Pub Walk (39) Saturday 5^th January 2013, from the Bakers Arms, Broad Campden

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 39th Pub walk in our series took place on 5th January when nine of our regular walkers met for the second Bakers Walk prompted by the arrival of new tenants Mother and Daughter team Lutti and Jess having taken over on a 5 year lease from Ray last October.

After a very wet few weeks we were not sure how many would turn up for the first walk of 2013 but the weather was warm and sunny drawing a decent number who were photographed outside the pub by Lutti after placing their food orders (Photo1) The previous walk here was in Oct 2008 Walk No 5, the four years have certainly flown by!

We set off at 1030hrs along the Monarch’s Way opposite the pub led by Nicky’s dog Hamish climbing up the hill in clear conditions with stunning views back to Chipping Campden and Ebrington in the distance. Despite the farmer having chewed up the Bridleway with his tractor feeding stock it was great to be out again in good weather after the Xmas festivities.(Photo 2) Note Hamish kept out of the mud most of the time.

After 20 minutes and before reaching the road we turned left at a hedge without any footpath sign and walked to the south east towards Campden Hill Farm.

The stile is hidden in the corner of the field to the left of the hedge. Turning sharp left after the stile we followed a delightful path heading NE above and along a deep valley. A local shoot was in furious highly accurate action taking partridge and pheasant being driven out of the valley. Crossing a stile on the left after a disused reservoir (Photo 3) we entered a field to avoid a very wet area and progressed on firm ground rejoining the Monarchs Way back down to the road.

Crossing over and turning right we headed past the Church and along the lane ahead then immediately taking a footpath to the right now heading SE .This footpath adjoining some gardens and we paused to listen to a recently flooded waterfall emerging and turning right in a road of superb large thatched houses (Photo 4)

Arriving at the Bakers exactly on time we remove our boots and settled in our reserved window table for lunch in front of the well provisioned bar.(Photo 5) Jess was on hand (Photo 6) to proudly show us her revamped beer range Purity Gold, Prescott Winter Seasons Best, Wickwar Bob and Stanney Bitter, and all were served in excellent condition. Accompanied by very good value food this was a fitting conclusion to a most enjoyable walk.

We look forward to the next one at the Coach and Horses at Bourton on 2nd February when we have a wonderful walk around the Slaughters with Otter Bitter and Timothy Taylor Landlord afterwards. Plus a brewery trip!

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: