Shakespeare’s Avon Way is one of England’s newest long distance footpaths. Beginning at the source of the Avon in Naseby, Northamptonshire, this 88 mile fully way marked path follows as near as possible the course of the river. Using existing public footpaths, bridleways and a few minor roads, Shakespeare’s Avon Way meanders through the picturesque countryside of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire to reach its’ confluence with the Severn at Tewkesbury.

Shakespeare’s Avon Way has been developed as a voluntary, non – profit making activity in aid of the Myton Hamlet Group of Hospices, both to raise funds and to increase awareness of their work. It is hoped that funds will be raised through sponsorship of walkers and profit from the sale of our publications.

Shakespeare’s Avon Way will officially open on the week-end of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April 2008. If you enjoy walking and would like to support Myton Hospice at the same time, then get your family and friends to complete a small section of the route. Alternatively, if you are feeling a little more energetic, why not plan to complete the whole of the Way throughout the summer months.

If you would like more information about how to be involved in the official opening of Shakespeare’s Avon Way or would like to purchase one of our publications, please feel free to contact us by either visiting our website at www.shakespearesavonway.org and follow the links. Alternatively, you can write to us at Shakespeare’s Avon Way Association, Newlands, School Lane, Stretton – on – Dunsmore, Warwickshire CV23 9NB or our telephone number is 02467 545858.

Publications

• Shakespeare’s Avon Way – 56 page main guide book from Naseby to Tewkesbury with descriptive text, coloured illustrations and maps
Price £6.25 ( inclusive of postage and packaging )

• The Upstream Supplement – 28 page guide providing route directions only from Tewkesbury to Naseby
Price £4.75 ( inclusive of postage and packaging )

Much of the latter part of last year was spent developing the plans to enable tenders to be sought for the first and most technically challenging phase of the project, namely the new access road from Plott Lane through the playing field up to the site of the Burial Ground.

We have prepared detailed plans, specifications and provided health and safety information to ensure that all Planning and Highways requirements are met.

Competitive Tenders were returned in November, which were evaluated and a contractor selected in January.

It is intended to make a start on the access road prior to Easter following Rugby Borough final approval of details. Whilst this may not be the best time of year to do road works it was felt that this would be the least disruptive to the use of the playing field. The works, subject to weather are likely to take 6 weeks to complete

We held an exhibition in September in the Village Hall during the Stretton Gardeners Society Show and received encouraging feedback and will be planning further presentations this year.

Whilst the first phase is well underway we are still actively seeking finance for the next phases, which include fencing, paving and planting. We welcome Amanda Ross and Martyn Young to our committee who are focussing on fund raising.

For further information please feel free to contact any of the following