Pub Walk (31) Saturday 14^th January 2012, from the Harvest Home, Greet

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 31st Pub walk in our series took place on 14th Jan 2012 when twelve members and friends including a new walker from a well known local airbase turned up for a walk at Greet prepared and trialed by Martyn Herbert. This was the first walk of the new year and marked the reopening of the Harvest Home under new management after the recent unfortunate closure. (Photo 1)

We set off in sunshine at 1030hrs without any of the recent canines and our Chairman who was at the Racing car show in Birmingham. We headed North past Peter White’s house at Littleworth. At the next footpath on the left we turned and headed South West crossing over the GWR railway line hiding below us in a tunnel. (Photo 2)

On reaching the road we turned sharp right in a Northerly direction back across the field, this time with a view of our favourite railway track on our left. The field contained two very puzzled horses trying to work out who we were (Photo 3)

Reaching a junction of paths we turned right (Wychavon Way) now heading NE with fine views over open country. Here some care is needed as the local Farmer has re-routed the original Wychavon Way apparently to avoid directly crossing at least some of his fields. A key marker is a new wooden stile seen in the distance across what at this time was just a recently prepared field with no path marked out.

We walked past Oak Farm on our right and Shetcombe House (Garry lives up there on the hill who could not join us due to a clash with a Morgan event) On reaching the road we turned right across the next junction then turned right on the next footpath. This was an easy route South (Photo 4). One of our party dropped a glove and went back to retrieve it. The rest of the group waited at the top of the hill for them to catch up. (Photo 5). We walked past Warren Farm past 4 intersecting paths maintaining direction South emerging on a track and then onto a road. Ignoring all turnings in the built up area to the left and right we emerged back at the junction near the Harvest Home.

Andy from the Royal Oak at Gretton has joined the management team at the Harvest Home which should ensure its success and he was there to greet us and offer excellent Wye Valley HPA in excellent condition along with a great Lunch where we were joined by non walkers Martyn, Michael and Veronica. A good turn out for the New Year.

Our next walk on 4th February visits the recommended Plaisterers at Winchcombe with route planning by Martyn again and this is a candidate for GBG 2013 so your views will be important.

There are two walks in March covering The Crown & Trumpet (Shakespeare) on the 10th and on 31st The Colesbourne Arms (Cheltenham). Both joint events with superb walks and Pubs.

Report by:- Roger, Martyn and Peter

Photos by - Peter Rowe

Chairman’s contact nos:

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: