Pub Walk (26) Saturday 2^nd April 2011, from the Golden Ball, Lower Swell

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Twelve walkers turned up at the Golden Ball for the 26th of our Saturday Walks joined later by three non walkers for lunch including Michael Herbert who has volunteered to fill the vacant Young Members Post. There will be plenty to recruit at the forthcoming GWR Beer Festival in May.

The weather was warm and dry again enhanced by the Mickleton team keen to try out a Donnington Pub.

We set off promptly after the team photo (Photo 1) heading left down the road towards Cheltenham in a Westerly direction

After pausing at the centre of the village (Photo 2) we continued and turned left towards the Slaughters. Then left after a few hundred yards onto the Heart of England Way. Straight on for a mile we then crossed the River Dikler at Hyde Mill a lovely spot to pause and enjoy (Photo3). This is a junction of paths but we veered left towards Stow passing several stables en route. A steep climb required a rest at the top (Photo 4) before emerging at and crossing the Fosse Way. Turning left and heading North until we turned left at the B4077 the Gloucestershire Way heading down hill to Upper Swell.

The views to the left and ahead are stunning at this point, and the walking easy high up on the wide verge to the left of the road. Just past the gateway to Abbots Wood a footpath appears to the left. (Photo 5) A lovely garden and views to the left at this point (Photo 6). Downhill we crossed the River Dikler again then just after up the hill we turned left along the best section of the walk past Sheep Pen and Bowl Farm. At Ladys Well we turned sharp right crossing a field to the distant church (Photo 7) before emerging back at Lower Swell village centre where we turned left back to the Pub.

Two beers awaited our arrival, Donnington SB and SBA. Martyn engaged the Landlord in cellar talk. (Photo 8) We reserved two tables in the dining room for an excellent lunch (Photo 9)

The next walk in conjunction with Glos CAMRA is the 27^th of the series on Saturday 14^th May at the Bathurst Arms at North Cerney. This pub is a gem with some interesting Guest Beers and an outstanding walk.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk:


^ Photo 1 ^	^ Photo 2 - Great Daffodil Display ^

^ Photo 3 ^	^ Photo 4 ^

^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 – More Daffs ^

^ Photo 7 ^	^ Photo 8 - at the Bar ^

^ Photo 9 - Lunch ^