Pub Walk (58) Saturday 28^th February 2015, from the Great Western Arms, Blockley.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 58^th Pub walk started from the Great Western Arms (Photo 1) when sixteen walkers turned up for our third walk of 2015. Overnight rain had not deterred most walkers, and the weather was dry as we set off turning right out of the car park then first right at a footpath sign heading E along a no through road turning into a track then right art a junction of paths.

Reaching a bridleway we turned left heading up hill until reaching a barn with residents enjoying a hearty breakfast (Photo 2). Carrying on we forked left towards and past Pasture Farm still heading E. Across a muddy ploughed field we joined a path heading N to Oldborough Farm and paused to regroup and clean our boots (Photo 3). On to Draycott and Draycott Home Farm, then crossing a field of un harvested crop which was an unusual purple colour (Photo 4) which clearly defined the route.

Sharp left at the road then very soon right over a slippery stile (Photo 5) heading to Northwick Mill and Farm (Photo 6). Crossing Station Road we headed on a track towards Northwick Park and before Lower Water Lake we branched left on a footpath and noticed a white deer resting in the hedge (Photo 7) In the distance many more deer could be seen. Climbing steeply we were treated to great views back over the valley and could see clearly the outward route that we had followed earlier.

Crossing over the road to the Cricket Clump we tuned left and S dropping down to the Western edge of Blockley initially straight on then left towards the Church (Photo 8) Clock reading 12.23 before emerging almost back at the pub.

Our host David Shakespeare a new tenant of Hook Norton awaited with food ordered prior to the walk and washed down with a choice of Hooky, Old Hooky and Lion , the latter unfortunately on its dregs. (Photo 9). The others were fine.

We wish David Shakespeare every success and many thanks for the route which was great and unseen by yours truly.

Next walk No 59 is at the Coach and Horses Longborough on 28^th March organised by Martin Jones. (Brought forward to avoid Easter)The Landlord also runs the New Inn Willersley and provided excellent Beer and food following our December Donny visit. Not to be missed.

I have organised our 60^th Pub Walk at 1030hrs at the Norman Knight Whichford on 2^nd May. This will be a joint event with Shakespeare and North Oxon CAMRA Branches.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: