Cancelled: Shakespeare's Way Section 2: Shipston-on-Stour to Chipping Norton

IMPORTANT

Hi all, there is a high chance I will need to cancel or cut short this walk - its rained heavily all night here so the rivers may be high or the paths flooded. It was also incredibly muddy yesterday so will be even harder going today. Also, some weather reports are reporting chance of a thunderstorm in the area, which we're not supposed to lead walks in for safety reasons.

I will assess again in a few hours and will relist the walk for later in the year if i do but aware people might be traveling from farther away so wanted to give a heads up. 

If I do cancel it I'll still travel to the start point the way i described so no one misses the message. 

Walk Length: 12.5 miles / 20km
Walk difficulty: Moderate
Walk Leader: Beth (07956242703)

For the second day of an optional weekend away, join the CYW for the second leg of their big 2024 Shakespeare's Way Challenge.

Link to event for Section 1 here.

This 12.5 mile day will cover stunning Cotswold countryside from Shipston-on-Stour to Chipping Norton, a quaint town on the edge of the Cotswolds. This is a slightly hillier route compared to the previous leg and covers open fields, river crossings, stunning little villages and a small amount of woodland.

We'll be catching the 10:10 bus from Stratford in the morning, and arriving at Shipston-on-Stour at 10:30, when the walk will start. If you prefer to meet us at the start point please ensure you're in Shipston by 10:30 latest. If time allows we'll stop partway at Long Compton for a pub stop, before continuing onto Chipping Norton and catching the 17:00 bus back to Shipston/Stratford.

***Key information for Sunday***

Apologies in advance that I have to be a bit less flexible than usual but as I'm sure you can imagine, this is quite a complex weekend to plan.

1. Parking: here is a link to car parks in Stratford, they're all pretty much the same price for 12 and 24 hours (https://www.stratford.gov.uk/parking-roads-transport/car-parks-in-stratford-upon-avon.cfm) - i.e. £11 or £13.20 respectively. I would suggest Bridgeway Multi-Storey, Arden Street or Windsor Street car parks as the closest. If you're planning on driving straight to Shipston-On-Stour in the morning (please be there by 10.30) then I suggest Bridge Car Park (CV36 4AW) as its where we're meeting, and its free!

2. Timings: Officially, the walk starts at 10.35 at Bridge Street Car Park, Mill Road, Shipston-on-Stour (CV36 4AW), however I'll be getting the bus from Stratford (Civic Hall stop on Rother Street CV37 6LU) at 10.10. If you decide to take this option, please meet me there. Otherwise, see you at Bridge Street car park at just after 10.30! I'm afraid if you miss us at either of these then the only other option to join the walk is to head to Long Compton (on the 50 bus route) for around 1pm and do the second half of the walk with us. Similarly, if you're not keen on doing the last 5 or so miles after than you can pick up a bus back early from there.

3. Timings cont.: As there are fewer buses on Sunday, we are pretty reliant on getting the 17.00 bus back. We should have plenty of contingency time given we're starting at 10.30, but just in case I have a plan B which involves the fact I have family nearby to lift a few drivers back to their cars to come get the rest of us if we miss the bus. I would prefer to avoid using that option if I can as its a bit of a faff. 

4. Route: This route has less time spent near possibly-flooded rivers than Saturday's walk, but is hillier as a result. You can also expect plenty of mud as usual :D It looks like a really lovely meandering hike through the hills so expect great views.

5. Prep: bring plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch. Wet weather gear and good walking shoes/boots (bonus if water-resistant) recommended. No plimsoll type trainers please.