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. 'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55 qualifying you to join, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

2. Do not be late for the advertised start-time of this event. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we will leave without you. In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks on the day.

3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks first thing in the morning on the day.

4. Well-behaved dogs are allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event - provided they bring well-behaved owners, in keeping dogs on a lead at all times.

5. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting waterproof footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance. The many Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers may not protect you from a nasty injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.