Pub Walk (55) Saturday 29^th November 2014, from the Plough Inn, Stretton On Fosse

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

On a bright sunny morning with unusually warm temperatures for the time of year 15 walkers and Maisie the Dog met at the Plough in Stretton on Fosse. (Photos 1 & 2) Three members from our friends at Shakespeare branch and new walkers from Broadway were present and welcomed along. Having ordered our lunches with the Pubs French chef we set off west out of the village towards the Fosse Way itself. Avoiding some large horses being given a morning wash down we crossed the main road and headed towards the long lost village of Ditchford Frary. At some point we crossed the dismantled Stratford to Moreton tramway but things had got very muddy so concentration was on keeping our feet.

We then joined the tarmac lane from Ditchford Frary which runs towards Shipston on Stour still heading west and here we had a lovely hazy view of Todenham Church and Manor on the skyline. After some mud free going we turned left onto a Bridleway which climbed to high point where we had views towards Brailes Hill. Having splashed through some more mud we started heading back towards Stretton on a track passing close by the North Cotswold Brewery at Ditcthford Farm.

Crossing the Fosseway again we then climbed back up to Stretton and back the Plough. With a choice of North Cotswold Shagweaver, Wickwar Cotswold Way or Bob and Marstons Pedigree to quench the thirst we enjoyed our lunch at this very busy little pub. (Photos 5 & 6)

At 2pm may of the group took the opportunity to visit the North Cotswold Brewery a short drive away where we were greeted by Guy and Sandra. After some tasting of either Yubby Bitter, Shagweaver or Hung Drawn ‘n’ Portered Guy took us on a tour of the Brewery. He explained how he had received a grant from DEFRA for his efforts to reduce water and energy costs through investment in new equipment and economic brewing techniques. His new cask washer which improved speed and efficiency of cleaning casks saved water and energy on the previous method along with a self-cleaning brewing kettle helped improve production. He fielded some incisive questions from experienced CAMRA members to leave us mightily impressed not only with the North Cotswold product but also the environmentally friendly brewing process. (Photo 7)

Finally Guy and Sandra we awarded the certificate for the North Cotswold CAMRA Beer of the Festival for Hung,Drawn ‘n’ Portered at the Summer Ale and Steam weekend during August this year. (Photo 8)

Report by Martin Jones. Photos by Martin & Patrick Phair

Pictures taken on the walk: