare across the river. Cross the river by the next bridge. Turn left and you are back at the start.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1359 Stratford-upon-Avon from Milcoteeasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 2836 Wootton Waweneasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3246 River Avon & Cleeve Prior from Bidford-on-Avoneasy4.5 miles
Walk 3734 Compton Verney Circulareasy/mod7.2 miles
Walk 2340 Ilmington Downeasy/mod4.3 miles
Walk 2408 Ebrington & Hidcote from Ilmingtoneasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3249 Hidcote & Ilmington Downeasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 1749 Upper Quinton & Hidcote Bartrim from Mickletoneasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 2541 Hidcote & Foxcote from Mickletoneasy/mod7.5 miles
Walk 3016 Preston Bagot & Finwood from Henley-in-Ardeneasy/mod7.0 miles

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