Monday 11 February 2019

10/02/19 - Heart of England Way - Stage 23 - Out of Bidford-on-Avon

Distance - 6 Miles
Pub - Cottage of Content, Barton
Geocaches - 7
Previous Stages - Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4Stage 5Stage 6Stage 7Stage 8Stage 9Stage 10Stage 11Stage 12Stage 13Stage 14Stage 15Stage 16Stage 17Stage 18Stage 19Stage 20Stage 21, Stage 22


The Heart of England Way takes in the Shakespearean villages/hamlets of Marlcliffe, Bickmarsh and Barton and encounters a new type of terrain.   For the first time, we have river walking.

Over the Bridge - narrow enough that pedestrians can use traffic lights to request access to cross and along the river bank to Marlcliffe.

Bidford On Avon Bridge
Bidford C15th Bridge.  Yes, Charles I did demolish it in the Civil War
Snowdrops are out in Marlcliffe, the first indication of Winter's end and the houses may have been around in Shakespeare's time but some alterations have been made.

Marlcliffe Extension
Unsure as to whether planning permission has always been a thing
From here it's to Bickmarsh - where the only thing present is a huge pig farm - and a circle of the new forest plantations.   Occasional views, new Heart of England Way signage and a number of new caches to keep the interest levels high.

Heart of England Way Vista
Heart of England Way - New Signs
The aim is to arrive at Barton's pub at opening time.   The Cottage of Content has visited relatively recently and I'm delighted to report that its still as lovely as ever.   Only change for this years visit was to swap the Old Hooky for a Timothy Taylor Landlord.

Cottage of Content, Barton
Guest Ales and a chance to be content in a cottage
A short walk across Bidford's Hams back along the river and this month's outing on the Heart of England Way is over. 

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

Avon Hams
Bidford Hams
Overlooking the River
The View from the Bridge

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