Pub Walk (103) Saturday 12^th February 2022, from the Bell inn at Alderminster

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Eleven walkers turned up in dry weather for the 103^rd Saturday Pub Walk at the Bell Inn Alderminster. Off our patch and the first walk here but highly recommended by our Branch Secretary. Not in the current Good Pub Guide but under evaluation by Shakespeare Branch for 2023. Located on the Shipston Road leading to Stratford. A3400.

Thanks are due to local resident Richard Leadbetter, a regular on our monthly walks who tried out the route for us.

We set off towards Stratford, after taking the customary pub photo (Photo1). Heading NW on the pavement, taking the first footpath on the left after a few hundred yards. Downhill to the first bridge over the River Stour (Photo 2 and 3) Follow footpath across 3 fields, easy flat ground. Turn right and west to Wimpstone on the road past Wimpstone Farm, turning right into Wimpstone Lane. Left onto a footpath before the first bend. Across 4 fields spotting the first Spring lambs (Photo 4). Cross the junction to Preston on Stour (Photo 5). Right at the Church then right onto a footpath heading SE between hedges back to Preston Lane. Keep going until passing a Deer Park, Alscot Park (Photo 6) then right at the footpath across field to woods. Recross the River Stour (Photo 7) then at Wimpstone Lane turn left then right on a track to Alderminster Farm. Skirt the Farm to the Left on a footpath leading back to the main A3400 Shipston Road and right to the pub. We recorded 4.9 miles and shared on the OS App.

Choice of six beers, yes 6. Purity Gold, N Cots Hung Drawn and Portered, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, St Austell Traditional Bitter, Wye valley HPA and Old Hooky (Photo 8). Excellent lunch menu. No sandwiches but starters sufficed for smaller appetites. Do not pass this pub without a visit with or without the walk.

Next walk is No 104 at the Sun Inn Hook Norton on Sat 5^th March. A first at this Hooky House in railway heritage walking country. Park in front the Pub and order lunch before setting off at 10:30 hrs. Book a brewery tour for the afternoon if you want to make a day of it or visit the shop and café (5 draught beers on tap - some café!).

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: