The River Avon is a great place to paddle due to its scenic beauty and gentle flow. Stratford Upon Avon is, of course, a huge draw for tourists due to being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. (Waterways licence required. Find out more).
Distance: 10.2 Miles (16.4km)
Time: 3 – 4 Hours
Sat Nav: CV37 0NP
What3Words: ///crisp.planet.zealous
Find the full route on PaddlePoints >>
Our Paddle UK team started at Fisherman’s Car Park, in Stratford Upon Avon, a town which is famous as being the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
The medieval market town has more than 800 years of history, and contains many surviving historic buildings.
Warwickshire’s River Avon is one of the major tributaries of the River Severn, and in total is about 85 miles long.
The River Avon offers the recreational paddler a multi-day adventure with the family.
As part of our 10 mile route we headed towards Welford-on-Avon and finished at Bidford-on-Avon.
After setting off we were soon in the bustling town of Stratford-upon-Avon, passing the Royal Shakespeare Theatre along the way.
Not long after we got to our first lock of the day named, interestingly, the ‘Colin P Witter’ Lock.
The locks are the theme of the day – there are six in total – but at least it gives you a chance to stretch the legs.
Welford is a pretty village with some huge properties.
You pass under the stone Binton Bridge with a beautiful willow tree on the other side.
Barton Lock was the final lock of the day before we reached Bidford Bridge and the finish point.
You need a waterways licence to paddle on the River Avon.
Paddle UK’s On the Water membership is your gateway to the River Avon and many more waterways.
