Stannels Bridge is part of the Stratford Greenway, located just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. The disused railway track is now a haven for cyclists and walkers. A landmark structure near the start of the greenway is an old railway bridge. It was built in the early 1900s and formed part of the Great Western Railway. The steel girder structure allowed the railway line to cross the River Avon.
Close up of Stannels Bridge iron work shows patterns of rust and peeling paintwork.
Now used for recreational purposes, the rather grand structure shows signs of neglect, with rusting and peeling paint. The bridge has been well documented from a historical point of view. Many photographers have become fascinated by it, as this website demonstrates, with photographs dating back to 2012.
The interlacing pattern of iron girders of Stannels Bridge creates an imposing structure.
I spent time focusing on the details of the rust and peeling paint on Stannels bridge, then on the repeating patterns of the ironwork, and finally on an overview of the structure. I have taken several other pictures, as shown.
The paintwork of lStannels Bridge reveals the different layers added over the years.
I am adding a few of my own photographs to this interesting iron bridge.
Stannels Bridge spans the river Avon which is seen in the background of this picture.
Stannels Bridge is a distinctive structure found along the Stratford Greenway, the former Great Western Railway line that once connected Stratford-upon-Avon with the wider rail network. Accessing the Greenway by foot or bike allows you to take in the old railway line. Stannels bring is near to the start of your journey on the Greenway. Whilst you visit, you can add to the enjoyment of the day with two cafes offering refreshments. They are strategically situated along the Greenway and they are based in former passenger dining coaches.
Stannels Bridge is now part of the Stratford Greenway used by walkers and cyclists.
There is a rush of colour to the eyes when you first see the Confetti Fields in Wick near Pershore. The family have been going to the fields since 2018 and every time the colours of the flowers surprise me. The delphinium flowers are white, purple, pink, or lilac blue. They are set out in lines along the field in a regimented style. Nature has a few quirks as in each line of colour there is some cross contamination that adds a small local contrast of colour. One line is of mixed colour and then around the edges are wildflower displays which add another touch of contrast. The family enjoy the day out to the fields and on arrival we walk to the top of the field before slowly making our way back through the paths created in the lines of flowers. Along the way there are lengthy stops for photographs. The viewing platform provides an overall view of the whole field and my grandchildren enjoy the trip up the steps to see the colourful flowers up high.
A happy granddaughter in the fieldsSelfie taking in the fieldsThe fields are great for those extra special family portraits.
This year I brought along my 85mm portrait lens, and it proved to be a big success in the family portraits. The lens gives a superb focus and a nice bokeh to the pictures. Having taken in the flower fields, we walk past the refreshments to the car. We learnt long ago that buying bunches of delphiniums cause problems. They look delightful to begin with but rapidly shed their petals when placed in a flower vase.
More colourful pictures of the Confetti fields.Matching colours
Every year we have a picnic ready for the park in Pershore which is near to the Abbey. However, this year our visit clashed with a brass band festival. Everywhere was busy and there were no parking places available. We were very disappointed. As we headed out of Pershore, my daughter and I remembered a small car park that we had driven past near to the old Pershore bridge. We pulled into the car park and found spaces. There were also picnic benches. A bonus included a viewing platform overlooking the river Avon. The platform was between the new and old bridge and allowed us to view people kayaking on the river. As several narrowboats passed by, the grandchildren were able to wave to the people on board. Whilst we were on the platform, I met Rob preparing his kayak for a paddle on the river Avon. My picture shows him setting up his kayak surrounded by the other equipment laid out on the viewing platform.
Waving to the narrowboats passing by.
The historic Pershore bridge, which is now pedestrian only, has so much history attached to it. In 1413, the abbot of Pershore Abbey lost his life here on the old wooden bridge, The monks rebuilt it in stone. During the English Civil war, the King ordered the bridge to be destroyed to prevent the advancing Parliamentarian army from crossing it. The demolition, led by a Major Bridge, went disastrously wrong leading to the deaths by drowning of 40 Royalist soldiers. In World War 2 ,the bridge was fortified in the event of a German invasion.
Rob preparing his Kayak for the river.
Now the place is a picnic area and Rob can kayak peacefully beyond the bridge from Pershore to Evesham.
I brought along an old Polaroid Pogo allowing the pictures to be printed on the spot.
The family loved the day as can be seen from the photographs. If you want to learn more about our day out then I have provided some links below
I also recorded past visits to the Confetti fields in 2020, 2019, and 2018. Pictures from 2021 and 2022 were featured on my Flickr and Instagram accounts.
As an avid Weather Watcher I am always checking the forecast. When the BBC weather presenter mentioned that it would be a foggy start to the day then I decided to be up early the next day. My destination was Stratford upon Avon. The town is relatively quiet out of season and there are always good photographic opportunities. I arrived not long after sunrise with some remnants of mist over the river Avon. The thermometer was struggling to get above zero. It was very cold and the canal basin was frozen in many parts.
The sun shines over the canal basinSeagulls on the Boat Hire Hut, River Avon, Stratford upon Avon.
My walk took me over the footbridge past the tourist boat hut where boats can be hired in season. Seagulls were clustered together sitting on the wooden roof for warmth. The sun was playing on the water and shining on the hardy souls who were out training on their rowing boats. The bank opposite to the town was quiet except for geese and swans eating grass. There were soon disturbed by a dog off a lead. All the birds made a quick dash for the river making a log of noise in the process.
Dog walkers strolling into the mist.A view from the footbridge, Stratford upon AvonThe bandstand in the park next to the river bank with low sunlight.
Walking along the riverbank, the world was very peaceful and I then headed back over the river into town.
River walk, Stratford upon Avon.Road bridge to the left, footbridge to the right, here I am!
On my way back, I passed by John Hall’s house who was a physician and married Susannah daughter of William Shakespeare. Regrettably, all except Shakespeare’s birthplace are shut due to Covid19. However I enjoyed the sun and shadows on the front of the house. This will be beautiful in the spring when the magnolia flowers.
John Nash’s House, Stratford upon Avon.
There were several other places I visited and I have only selected my favourite pictures. All the pictures so far were taken with my Canon 5D mk IV with the 24-105mm lens. However, I did have my iPhone with me and I could not resist taking a picture of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and posting it up on the Weather Watchers page. Luckily the picture was selected by Shefali for the BBC Midlands news weather forecast. A satisfying conclusion to a rewarding photographic walk.
BBC Weather Watchers, Midlands Today, Stratford upon Avon
If you enjoyed this page then please take a look at my other photographic journeys in Stratford-upon-Avon
– Stratford Greenway – if you are looking for something a little different from your visit to the town. – Mist in the Park – pictures from Charlecote Park near to Stratford upon Avon
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