Floating the Avon
The main bridge in Stratford, where we will board our boat, is the spot where the Romans built the ford, or crossing, of the river Avon. In Victorian times, Stratford was a manufacturing town and the river Avon connectedthe town with the world. At that time there were 4,000 miles of navigable rivers and canals in Great Britain and one could travel by water from Stratford to Birmingham, London & Manchester or out into the sea to America or the European mainland. Today we’ll travel about 20 miles on this waterway while passing through six locks. We will be served lunch aboard by Captain Filgate and his crew. For those wishing to stretch their legs thereare beautiful footpaths along the same route. We have chosen two walking sections between locks, one of about half an hour and the other a little over an hour. Those who wish to walk can get off the boat and stroll these lovely sections of the riverbank. Our itinerary hints at the immense charm of this area. We will pass from Stratford-upon-Avon through Weir Brake, Luddington, Welford, Pilgrim, Barton, and then arrive at Bidford-upon-Avon.
