River cruises set to launch as part of Blossom Trail anniversary

Thousands of visitors will soon be flocking to the Vale to take in the 55-mile, AA-signed, trail featuring more varieties of blossom than anywhere else in the world.

To mark the occasion, The Valley has partnered with the Avon Navigation Trust to launch the Blossom Trail River Cruises.

Wychavon tourism officer Angela Taylor has looked after the trail since it launched in 1984 and has big plans for the anniversary.

She said: “We have welcomed thousands of visitors over the last four decades and this year they are in for an even bigger treat with these first themed boat trips, blossom coach tours, specially created food and drink, as well as enjoying glorious Worcestershire countryside at its most scenic.

“The arrival of the blossom is celebrated throughout the area as it represents the start of spring and a successful harvest to come.

“Businesses along the route get into the spirit of things and people can stop on their way around to enjoy blossom cider, blossom cream teas as well as blossom-inspired art exhibitions and craft workshops.

“We even maintain the ancient art of plum charming whereby a musician serenades the orchards during March to encourage the young buds to blossom.”

The Blossom Trail started as an eight-mile route. It now stretches 55 miles. (Image: Vale and Spa)

 The Valley’s retail director Phil Maclean, who came up with the cruise idea, has chartered Titania from Avon Boating while the ANT will provide its new community boat, Corsair, for the trips at the end of April.

“We were eager to support the Vale Blossom bonanza and to mark a special year in a special way,” said Mr Maclean.

“The views from the Avon will add a whole new dimension to the spring spectacular,” added ANT chief executive Clive Matthews.

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It is a journey back in time for Corsair, originally called Frederick and one of the late Dave Smith’s three-boat fleet for Avon Leisure Cruises.

Corsair was bought from Evesham Marina by business and music entrepreneur Stuart Miller, whose Towpath Productions gives musicians a free-floating stage on the Oxford Canal.

Now, Stuart is letting ANT use Corsair whilst it seeks grant funding to buy the boat.

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes, because she is being used for such wonderful things, particularly engaging young people with the river through the ANT Squad,” Stuart said.

Corsair will be based at Evesham, along with ANT Squad’s historic HQ Neptune, which was also refurbished by Evesham Marina.

The Blossom Trail River Cruises begin on Friday, April 28 and run for three days.

Tickets can be purchased at www.thevalleyshopping.co.uk.