Pub Walk (110) Saturday 4^th February 2023 from the Yew Tree Inn, Conderton

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

13 walkers, and two Welsh Border Collies and later 2 diners turned up in dry weather for the 110^th Saturday Pub Walk at the Yew Tree Inn Conderton. First time for a walk at this popular free house which is outside our area, in Shakespeare Branch territory. Close to the Bredon Hill and its excellent walking this is an excellent pub catering for walkers with 3 real ales. Two of the walkers, with the dogs, turned up from Tewkesbury and were most welcome having spotted the walk on our Facebook page.

We set off after ordering lunch and taking the usual group photo (Photo 1). Heading north from the pub taking the first turning on the left. Through a gate at the end of the road with a delightful orchard in front, leading uphill through a nature reserve. On leaving this delightful area through a gate straight on continuing north. At the road turn left going west for a short distance then turning right before the first building. This track heads uphill to the north for approx. mile. It is dry and stony and good exercise for walkers and dogs (Photo 2).

Past some pine trees then at the junction of paths turn left (Photo 3).Continue west past some woods on your left and a footpath appears at a junction of paths. Turn left and this leads south downhill (A longer walk including Overbury Park can be reached by not turning left and carrying straight on before turning left later.

I have tried both routes and they are excellent all-weather walks).The shorter route is approx. 4.5 miles and the other an extra mile.

The return route meanders past a wooded valley to your right with extensive views ahead to the Prescott Hills. We were treated to a herd of over 12 deer to our left observing us for some time before running away. (Photo 4). On reaching the road carry on south past the entrance to Overbury Park and take the footpath on the left before a large house over a stone stile into field beyond heading east. This passes a cricket ground and then through woods. Over a field and back to the nature reserve over two tall stone stiles back to the same lane you started on.

Back at the pub for lunch (Photo 5, 6 and 7) A reduced range of beers on offer namely Wye Valley HPA and St Austell Tribute with Doom Bar off. (Photo 8)

Next time, Walk No 111 on Sat 4^th March at the Catherine Wheel, Bibury. 1015 for 1030hrs start.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: