28/05/16 - Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Distance - 6.5 Miles
Geocaches - 9
Walk Inspiration - Historic Walks in and Around Birmingham - Walk 21
Pubs - Worthy of another blog


So, what to wear when completing an semi-urban walk that is going to involve an investigation of the pubs of Stratford-Upon-Avon?  I decide full on walking kit is a touch overkill, so go for my finest adventure clothes.  A reassuringly expensive pair of Fjallraven walking strides, a Crag Hoppers adventure shirt (secret pocket) and my Scarpa bowling shoes.  I confess to Mrs Mappiman that I may look like a bit of a tit.  In reality, I don't have to worry at all.  We share the train with the Worcestershire LGBT community who are off to Brum for the Pride Festival.

Compared to a fat man dressed as Alice (from Wonderland) and another, not dressed in a fluorescent wet look leather effect jacket, matching socks and very tight trunks - I am a vision in Millets conservatism.

And when we alight at Stratford, all the other tourists are dressed just like me.

Primarily, I am here to check out the cask marque pubs in the town centre.  To make the 90 minute journey worthwhile, I am talked into doing a walk first.  In no way related to the 400th anniversary of his death or the execrable one joke sit com that is Upstart Crow, we accidently complete a Shakespeare related ramble.

We are off to Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Nice Signage

The walking is through a series of alleys in housing estates.  How the locals must love the scores of American and Japanese selfie takers when they are walking their dogs.  A relatively high number of geocaches provides suitable distraction.

In no way am I starting to resemble my dad.

We complete a circuit of the Shottery - gaining a small amount of height to get reasonable views over Stratford.

Stratford - Far Away

The caches dry up as we reach the Race Course.  Evidence that we may arrived slightly early is countered by my plans to sample the best of the town's hostelries.

Beer Festival.  England's 1st Game in the Euros.  What could go wrong?

Through the Race Course and pick up the River Avon, which will take us back to the town and all it can offer in refreshments.

The River Avon

A couple of sights to see - first the Holy Trinity Church - where the Bard is buried and then the Royal Shakespeare's Theatre.

Holy Trinity

Royal Shakespeare's Theatre

Once we finish at the pubs, we must not forget to complete the circle and see Shakespeare's Birthplace.