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Stratford upon Avon in January

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Ice Cream barge Stratford upon Avon

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. 

Early light at Stratford upon Avon
The sun shines over the canal basin
Seagulls on the Boat Hire Hut, River Avon, Stratford upon Avon.
Seagulls 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.

Foot bridge over the River Avon, Stratford upon Avon.
Dog walkers strolling into the mist.
A view from the footbridge, Stratford upon Avon
A view from the footbridge, Stratford upon Avon
Bandstand, Stratford upon Avon.
The 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.
River walk, Stratford upon Avon.
Bridges over the River Avon, 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
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, Stratford upon Avon
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

Visiting Stratford is always fun and you can find out more from the official website.

Categories blog

The Welcombe Hills

by Damien Walmsley Posted on

I love Stratford-upon-Avon and have visited it many times over the years. There is so much to see including the beautiful walks around the River Avon, the Shakespeare properties and the pleasant shopping area of the town. I thought that I knew all about Stratford until this weekend, when my daughter and her family invited me for a walk around the Welcombe Hills.

Up to the Obelisk
Paths up the hill

I drove into Stratford from the A46 roundabout and then before the retail park turned left and made my way through a housing estate. I passed through some old gate markers and then up a road to a small car park. You do need local knowledge to find the place. You are then at a gateway to the start of a walk passing through spectacular scenery. Initially we walked along a field leading to a group of houses. One was of a mock castle design. We then passed into another field on our way to the obelisk. We passed the Welcombe hotel and climbed up to the obelisk. There were many runners out and about as well. From the top of the hill, there are commanding views of the Warwickshire countryside. The structure was erected in 1876 by Robert Needham Philips to honour his brother Mark Philips and further information and links to Shakespeare are documented on the web.

Map of the hills
Beautiful scenery and views

Following on from the obelisk, there is a walk over fields and there are many farm friends in them. We then passed through a wood where there were several tree houses probably made by scouts. We then made our way down over more fields admiring the views of Stratford upon Avon and picking out different structures. Eventually we came upon a fallen tree that my grandchildren love to call the broken tree and we stopped for a picnic. The tree had lots of different shapes and the bark provided a range of textures that proved a good vehicle to photograph.

We are watching you
Granddaughters hands on the tree bark
Broken trees

After that it was back to the car and a short journey to my daughter’s mother in law’s house for some well deserved bacon sandwiches and cake. If you are interested in following my footsteps then details of the Welcombe Hills is part of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

Time for Sunday Brunch