Pub Walk (108) Saturday 3^rd December 2022, from the Mill, Withington.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

11 walkers turned up in dry weather for the 108^th Saturday Pub Walk at the Mill Inn. A regular venue but a new walk in Withington Woods to the SW of this popular Sam Smiths 16^th Century pub. A group photo outside the pub after ordering our lunches (Photo1)

We set off from the car park crossing the road to a footpath up several steps formed in the grass bank. Follow the path into the woods alongside a stream with views of a lake in the grounds beyond. Start of the River Coln. Shortly a crocodile appears in the stream a great photo opportunity (Photo 2).The path traverses a fine garden before emerging at a road. Turn right and follow the road for a while passing railway bridges set in a redundant embankment. This used to be the Cirencester to Cheltenham railway route.

At Colnbrook join the main road and head SE uphill pausing for a rest at the first right hand bend (Photo 3). Towards the top of the hill as it starts to level out take the well signed path on the right. This wood is dense with some side paths so take a map and a compass. There are footpath signs at key junctions. Head to Postcombe in a SW direction. Turn right at the isolated cottage (Photo 4) and head West on a smaller path to reach a junction and open area with footpath signs straight on and right. Ignore the first unmarked path to the right. and take the second one marked heading N.

This is a wide path suitable for off road vehicles for approximately half mile, then ensure you follow a footpath sign on the left. Take this and leave the double track following a windy single narrow path. Shortly you will join another road sized track. Turn right. This takes you N out of the wood. This wood is full of wildlife and deer and is worth walking in all seasons.

In the open out of the woods take the first footpath sign on the left and follow this across 3 fields in a Northerly direction. The views ahead of Withington and the church are outstanding (Photo 5). At the road turn left then take the next right past fine wrought iron Manor gates and right again at the road end and the pub can be seen down the hill.

Back at the pub note the garden which is very popular in fine weather.

A good range of Sam Smiths keg beers on offer (Photo 6) The photo shows the Manager and daughter. A great menu and lunch served also in front of a roaring wood fire in one of many cosey dining rooms. (Photo 7 & 8)

Next time Walk 109 on Saturday 7^th January 2023, at the Green Dragon Cowley for yet another new walk. 1015 for 1030hrs start.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: