Pub Walk (25) Saturday 5^th March 2011, from the Horse & Groom, Upper Oddington

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Thirteen walkers turned up at the Horse & Groom for the 25th of our Saturday Walks joined by the one non walking Herbert at Lunch time on taxi duty.The weather was cold but dry and the turn out good, once again enhanced by the Mickleton team keen to see the Horse and Groom, a contender for 2012 GBG.

We set off promptly heading left down the road towards Lower Oddington in an easterly direction. The two Oddington villages which merge together have a multitude of attractive properties interesting to look at as we passed. At the bottom of the hill we turned right into a dead end ahead where a stile emerged leading through a path between houses into a meadow. Across the first muddy field and then across a second much drier. To our left Lower Oddington on the horizon and open fields to our right. At the road we turned right towards and past the Church leading to a bridleway, uphill past the wood and we took a bridleway to our left. This well surfaced track took us East wards for a mile across the River Evenlode and then the Railway. Ignoring a footpath to the left we carried on to the Dalesford Organic Farm for a brief visit (Photo 1) and for some to purchase souvenirs. (Photo 2). The car park is always interesting here with some fine examples of expensive motor vehicles. (Photo 3)

Turning left we followed the road past the Church with some early daffodils appearing in sheltered spots and the weather warming with the sun breaking through. After a mile we turned left on a marked footpath across a field cutting a corner emerging on the main road to Stow. Care required here as we crossed to the pavement on the opposite side, heading towards Stow (Photo 4). Over the railway we crossed back over to the left and shortly turned left to Lower Oddington. We passed the Fox, (Photos 5 and 6) a very fine pub with restaurant and garden and proceeded through the village and past the village hall where we were invited for tea but we had a more pressing objective.

Down the hill we crossed our original route back up to the Pub and the obligatory team photo (Photo 7). Three beers awaited our arrival, Wye Valley Bitter, Hereford Pale Ale and Wickwar Right Flanker and Martyn engaged Landlord Simon Jackson in some grown up cellar talk. (Photo 8) We reserved the best table in front of the bar and open fire (Photo 9) Completing the experience were the attentive Landlord and staff who have run this improving 16^th Century Cotswold Stone Inn for 7 years.

The next walk with stunning views and some hills is the 26^t^h of the series on Saturday 2^nd April at the Golden Ball at Lower Swell near Stow. This pub has the usual good value Donnington Beers and we should have our four legged friend joining us who unfortunately could not make it this time.

Also by popular request we have an extra Walk the 27^th organised for the 14^th May, a joint venture with Gloucestershire’s Cirencester Sub Branch, starting from the Bathurst Arms at North Cerney.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: