A waymarked riverside walk in the Worcestershire countryside. Eckington Wharf is a pleasant place to linger for a while, enjoying the view up river towards Bredon Hill, or watching elegant swans glide beneath the arches of the medieval bridge spanning the River Avon. The wharf is also the ideal starting point for a delightful and undemanding walk which takes you alongside the river to Strensham Lock before returning through Eckington village.
Technical sheet
n°4159437
A Eckington walk
posted on 09/10/20 by Worcestershire County Council. Last update : 24/08/22
(S/E) From the Picnic Place cross the road (with care) and join a riverside footpath next to the bridge. The path simply follows the river through flood meadows until you reach Strensham Lock. Common reeds line the path ahead, while on the far bank two pollarded willows stand guard over a pillbox erected during World War Two, when it was considered necessary to defend river crossings against possible German invasion.
(1) In the next field, notice how narrow it is – this is a feature along this stretch of the Avon, its purpose originally being to ensure that the river frontage was shared between several landowners. Notice, too, a line of splendid pollarded willows along the far bank, and more pollards by Bow Brook, which joins the Avon at this point. The willow, a characteristic riverside tree supports birds such as finches and tits. Other species of birds frequent the river itself. You will certainly see mute swans and mallards, but with a bit of luck you’ll also spot herons, kingfishers and perhaps waders such as redshanks, curlews or snipe.
(2) The path passes under a railway bridge, supported on sandstone piers. A prehistoric stone axe head was found near this spot in 1896 and evidence of a Roman settlement was discovered during the construction of the railway in 1838-40. The railway line was good news for Eckington, facilitating the transport of orchard and market garden produce to cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester. Sadly, Eckington station was closed in 1965 and most of the orchards and market gardens have gone too.
(3) After you pass a boatyard (on the far bank) the view ahead is dominated by a prominent church, St Philip and St James at Strensham, topping a steep slope, an unusual feature in the Avon Valley. The tree to the left is an old pear tree. Worcestershire is sometimes referred to as “The County of Pear Trees” and the pear appears on the County Council crest. The nearby town of Pershore was once known as “Peareshore”. Many fruit trees were planted, like this one, to mark field boundaries. Sadly, at least 70% of Worcestershire’s traditional standard orchards have been lost through the effects of old age, neglect and disinterest, so relatively few old and historic trees remain today.
(4) Approaching Strensham Lock, you’ll pass moorings occupied by colourful cruisers and narrowboats. The lock itself is an interesting place, and very lively in summer with the constant passage of boats.
(5) After rounding a bend where a mistletoe-laden willow overhangs the track, you will see Court End Farm ahead. The adjacent field shows evidence of ridge and furrow – the characteristic pattern created by medieval plough teams
To avoid steep steps over the railway bridge, turn left along Boon Street and then right along Drakes Bridge Road to rejoin the main route at the War Memorial.
(6) Look out for the 800-year-old Holy Trinity Church, which is worth a visit. Though much altered and extended, it retains some Norman stonework, including the finely carved west doorway. If you are interested in period buildings you might also like to explore the back streets of the village, where many beautiful houses are tucked away. Return to the Picnic Place via the path alongside the Pershore Road. (S/E)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 14 m - Picnic Place
1 : km 0.38 - alt. 13 m - Field
2 : km 0.52 - alt. 12 m - Railway bridge
3 : km 2.47 - alt. 15 m - Boatyard
4 : km 3.29 - alt. 11 m - Strensham Lock
5 : km 3.78 - alt. 11 m - Bend
6 : km 4.64 - alt. 25 m - Holy Trinity Church
S/E : km 5.54 - alt. 14 m - Picnic Place
Useful Information
Terrain : Flat, riverside field edge walking. The riverside sections may be muddy after periods of rain or flooding during the winter.
Local transport : The 382 bus service calls at Pershore, Eckington, Defford, Norton and Worcester. The 550, 551 and 557 services travel from Evesham via Pershore.
For further public transport information call: traveline 0871 200 22 33 and National rail enquiries : 08457 484950
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
The River Avon rises near the English Civil War battlefield of Naseby (1645) in Northamptonshire, and flows for 112 miles (179km) through Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire before joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. Its catchment is predominantly rural, but the Avon also enhances a number of towns, including Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham and Pershore.
Though the Avon starts life as a small stream, its many tributaries ensure that by the time it reaches Stratford-upon-Avon it is already a substantial river. Flooding is an obvious natural hazard and, for centuries, river flows have been managed to protect people and property from inundation. A large river such as the Avon has a floodplain, a natural mechanism for the storage of excess water, but in recent years floodplains have increasingly been under pressure from developers. It is essential that floodplains are kept as free from development as possible and the Environment Agency advises local planning authorities on this matter. The Agency also provides a flood warning service.
The Avon is navigable from Alveston, near Stratford-upon-Avon, to Tewkesbury. In 1639 it became one of the first English rivers to benefit from a system of locks and weirs to control water levels. Today, it’s a vital link in the Avon Ring, a popular cruising route which also incorporates parts of the River Severn and canals such as the Worcester and Birmingham, Grand Union and Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Avon supports other leisure activities too, such as canoeing, rowing, sailing, angling, birdwatching and walking. Riverside pubs and tea rooms draw visitors, while moorings and caravan sites occur at intervals along its banks. It also supplies water for drinking and irrigation, acts as a natural drainage system and plays a role in the dispersal of treated effluent.
Not only does the Avon have considerable landscape value, it also supports a huge variety of wildlife, including charismatic species such as otter and kingfisher. No fewer than 89 Sites of Special Scientific Interest are scattered across the river’s catchment. Though much of the associated wetland habitat has been destroyed, a project is currently underway to recreate lost habitat wherever possible.
Reviews and comments
4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Clarity of route description 4.5 / 5
Clarity of route map 4.8 / 5
Walk interest 4.5 / 5
Mooschb
• Last modified:
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 29/05/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
We needed a walk that was easy for grandad. Not too long and not too tricky. The Pershore loop we knew was too long and the field is very uneven. This one from Eckington was lovely. Flat and with interest all the way. No road walking. We all enjoyed it.
Gerty22
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 15/05/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Enjoyable walk got a little bit confused when we got to the lock but soon realised we had to turn lett and walk up the lane. Had a lovely meal at The Anchor Inn which was just a short detour from the main route.
TonySherrard
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 02/04/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
This is a pleasant walk, predominantly along the River Avon and fairly flat along most of the route, so fairly unchallenging but a good one to walk of Sunday lunch perhaps! A nice stop off at the pub in Eckington perhaps, lockdown allowing?
FAB plus N and L
Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 22/11/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very muddy this time of year but enjoyed it nonethless. Will do again in the summer when there will be more boats to see.
166.71 km+1,004 m-883 m12 daysModerate Departure from Wick (Worcestershire)
The Millennium Way is a fantastic 100 mile long distance trail across the Heart of England. It was created in the year 2000 by 41 Club, which is for ex Round Tablers. If you are new to walking or a seasoned pro, this beautiful long distance trail has something to offer everybody. Crossing the counties of Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, this is a walk that simply cannot be rivalled.
9.33 km+50 m-51 m2h 50Easy Departure from Wick (Worcestershire)
Pershore has an interesting heritage and offers an opportunity to visit the medieval Abbey which was founded in 689 AD. The walk starts from the ancient Pershore Bridge, follows the River Avon for a short section and offers pleasant woodland and open countryside with only gentle inclines. For the first half of the walk you will be guided by our distinctive green and white waymarkers. This is the short version of walk 41 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
7.86 km+56 m-54 m2h 25Easy Departure from Wick (Worcestershire)
A peaceful stretch of the River Avon is combined with a beautiful woodland to create this easy and enjoyable walk close to the Georgian town of Pershore. There are good views of Pershore and the surrounding countryside from the highest point of the walk.
13.16 km+78 m-81 m4h 00Easy Departure from Wick (Worcestershire)
Pershore has an interesting heritage and offers an opportunity to visit the medieval Abbey which was founded in 689 AD. The walk starts from the ancient Pershore Bridge, follows the River Avon for a short section and offers pleasant woodland and open countryside with only gentle inclines. For the first half of the walk you will be guided by our distinctive green and white waymarkers. This is walk 41 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
10.97 km+63 m-57 m3h 20Easy Departure from Stoulton (Worcestershire)
This circular walk starts in Hawbridge, just south of Stoulton and includes delightful woodland and quiet open countryside. This is walk 37 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.