Pub Walk (107) Saturday 5^th November 2022, from the Fossebridge Inn.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

9 walkers turned up in damp weather for the 107^th Saturday Pub Walk at the Fossebridge Inn. A regular venue but a new walk along the Coln Valley a walk to the East of this popular award-winning free house. A group photo outside the pub (Photo1). We set off left from the car park crossing the Fosseway to the road opposite heading to Coln St Dennis. A generally flat walk on the selected route staying close to the river valley via Calcot Coln Rogers and Winson before returning.

On reaching the Church at Coln St Dennis turn left then right heading South towards Calcot. At the first LH bend at Calcot Farm take the footpath on your right (Photo 2). Head South uphill across a field then over a stile adjacent to a cottage emerging at a road. Turn right then through a gate on your left across a field in a SE direction towards some woods. Over a stile and follow the path which runs on the west of the woods. The stream runs on your right as you walk on a delightful path with open views to your right. This swings around to a SW direction emerging at a fine house and a path over a bridge (Photo 3).

At Upper Farm crossroads head straight across on a road sweeping uphill and at the next RH bend go straight on a path heading South to Coln Rogers. Take the left path as it splits. At the road turn right then soon left through an alley which shortly opens up into a field. Continue ahead on the path which splits. Slight right uphill brings you to a road or stay left near the hedge brings you to Winson Mill. We turned back past Winson Mill staying left at the road junction returning on the road to Coln Rogers. It is very easy to get lost in this quiet area and there are many options for extending the walk even as far as Bibury if you have time and energy.

We had a pub to get back to for lunch so at Coln Rogers we turned right back towards Upper Farm recrossing our previous route. This is easy walking on a quiet road heading North back towards Coln St Dennis with the River Coln on your right. At the Pindrup Farm bend turn sharp left uphill. Take the footpath on your right now heading North across fields to the pub below (Photo 4).

A good range of beers on offer (Photo 5) namely Butcombe Rare Breed, Butcombe Original, Ramsden Pale Ale and Rev James Original, A great menu also with sandwich options in front of a roaring wood fire in the lower dining room. (Photos 6&7)

Next time Walk 108 on Saturday 3^rd Dec at the Mill Inn Withington for a new walk, 1015 for 1030hrs start. This great pub owned by Sam Smiths has had extensive renovations to the roof and exterior but the inside is at its historic best with a new local family having the tenancy since Summer 2022.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: