Pub Walk (30) Saturday 3^rd December 2011, from the Red Lion, Northleach

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 30^th Pubwalk in our series took place on 3rd Dec 2011 when ten of our regulars turned up for a walk (prepared by Martyn and Roger in the Summer) to the West and South of Northleach. This was the second organised walk around the Red Lion (Photo1) breaking the rule of no repeats but the walk was different and worth it.

Parking in Northleach is free either outside the pub (Photo 2) or in the square.

We set off in brilliant sunshine at 1040hrs after waiting for the Cheltenham stragglers (Late Night!) and headed west along the high street. Crossing the Fosse Way we took a footpath immediately on our right crossing diagonally uphill over open fields towards Hampnett. Reaching the road and harnessing Nicky’s Westie in case there was any traffic (Photo 3) we turned left past the church (Photo 4). This section is tricky to follow. At the end of the village take a road to the left past houses down hill turning left at the bottom with a row of house in front. This is one of the best spots in the Cotswolds. At the road end turn right uphill on a footpath skirting a large house with a lake in its garden (Photo 5). Who lives in a house like this? Take a footpath to the left at the top of the track. (Not on the Monarch’s Way) Heading West close to trees on the right we then dropped down and crossed a steep valley. Looking left the Church tower of Northleach can be seen in the distance.

How many sheep must have been driven along here in years gone by with a beer awaiting in sight. A steep climb uphill to a style and a chance to rest and take in the view (Photo 6) Hamish found the climb easier.( Fit for a little dog with short legs). We carried straight ahead on flat found until reaching the main road (Original A 40 before the bypass). Crossing over and heading briefly South we turned right on a wide track near Hangman’s Stone before taking a footpath to the left (part of the Macmillan Way). Take the style to the left of the wood carrying on for half a mile with the wood on your right.

Before reaching Oxpens Farm we followed the field edge skirting the North of the well kept immaculate farm joining an adjacent footpath at a style. Over the style onto the farm road turning right. Through the farm to the second turning on the left which brought us to a gate on the left with a signed footpath heading East. At the second field a fork to the right was evident (Photo 7) with the farmer having clearly sprayed the route. At the road we turned left toward Northleach over a crossroad and the Fosseway passing the sub station. After a short distance we took a footpath on the left through a wood which emerged in a delightful valley and we crossed over a footbridge (Photo 8) and carried on uphill with views of the Church in front (Photo 9)

Heading for the Church and Market Square we were then back at the pub.

Landlady Carol and Kev with Hendrix were waiting with a great selection of beer (Photo10) Always well kept and a fresh barrel of Oakham’s Bishops Farewell perched on the bar made yours truly extremely happy, (having consumed the last of the Mousetrap’s barrel the day before.) Lunch was freshly cooked by Carol and served in front of a roaring log fire. They are hoping to buy this Pub from Punch so watch this space and we as always wish them well.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all our members, Brewers and Licensees.

Our next walk on 14^th Jan visits the Winchcombe Greet area and the Harvest Home under new and familiar management (Andy from the Royal Oak)

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk:


^ Photo 1 ^	^ Photo 2 ^

^ Photo 3 ^	^ Photo 4 ^

^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 ^

^ Photo 7 ^	^ Photo 8 ^

^ Photo 9 ^		^ Photo 10 ^