14th June 2013 Three Counties Challenge

The mission today was to cycle through three counties in the midlands. Spending some time looking at maps, the best way to do this would be to start at Stratford upon Avon, head south west and ride through the corners of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Perfectly achievable.

Stratford Market Place 

Took the bike on the back of the car and started from the Fisherman's car park just outside of the town. Going through the town centre, it was market day, so stopped for a picture of the clock tower. It is actually called the American Fountain as it was donated to the town in 1887 by a wealthy american, George Childs a publicist. It was intended to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Shakespeare and the relationship between the USA and England. The original horse troughs are now filled with flowers and the water faucets are no longer functioning. The clock keeps good time though and has a bell to mark the hours.

The Four Alls

Out through Luddington Village into Welford on Avon. Dating back to 1836, there has been an inn at this location for over a 100 years.  Set right by the river Avon it is an idyllic spot (until the heavy rains come!) I think the Four Alls refer to a priest ( I pray for all), a king (I govern all), a soldier (I fight for all) and a worker (I pay for all). There were big black clouds gathering when I took this and I contemplated going in for an orange squash. The rain, when it came, wasn't very heavy and 5 minutes under a tree did the trick.

The Butcher's Arms

Climbed the long drag out of Welford and dropped down into the village of Long Marston. I bought a Mars Bar in there as there were more climbs to do today (any excuse) from the village shop. Chatting to the assistant, it would appear that the shop is a cooperative affair run by the villagers. The building is owned by a wealthy landowner who charges a peppercorn rent for the year. The shop is run purely by volunteers, about 50 of them, who take on all the functions to enable it to give a service to the community. Well done I say. I will have to call in there again and get another Mars Bar.

On into the village of Pebworth which is in Worcestershire and then to Mickleton in Gloucestershire. This is where the Butcher's Arms pub is situated.

The College Arms

From Mickleton, back into Warwickshire and went back to Stratford via Lower Quinton.  This village is situated right between the Cotswolds and Shakespeare's Stratford. The College Arms is a 16th century building full of character with flag stone floors, real oak furniture and a huge inglenook fireplace.

Left Lower Quinton and a shortish ride back to the Fisherman's Car Park. A nice ride today, did the three counties and over the 25 miles, avoided the rain. Job done.