Stratford-upon-Avon. A Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

A WALK DESCRIPTION: Leader: Peter Searle. 12 miles, 750 ft total ascent. Starting at a layby on the A46 near Stratford, we turn down a track past Lower Clopton Farm, ascend a footpath alongside Stony Hill Covert, joining a bridleway to the Welcombe Hills Country Park. We then follow the Monarch’s Way north across fields then along a track then lanes through Snitterfield, where we turn onto a footpath which passes some ponds and Red Hill Farm. After crossing the busy A46, we walk along a lane past High Close Farm, continuing along Hatton Bank Lane to join the Stratford-Upon-Avon Way. This soon ascends steps to follow a path along the top of a steep bank above the River Avon for a while, before descending closer to river level. The route turns away from the river by Cliffe Cottage, then along the A439 for a short distance before turning up Ingon Lane. After about 1 mile, we turn left along a footpath beside ponds, then take a path south which climbs gently across a golf course towards the Obelisk at Welcombe Hills Country Park. Our route continues south through the parkland, eventually reaching the genteel outskirts of Stratford, and on to the coach waiting at the Leisure Centre in the town centre. The fare is £15.