MEANDERING THROUGH WARWICKSHIRE ON YOUR BIKE – Stratford upon Avon to King’s Norton
Mostly following the Avon Canal this route can be challenging weather dependent so do check conditions before you head off. Approximately 26 miles.
Enjoy waterside cycling on this 26 mile canal which runs from Stratford Upon Avon to the centre of King’s Norton.
The route starts in the centre of Stratford Upon Avon and passes through a series of picture postcard pretty villages, along towpaths, through villages and locks before entering the outskirts of Birmingham and finishing in King’s Norton.
Stratford has been a market town since King Richard granted a charter in 1196 and of course is the 16th Century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Anne Hathaway’s house is still there and was in the Hathaway family for over 400 years and was the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife Anne.
Stratford has so much to see and do depending on how much time you have to spare before your ride. There are of course the boat rides – you could either go on a 45 min sightseeing tour or hire one and be your own captain. And, I don’t think the Gin cruises were a figment of my imagination … be rude not to check those out!
Also check out the Ice Cream Boat – award winning, locally produced ice cream plus coffee blended by a local expert .. might give you the sugar and/or caffeine hit you need for the 26 miles ahead of you!
Or if you need something more substantial to get you ready for your ride, try The Baguette Barge for freshly baked goodies. Hot food? The Basin, Waterside is the newest al fresco restaurant that specialises in wood fired pizza! And to mix it up a bit more, perhaps The Countess of Evesham will get your taste buds going with their lunch and dinner menus.
Heading out of Stratford on the A439 once you get to Ingon turn left onto Ingon Lane. Not far up on the left you will find The Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club – a 14th century country house on 130 acres of rolling countryside so worth a visit.
When you get to Snitterfield turn left onto White Horse Hill. When the road crosses with The Green and the Primary School, turn right onto School Road. School Road changes into Wolverton Road which takes you through Wolverton and along miles of rolling countryside and through little villages and eventually changes into Saddlebow Lane. Lovely country roads and villages.
Bit of zig-zagging ahead – Saddlebow Lane leads to a T-junction, turn left onto the A4189 (Station Road) and in less than a km you need to branch right onto Star Lane. From Star Lane turn right onto Manor Lane. Manor Lane eventually turns into High Cross Lane. This will take you through Pinley Green. A few miles along you need to turn left at the T junction onto Narrow Lane towards High Cross. Narrow Lane changes into New Road and takes you through the village of Lowsonford and on to Lapworth St. Lapworth Street goes for a few miles until you reach a T-junction where you turn left onto Old Warwick Road (B4439).
Not far now to the cycle path – Less than a mile you will see the sign for Lapworth Cricket Club on the left. Where you see this sign there is cycle path that will take you along the canal all the way to just outside Kings Norton. Or you could call into The Boot Inn at Lapworth for some refreshments.
When the canal ends the path pretty much ends and you are pretty much in King’s Norton town. Follow the signs for Monyhull Hall Road – heading left – follow Monyhull Rd, go straight over the roundabout onto Parson’s Hill, which changes to Wharf Rd. Next round about, take the 4th exit (right) to the A441, Pershore Road South. Follow this for a minute or two and it will take you to the train station where you are central to shops, toilets etc.
There are a lot of pretty locks and some stunning Warwickshire countryside to enjoy along this route. Around Solihull you’ll pass close to Earlswood Lakes which is well worth a small detour.
As you are passing the lovely Baddesley Clinton moated manor house surrounded by gardens and woodland you may decide to call in and visit. And near here there’s also the option of visiting the Tudor Packwood House – If you take the Lapworth Circular Canal Walk this will take you to both of these interesting properties. Also, around Kingswood the canal links up with the Grand Union Canal Walk so you can easily pick up another super canal trail if you feel you have only just got going!
Once you reach Kings Norton a short ride (half a mile) to the east will take you Lifford Reservoir which would be a nice little warm down or, a short ride (2 miles) north will take you to Cadbury World… decisions decisions
You will be passing through or close to many villages and places of interest. Perhaps fill your backpack with an over night kit and make it a 2 day trip so you can enjoy the cruises, local villages and hospitality!
