FFW: Stratford Greenway via River Avon (8-mile hike)

Whether you're new to Friendly Faces or a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) meeting new people, (3) exercising, and (4) breathing deep lungfuls of fresh spring countryside air.

At this event you'll have a fantastic afternoon out, you'll meet an outdoorsy group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.

What are the details for this hike?
A simple 'there and back' route with absolutely no hills, but an enduring 8 miles in distance all the same.
Starting in town we'll head along the River Avon and along the much-loved Stratford Greenway trail - a single-track railway line built in 1859 and closed in 1976.
Shortly after its closure it was converted into a public bridleway, still enjoyed today by walkers and cyclists. The pathway is firm, unsealed and flat from end to end.
When we reach the second of the two old railway carriages (converted into coffee shops) we'll have a snack and a quick sit down on the tables before setting back off the way we came.
Always a good idea to save your pennies and make your own sandwich and bring it with you.
When we get back into town we'll take a well-earned sit down and a drink in the riverside pub Cox's Yard to end the day out.

Getting there...
If you are a driver, you will certainly attain hero/heroine status if you write a message here on the event page offering your services - stating your location and specific locations that you can collect passengers from.
If you are not a driver and would like a lift, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver as petrol prices are high at the moment.
If you need a lift (or are a driver offering lifts) : consider how appealing your meetup profile photo is. It may seem harsh, but the reality is that if you do not have a warm friendly smile or part/all of your face is hidden, then it is less likely that someone is going to want to either give you a lift or accept a lift from you.
Travel planning info for drivers :
The meet-point (Stratford Recreation ground) is x miles away from...
Warwick 9; Leamington 12; Kenilworth 14; Coventry 19; Rugby 28; Central Birmingham 30.

Other things to note...
- Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this walk, but must be kept on a short lead, and require well-behaved owners. Remember that some people can be fearful of dogs and hide it well, so please be respectful of that and keep your dog under control at all times.
- Ditch the trainers and don your waterproof walking boots. Ankle-protecting boots are always recommended for our hiking routes - no matter the time of year. If you intend to join more Friendly Faces hikes and don't own proper boots then it will be a great investment for the months ahead.

Oh and parking...
We'll meet at the recreation-ground carpark. When you arrive grab yourself a parking spot (not forgetting to pay for it!) and we'll meet by the paying machines. See map for exact location.
This carpark is affiliated with the RingGo app so your stay duration can be topped up remotely if needed.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you dont forget.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS
1. To find out how to become a full Friendly Faces group member, read here... https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
2. This event starts at 12:00. Do not be late! Make sure you arrive early enough to be parked, paid for parking, and ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.
3. To attend this hiking event you must be active, in good health, and free from injury. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
4. Dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event.
5. As is always strongly advised : bring (or invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting (and water-proof) hiking boots. Trainers are not recommended for any Friendly Faces hikes. If you chose to ignore this warning then you do so at your own risk.