Pub Walk (70) Saturday 1^st October 2016, from the Bell Inn, Willersey

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 70^th Pub walk started from the Bell Inn due to a kitchen closure at the New Inn. This was the first walk at the Bell in its second year since purchase by Sue and Louise Kearney who have gutted and refurbished it to a high standard. We were never tempted to visit previously but that has certainly changed with its free house status and Purity Ales currently favored.

Weather forecast unfortunately correct with light rain as 10 walkers set off after the usual photo (Photo 1). This was the second Willersey walk but we started as usual right out of the pub along the first road to the church and into the church yard to a gate and footpath heading NE towards Oaklands Farm. Ignoring the first footpath to our right we took the next one to the right towards Saintbury across three fields up the slope with the church spire clearly visible ahead. Left at the church and right at the road then immediately left on a footpath in the hedgerow. Large house to our left with fine horses (Photo 2) called the Close.

Over a stile to our left then right along the field edge with a hedge to our right. Sharp right at the next junction of paths over another stile sweeping left disturbing a large flock of black sheep sheltering under an Oak tree from the fine rain and reluctant to move (Photo 3). Emerging at a track and pausing (Photo 4) under the trees we turned right and started the long climb up Buckle Street a roman road with evidence of cobble stones it was difficult to imagine legions passing this way. At the road we turned left up the hill to the crossroads we turned right then left onto a footpath.

At this point two damp walkers opted for the shorter route down the road to Willersey to check out the menu. The other 8 walked on in the rain on the new scenic part of the walk past Broadway golf club and down the hill towards Broadway until at the bottom we turned 270 degrees right past Bibsworth Covert towards Foxhill Manor. Once there we turned left heading NW towards the Broadway Road and Willersey. The footpath continues one field past the farm on the right before swinging right across the field joining the Farm access road. Right at the road and back to the Bell after a damp/wet 5.5mile walk.

Ironically the sun started to emerge and the pub looked most welcoming (Photo 5) as we consumed a great value generous lunch washed down with Mad Goose and UBU (Photo 6). Served by staff and Landlady Sue Kearney (Photo 7)

In better weather this revised walk has tremendous views and is easy to follow particularly now with a choice of two great pubs in Willersey.

Next walk: No 71 on Sat 29^thOct ( NOT 5^th Nov.) at the Great Western Arms, Blockley.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: