Pub Walk (36) Saturday 6^th October 2012, from the Kilkeney Inn, Nr. Andoversford

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 36th Pub walk in our series took place on 6th October when 11 of our regular walkers met at the Kilkeney Inn for a second walk around this popular pub. A change of tenant prompted the return visit to commemorate the reopening after a period of closure and refurbishment.

After photo(1) in the car park in brilliant sunny weather we headed across the main road and downhill on the lane towards Foxcote. At the gates to Foxcote Manor we turned left along a lane past several cottages. Through a gate ahead on a marked footpath we turned left after a second stile up a field towards another stile at the top in front of a large house with spectacular views of the valley behind. Turn right before the stile we headed East for two fields before emerging at a road. (Photo 2) Over the road to the footpath opposite and a further four fields with Shipton golf course to our South. The grass was wet with morning dew testing our footwear except Peter Rowe who had his wellies on.

Turning left and crossing the A436 with care we headed North on a good track past an inquisitive horse taking a keen interest in Hamish (Photo 3) After Oweswell Manor the tree lined road made easy walking until we emerged at Andoversford. Turning right we passed the Royal Oak and encountered Chris Coleman who had left the start later and followed an alternate route. We turned left and North onto a footpath which again suited Peter’s footwear.

Over a field and an embankment we crossed a field then headed SW and then West alongside a hedge for four fields. (Photo 4) After crossing a track we entered Sandywell Park Showground and veered SW again to pick up a road which we followed W for 200 metres before taking a footpath on our left and headed diagonally across a field emerging at a cross roads (Photo 5) where we turned South reaching the Kilkeney after a few minutes walk.

A great 4 mile walk in wonderful sunshine throughout with little duplication of Walk number 16 in January 2010 with the benefit of much better weather.

The usual photograph was taken back at the pub (Photo 6) before removing boots and ordering Youngs Bitter or Bombadier (Photo 7) Unfortunately the Directors was off. We then took our reserved seats in the conservatory where non walker Martyn joined the party. (Photo 8) Our next walk is from the Royal Oak at Gretton on 3rd Nov when we revisit one of our favourite’s following a change of leaseholder.