Redditch to Stratford-upon-Avon

This great route follows National Route 5 taking you from bustling Redditch to the town of Shakespeare's birth, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

This route is the perfect day drip. Starting at Redditch train station, this ride takes you on quiet roads following the route of the River Arrow. There is a traffic free section that takes you through the fantastic Arrow Valley Country Park and past Arrow Valley Lake. Here you can stop in at the visitors centre for refreshments and check out their programme of events and the vast array of water sports on offer. From here the route travels to the historic villages of Studley and Sambourne.

The route then travels through Coughton, where you can visit the fantastic National Trust property of Coughton Court. This imposing Tudor house is set in beautiful gardens and has been home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years. Coughton is still very much a family home with an intimate feel: the Throckmorton family live here, managing the stunning gardens which they have created.

Leaving Coughton, the route travels on quiet lanes to Wilmcote. Here you can visit the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, a 16th century farmhouse known as Palmer's Farm. It's a great place to experience traditional country life and a working farm. 

Here the route picks up the Stratford-upon-Avon canal which takes you almost all the way into the heart of Stratford's Old Town on a traffic free path. A great feature of this route is that if you do not want to cycle the return leg, you can return by train to your starting point. 

Please note

We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.

Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.

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