The Arden Way
Introduction
The Arden Way, which was established by Heart of England Way Association, is a 26 mile “circular” way marked footpath linking Henley in Arden in the north and Alcester in the south. The route follows, in part, the 100 mile Heart of England Way, which runs from Milford (just south of Stafford) to Bourton on the Water.
Both routes, all on public rights of way, are way marked and wardened by the Association which liaises with the landowners and Councils ensuring that unimpeded access is maintained.
The routes form at some part the European Route E2.
The Arden Way has a unique link stage which is not waymarked (but a consideration is being given to some supportive signage) that gives it a clear 2 x 13 miles (or very close to) circular walks to enable a North Ring and South Ring to be walked as two reasonable day walks.
The NEW GUIDE is READY NOW - and gives a clear description of this link section, which is on rights of way and has been walked and checked in 2007 and 2008.
COMING SOON (JUNE / JULY 2008) WILL BE A NEW WAY MARKER FOR ALL OF THE ARDEN WAY WHICH INCORPORATES THE CURRENT DETAIL FROM THE 85mm STICKER
Landscape of The Arden Way
Warwickshire proudly proclaiming itself “Shakespeare’s County” is a mix of rural, industrial and commercial development with many small towns serving the needs of its West Midlands neighbours. This corner of the county is perhaps the least changed, untrammelled by motorway or prairie farming.
The route will take the walker through quintessential English countryside; a rolling landscape of mixed farming, woodland, water meadows and pleasant villages. A Yorkshire man participating in the 2007 inaugural Arden Way Challenge described the countryside as: “Absolutely brilliant!” He did not have time to stop at any of the pubs, historical villages, or visit the several churches bounded only by fields.
Shakespeare is reputed to have based his play “As You Like It” in the Forest of Arden but unfortunately the vast area of forest has long since gone. Yet perhaps the walker can still find somewhere along the Arden Way where Shakespeare’s allusions of magical places where strange coincidences occur, or people are transformed through self discovery or by finding love!
words by Stephen Cross