Pub Walk (43) Saturday 4^th May 2013, from the Inn for all Seasons, Little Barrington

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 43rd Pub Walk in our series took place on 4th May when fourteen walkers turned up for our May walk including regulars from Mickleton, Cheltenham Branch and North Oxfordshire Branch. This was the first walk at the Inn for all Seasons (Photo 1) near Barrington on the main A40 owned by Matthew and Heather Sharpe which has been in the same family for three generations.

The early morning rain fortunately had cleared and the weather was sunny as we set off ten minutes later than normal after ordering our lunch, along a footpath at the back of the Inn through the garden. Then into a wood and out into open country around three fields skirting Green Drive Farm with a fine view of Barrington Park House across the Windrush Valley (Photo 2)

A slight cold breeze required fleeces at this point (Photo 3) as we turned along a footpath heading West towards the village of Windrush with its Church tower in the distance and Flag of St George fluttering in the breeze.(Photo 4) We emerged at the right of the church at the road (Photo 5). Turning left and then opposite the Church Hall we took a lane to the right leading into a footpath heading for Windrush Mill. A wide footpath between large houses and easy walking (Photo 6)

At the Mill (Photo 7) and very much warmer this was a really delightful place. We circled to the right and after stepping aside for horse traffic (Photo 8) we headed East crossing Allot Gardens and the large field of Pinchpool Farm with many sheep and lambs parting to let us pass.(Photo 9) Back at the road we continued East past Waterloo Copse we emerged at a junction near the Fox Inn turning left, stopping for refreshment and sampling Donnington Gold.

We then headed up hill with the Barrington Park and Church on our left. We turned right opposite the main gate and then left on a footpath alongside the immaculate grave yard (Photo 10). At the lane we turned right heading South towards Barrington Grove in the distance crossing two parts of the River Windrush split at this point.(Photo 11) with the unusual blue black duck sitting on eggs.(Photo 12). Past a delightful row of cottages with one called Duck Cottage (Photo 13)

Right then left at the road following the famous D’Arcy Dalton Way across the main A40 then after a field a sharp cut back to the right heading back up to the A40 across two fields and then left back to the pub. In total 5.15 miles according to the sat tracker in two hours including the Gold sampling.

Martyn and Caite chose a shorter route and were back checking out the Wadworths St Georges ale and possibly the Doom Bar engaged in confidential pub talk with Matthew.

Lunch was served in the historic dining room (Photo 14) and another superlative walk. Apologies to bringing the web site nearer to is full capacity limit by including so many photos, but they are compressed.

Next Walk is on Saturday June 1st at the Swan Inn at Leafield (NE of Burford just off the AA361-B4437 ) organised by Froggie and Blue from North Oxfordshire CAMRA. This will be the last for a while until October at the Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington.

Note:- There will be wine tasting after that one!

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk:


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^ Photo 3 ^	^ Photo 4 ^

^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 ^

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^ Photo 9 ^	^ Photo 10 ^

^ Photo 11 ^	^ Photo 12 ^

^ Photo 13 ^	^ Photo 14 ^