Pub Walk (46) Saturday 2^nd November 2013, from the Plough at Cold Aston

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 46^th Pub walk in our series took place on 2^nd November when seventeen walkers and Phillip’s spaniel Bob turned up for a second walk at this pub.(Photo1) This walk at the Plough organised to celebrate its reopening in May 13 after 2 years shut down. New owners Nick and Laura Avery have transformed the pub with extensive internal changes, with 3 letting luxury rooms and greater emphasis on real ale.

Parking at the front and rear we distributed the route map, the same as last time Walk No 4 in August 2008 (Photo 2) before setting off down the lane immediately right out of the pub. This links in to the Macmillan Way a short distance on where we turned right. Weather was dry and sunny at this point as we headed SW on the well marked path following a short stretch of paved roadway before reverting to track past Bangedup Barn.(Photo 3) Steep at times (Photo 4) we arrive at Turkdean for a short rest (Photo 5) with Bob straining to carry and to allow the group to re-gather (Photo 6).

Turning right and North on a road with good views either side and little traffic, the weather spitting some rain, we passed the gates of Notgrove Manor. (Photo 7)

Taking the next road right into Notgrove (Gloucestershire Way) and following the lane past a farm entrance we found the footpath (Photo 8) through a gate across a valley with cattle (Photo 9)

Emerging at a road we turned right for a few yards before turning left into an avenue of woodland which is a very distinctive feature of this walk for half a mile of tree covered track. Emerging almost back at Cold Aston (Photo 10) we were back at 12:15 hrs ahead of time to order lunch (Photo 11) and cater for a record turn out.

Landlord Nick has one hand-pull and three barrels jacketed dispensing Stunner, Ramsbury Gold and Budding for our visit in top condition (Photo 12). Laura and staff scored top marks for service and food as well.(Photo 13)

A notable return to the North Cotswold line up, representatives from Tewkesbury and N Oxford Branches were also very impressed.

Next Walk :-

No 47 Mount Inn Stanton on Saturday 30^thNovember 10:30 hrs prompt start with a stop at Stanway Brewery en route and back at the pub by 13:00 hrs ish. for 13:30 hrs lunch.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk:


^ Photo 1 ^	^ Photo 2 ^

^ Photo 3 ^	^ Photo 4 ^

^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 ^

^ Photo 7 ^	^ Photo 8 ^

^ Photo 9 ^	^ Photo 10 ^

^ Photo 11 ^	^ Photo 12 ^

^ Photo 13 ^