Walking Boots, Rucksack and a Hammer

I'm not exactly sure of the circuitous route that found me walking this weekend with a bag of way markers, galvanised nails and a rather large hammer, but it was a great day to be doing it. 

I'm helping the Shakespeare's Avon Way Association way mark a new long distance path from Naseby to Tweksebury, a distance of 84 miles that follows the River Avon from its source to where it joins the River Severn. It's a delightful walk following the river through some very pretty countryside in Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. 

Way marking involves following the route already determined by the walk's originator, Jenny Davidson, hammering in small signs (pictured above) to help walkers navigate the route. Detailed Ordnance Survey maps are still needed, but the way marks really help to keep your head out of the map for a little while. I really found the way marks on the Shakespeare's Way long distance path extremely useful in some tricky spots. And, strangely, after walking 100+ miles looking out for Shakespeare's oddly shaped and balding head, they become a reassuring little friend.

The early morning sunshine bathed some attractive features along the river on this unseasonably warm Sunday morning. Looking back along the River Avon to Stratford upon Avon, Holy Trinity Church stood out proudly.

The rusting old railway bridge along the disused line from Long Marston to Stratford upon Avon.

Evidence of the recent floods could be seen along the banks of the river. The long grasses and hay from nearby barns had been compressed into the fences more than 10 feet above the current level of the river.

This house in the picturesque village of Welford on Avon had featured on millions of boxes of Cadbury chocolates in the 1940's and 1950's. Welford on Avon also boasts the tallest May Pole in England -- some say the world -- but that's a whole different blog post to explain that quirky English tradition to my friends worldwide.

And this church in Weston on Avon caught my eye for its sheer simple beauty. No stained glass windows, just functional 14th century Christianity in rural Warwickshire at its best.