Pub Walk (109) Saturday 7^th January 2023, from the Green Dragon, Cockleford

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

11 walkers, a Labrador and later 5 diners turned up in wet weather for the 109^th Saturday Pub Walk at the Green Dragon Cockleford near Cowley. Second time for a walk at this popular free house which is outside our North Cotswold CAMRA Branch area.

A repeat for those who missed it in October 2022. This time the opposite way round.

Heavy overnight rain cleared as we delayed the start by 15 minutes and a few decided, due to the weather to come later for lunch. We set off through the car park after the group photo (Photo 1) all smiling due to the rain clearing. A footpath entry gate is at the SW end of the large car park and the path leads in a westerly direction past the Girl Guides obstacle course. Continue past a lake on the right, until joining a road still going west. The road rises uphill (Photo 2) and on reaching the top at a left hand bend a path appears on the right. Take this and continue west with a fence on the left.

On reaching a sharp right turn a junction appears. The OS footpath continues left on a track shortly swinging north at a junction of paths. Continue for two fields then sharp right having passed woods on your right. Now heading east then reaching a road (Photo 3). Right here for a short distance passing two houses. Take the path on your right heading south, then left on a narrow path heading east. Continue downhill through woods on a sheltered path in woodland.

Past Green Hatch Farm on your left, emerging at a road. Continue esst downhill ignoring two footpaths on your right. As the road swings left a path appears on your right. Take this and immediately on reaching a road cross over to another footpath across an open field in a SE direction and on reaching a stile climb over to a road (Photo 4). The rain reappeared at the end of the walk as seen in the photo. You are now at a bend on the road leading SE back to the pub. This road passes Cowley Manor, currently closed for major refurbishment and upgrade (Photo 5). Next along the road on the left is the Girl Guide HQ.

Back at the pub for lunch (Photos 6, 7). A good range of beers on offer, namely Butcombe Gold and Traditional, Otter Bitter and Doom Bar. A good menu with walker options in front of a roaring wood fire in the lower dining room.

Next time, walk No 110 on Sat 4^th February at the Yew Tree Inn, Conderton. 1015 for 1030hrs start.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: