Pub Walk (61) Saturday 3^rd October 2015, from the Mill Inn, Withington

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 61^st Pub walk started from the Mill Inn (Photo 1) a Sam Smiths pub now serving Real Ale. 6 walkers turned up after our summer break for our sixth walk of 2015. After admiring the historic pub set in a picturesque location and booking a table for lunch we set off turning right from the pub heading North up the hill.

At the next junction we carried straight on but turned left at the next pausing at a very old hand operated petrol pump. At the next junction we turned right onto a lane leading to a public footpath now heading north. After crossing two fields we came to Upcote Farm (Photo 2) set in delightful gardens with a lake and two resident Peacocks (Photo 3)

Carrying on with a hedge to our right Photo 4) we passed Elwell and fields of colourful crops climbing steadily with great views across the valley to our right. In front lay the remains of a medieval village and Thorndale. We turned left before then at a hedge and gallops, heading west towards woods, then swinging south initially outside the woods. Then crossing into the woods past Upcote plantation and then reaching a road where we regrouped (Photo 5).

We turned left for a short distance along the road back towards Withington then right onto another signed footpath since we were making good time. One field later we crossed another road at Hill Barn admiring their very well preserved water pump (Photo 6)

Continuing on a track downhill we turned left at a well concealed footpath with overgrown footpath signs now heading NE across a field with a wall to our left. Keep going in this direction with signs occasionally evident across three fields before reaching two fields in open country with fine views of Withington Church ahead. (Photo 7)

The sun was threatening to come out as we crossed the last field (Photo 8) with our destination appearing. At the road we turned left then right and right again bringing us back to the Mill Inn Garden with its stream running through (Photo 9)

Numbers swelled to 7 for lunch which was excellent value with a wide choice and beer was Sam Smiths Bitter at £2.80 a pint.

Next walk No 62 organised by Martin Jones will be on Saturday 7^th November. Lunch at the Bell Inn Moreton. Park at Moreton Cricket Club. We also may pass Pearson’s Cider on route.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: