Pub Walk (104) Saturday 5^th March 2022, from the Sun Inn, Hook Norton

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Eleven walkers turned up in dry weather for the 104^th Saturday Pub Walk at the Sun Inn Hook Norton. A change of venue to see the remains of the Banbury to Cheltenham steam railway on the walk and to try the Sun Inn for the first time. Not in the current Good Pub Guide but a change from the usual Pear Tree. We set off down a lane behind the pub to the left of the car park, after taking the customary pub photo (Photo1).

Heading South East past Down End and Southrop, taking a track passing under the line of the railway with remains of the viaduct towers visible in the trees (Photo 2) Opposite Park Farm, take a footpath on the right over a rickety stile, now heading South West. Over a second stile on the left and downhill into woods. Over a stream then uphill on a windy path through woods and one clearing, more woods before emerging into fields (Photo 3) Continue for several fields still South West, then emerging at a track. Cross over and carry on downhill through a muddy area at the bottom of the valley and uphill still South West to a road. Cross over still South West downhill to a crossing of paths turning right now heading West.

This path borders the north of Swerford Park and a diverted footpath brings you to a fine house (Photo 4) before turning right heading North uphill on a track which is the rear entrance to the Park and Farm. At the road turn left for a few hundred yards then next right, having crossed over the disused railway tunnel.

Easy walking downhill joining the Swerford Road and an opportunity to turn right to inspect the old railway bridge (Photo 5) still in fine condition.

Retrace steps downhill towards Southrop but do not miss fine views of the old multi towered viaduct on the right. (Photo 6) before returning to the pub.

A choice of three beers at this busy pub, Hooky, Old Hooky, and Off the Hook (Photo 7) before a fine lunch (Photo 8)

Next walk is No 105 at the Farmers Arms Guiting Power on Saturday 2^nd April. A first at this Donnington House under new management set in a tremendous walking area. Park in the Pub car park and order lunch before setting off at 1030hrs.

This is the last walk before Walk 106 on 1^st October due to our busy beer festival season starting with Ale and Steam on 27^th to 29^th May at GWR Winchcombe and Toddington Stations.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: