Pub Walk (60) Saturday 2^nd May 2015, from the Norman Knight, Whichford.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 60^th Pub walk started from the Norman Knight (Photo 1) the home of Patriot Brewery, when 14 walkers turned up for our fifth walk of 2015. After admiring the large Knight and Horse and ordering lunch we set off taking the road opposite the pub in a SE direction.

Just outside the built up area we took a path to our right now heading SW. Shortly we joined a bridleway where we turned left and headed SSE. The weather was fine, dry with high clouds.

With a hedge to our right we continued across a junction of tracks heading now downhill then slightly right joining a track at Gottenham. Crossing over to a marked path we passed a fine house to our left (Photo 2) and took a clear straight path through Oil Seed Rape heading SE with fine views all around (Photo 3). Emerging from the crop we continued up hill to a gate in the corner of the field (Photo 4). We then swung N keeping the hedge on our left. Walking now much easier along the contour of 210 metres we crossed four fields before emerging at a road and crossed over. Still heading N towards Ascott with a small lake to our right (Photo 5)

At the road we crossed over passing some fine properties leading to a footpath and a small stream. Crossing the stile we headed half left picking up the path next to a thicket of trees sheltering some very healthy sheep.(Photo 6)

Over a rickety stile (Photo 7) initially N then swinging NE to a gate at the top of the hill. Heading N at the next field keeping a hedge to our left before emerging at the road where we turned left heading W back to Whichford along the road. Swinging left continuing down hill now S. At the wood take the footpath to the right cutting the corner off into Whichford and back to the pub. (Photo 8)

6 ales and a cider to choose from including the Patriot Missile and Bulldog from the brewery at the back. (Photo 9)

We met the owner Tim Young after lunch for a quick brewery tour (Photo 10) and discovered that the pub has been sold to a new owner from Stratford who has plans for a bigger brewery and the present set up will be relocated to Tim’s new pub in Somerset near his cider orchard. Watch this space.

Next walk No 61 will be on Sat 3^rd October. Pub to be confirmed.

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 ^