Leg 1: Every journey starts with a first step
Leaving Stratford-upon-Avon the King, still acting the part of a servant, was brought to Long Marston where the party stayed the night at the Manor House, now King's Lodge - the home of Mr John Tomes, a near relative of Jane Lane. For the first leg of our Monarchs Way walk, Rod & Di, Deborah & Alison, and Lily the dog were joined by Richard & Helen, who came up from London to meet us at the start, in Stratford on Avon. The weather was a little chilly, but sunny and spring-like. We met outside the RSC and set off along the Avon, past Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare got baptised, married, and was buried. The path continued along the Avon until the river was crossed by The Greenway. This former railway line is now a cycle and foot path, so navigation from here on was straightforward, as the path goes through Long Marston, which was today’s destination. After a couple of miles we came upon the Milcote Picnic Area, where a cafe in a converted railway ca