Pub Walk (45) Saturday 5^th October 2013, from the Horse & Groom, Upper Oddington

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 45^th Pub Walk in our series took place on 5th Oct when fifteen walkers turned up for the first walk in the 13/14 season. A repeat venue to celebrate Simon and Sally’s success as North Cotswold Pub of the Year 2013. (Photo 1)

However the walk was a new route and the weather sunny as we set off to the East downhill to Lower Oddington. Our cycling group had set off earlier from Bourton and had abandoned their cycle in order to join the walk and to maximise the wine intake planned for the afternoon. (Photo 2)

Passing the Fox Inn under new ownership and apparently improved beer we turned right at the main road over the railway line before turning next left then immediately right onto a footpath (Photo 3) This delightful path through Adlestrop Park was new to me but led by Carol and Janet who were on familiar territory. Our 2013 Polo Shirts sponsored by North Cotswold Brewery in Navy Blue were much in evidence. Adlestrop House (Photo 4) was immaculate as was the cricket field passed previously. The village with Church (Photo 5) was left behind as we followed the main road bearing right at the T junction before taking a footpath on our right through the woods emerging back at the main road to Chipping Norton. Crossing over we entered Green Plantation following the footpath signs through the immaculate Bamford Estate (JCB). On our right was a most unusual inverted horses head in brass (Photo 6). With plenty of the real thing happily grazing (Photo 7)

Through Dalesford Hill Farm turning right in a southerly direction past The Dell with some discouragement evident for helicopters (Photo 8). Next right at the road before reaching Daylesford Organic Farm Shop (Photo 9) for a short break before carrying on via the rear exit on a lane over the rail way line. Hamish found a friend on this stretch (Photo 10) before turning right at T and now heading North back to Oddington past the Church. Left at the next footpath sign adjacent to a gate (Photo 11) across three fields keeping to the centre then the right. Emerging at a lane end we collected some apples on offer (Photo 12) before arriving back at the pub where host Simon served lunch and wine. (Photo 13)

The blind wine tasting in 7 teams of two which followed lunch was most enjoyable with only the ladies who led the walk earning almost maximum points (Photo 14) which shows what they get up to at the Women’s Institute.

Simon’s Wye Valley bitter, Prescott Hillclimb and Goffs Summer Knight were excellent as normal.

Many thanks to the walk leaders and Simon and Sally for an excellent day.

Next walk is on Sat 2nd November at the usual time of 10:30hrs from The Plough at Cold Aston to celebrate the reopening of this little gem of a pub.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk:


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^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 ^

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^ Photo 9 ^	^ Photo 10 ^

^ Photo 11 ^	^ Photo 12 ^

^ Photo 13 ^	^ Photo 14 ^