Downstream on the Avon

As we progress downstream on the Avon the countryside is bursting into even more spring colours. The May blossom gives the effect of  snow covered hedgerows and the trees are now fully cloaked in an amazing range of green. The majestic sweet chestnut and horse chestnut trees  with their candelabras of white and pink and the fragrant lilacs and honeysuckle adorn the riverside.

Redundant St Lawrence Church, Evesham

Thriving St Andrews Church, Evesham

The Bell Tower, Evesham 

Views across the Vale of Evesham

We have enjoyed some good weather over the past few days, lovely sunshine with a chilly wind but no rain. Fingers crossed that it stays that way, maybe a little warmer would be nice!
Pretty towns pepper this part of Worcestershire and we have enjoyed exploring Evesham,  where it's Abbey no longer exists but it does have two fine churches side by side, one redundant ( such a shame because  it has such a peaceful atmosphere) whilst the other  is a lively, living church. There is also an imposing bell tower from which we enjoyed a wonderful peel of bells on Sunday evening. Pershore has a beautiful Abbey set in extensive gardens. People have been worshipping in this amazing building for over 1000 years and it is obviously a thriving community now.

Hampton Ferry

Pershore Abbey

Fascinating wood carving on a tree stump

in the Abbey grounds 

Swan wars

And so to Tewkesbury, where the Avon meets the Severn. It was a glorious warm day with lighter winds as we travelled from Pershore to Tewkesbury.  The ever changing scenery along the river was bathed in sunshine and after days of seeing hardly another boat we did actually pass several today. Jenny was even given a lock off when a cheery group of young people on an hire boat offered to work the lock for us with a promise to release the water gently and many complimentary remarks about Hunters Moon.

We were unsure what to expect of Tewkesbury but were surprised by the understated nature of the lock  and its surroundings which will take us down onto the River Severn.
It was such a pleasant late afternoon when we arrived that we decided to take a walk across Severn Ham Common to view the river. The common was awash with buttercups and there are fine views across the yellow fields towards the Abbey.

Playing tourists tomorrow  in Tewkesbury town!