How to get there - Drive to the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. On the east side of the river is a public carpark (follow signs for the butterfly farm). For those with SatNav the postcode is CV37 7LS.
To do this as a one way trip you will need to leave a car at the end at The Four Alls, Binton Road, Welford on Avon, Stratford upon Avon, .CV37 8PW
Get a map with driving directions to
start or
end (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Launch anywhere along the riverbank in the park. There is half a mile of river side park access.
General
Description - The trip is 5 miles long and meanders downstream to Welford upon Avon. This part of the river is used by both canal boats and riverboats so be aware of other river users. There are also plenty of fishermen to beware of near Stratford and Welford. The river meanders through farmland and wooded areas, past some lovely riverside properties and under an old railway bridge which is now a national cycle route.
On this route there are 3 locks and weirs, the first in Stratford can be portaged easily at the lock or you can go straight down the 1st weir if you in a kayak and if youre feeling brave.
The second Lock & weir is half a mile further and again is easily portaged at the lock. The weir is rock based so more dangerous for kayaking down but can be done.
The 3rd lock, is a further 2 miles downstream. The weir is blocked to prevent access. To portage, keep right and you can get out at the end of the moorings, portage over the lock bridge and you can launch at the end of the bottom of the lock.
The end of this route is at the Four Alls pub next to a stone bridge. There is a small concrete slip to the river at the corner of the pubs garden which you can use as long as you stop there for a drink. There is parking at the pub as well. As this is a one way route you will need to sort out transport back to Stratford. We left our cars at the pub in Welford the night before and walked back to Stratford.
For a return trip turn back at the 3rd weir, but it will be a long trip back to Stratford.
Be sure to have your BCU licence or a river licence from the Avon Navigational Trust displayed.
