After leaving Norton Corner by boat, the river, for a space slow and easy, soon becomes swift, and as we approach the ruins of an old lock the passage is attended with difficulties by reason of the shallow water and the stony bed.  If we successfully pass these rapids and gain the next mill further progress is easy, but the mill can only be passed by lifting the boat over the steep weir.  On the way we pass the old Fish and Anchor Inn, and a new ford calculated rather for the convenience of vehicles than of boating parties.  From the “Fish and Anchor” we may ascend the long ridge of Cleeve Bank, and command a fine view of the valley and the winding of the stream below.  Harvington Mill is at our feet, and the spire of the village church is visible beyond; further up the stream, some distance beyond the hanging wood, is Cleeve Mill, one of the prettiest spots on the river.  The village of Cleeve Prior lies behind the bank, and there may be seen, besides the picturesque cottages and church, the old Manor, now a farmhouse, with a quaint avenue of box, elaborately clipped, leading to the front door.  Over the fields on the further bank are the Salfords, and among the trees the curved gables of a fine old Jacobean mansion may be distinguished.  The next place of interest on the stream is Bidford with its many arched bridge of mediaeval date.

If we follow the downward course of the Avon we find ourselves making a circuit of the town; for a considerable distance the Bell Tower does not leave us but seems to follow our boat, and ever and anon it reappears over the meadows and among the trees on our right hand.  Hampton Church stands on rising ground, among the trees, on our left, and soon we are at Hampton Ferry.  If we prefer the walk we can take a footpath by the bridge or the Bell Tower, and follow the winding stream to this point.  According to the old chronicles a church was built at Hampton, in the reign of Canute, by Leofric and Godiva, so well known in the regions of romance, and they gave land here to the Abbey.  The church we see was built and rebuilt by the Monastery, but whether on the ancient site we know not.  It is a small but beautiful example of perpendicular architecture, and with the dark spreading yew tree, the remains of the old cross, and the delicately weathered tombstones, it makes a picture upon which the eye dwells with calm satisfaction.

The hill above the ferry is Clark’s Hill, and the bank we are told was terraced by the monks of old as a vineyard.  Whether tradition is true to facts we cannot surely say; a field beyond the ridge still bears the name of the vineyard, and this may have been the actual site.  The ascent of the steep bank is rewarded on a clear day by the splendid panorama which lies around.  From the terrace walk we look down upon the town, noticing with regret the predominating hues of brick and slate which mark the modern suburbs; but the old tower, the churches, and the gatehouse, despoiled but yet dignified, unconsciously hold the eye.  The old wall of the Abbey precincts ended here at the river, and beside it runs Boat Lane, which would bring us out on the Green.