Pub Walk (71) Saturday 29^th October 2016, from the Great Western, Blockley

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The 71^stPub walk started from the Gt Western for the fourth time. This time due to New Landlords Stephen and Amanda Aybrey who have taken this Hooky Lease in addition to their own Pub the Plough at Stretton on Fosse. We hope this time that the pub remains in their very capable hands and we do not have a fifth walk any time soon.

Weather was fine as 11 walkers set off after the usual photo (Photo 1) on a new route which is becoming a challenge given the number of times we have walked this great area. Over the road in a westerly direction we turned right then left before the school. For a few hundred yards before picking up a footpath to the North past the Cricket Clump. Here we encountered Martyn Jackson who was beating that morning for a quick chat (Photo 2) before turning left at a junction of paths and entering Norcombe Wood.

A great sunny Autumn morning and a delightful meandering walk slightly uphill with the sound of gunshots from the first drive of the morning. Startled Munkjack deer crossed our path before we arrived at a clearing taking a track to our left.(Photo 3). Now heading South we crossed the drive to Upton Wold Farm (Photo 4) before skirting Lamb’s Cottage and the site of the Medieval Village of Upton. Running alongside the A44 through the wood SE we turned left onto the Diamond Way downhill past Warren Farm.

Through more woods emerging at a secluded fine property at the road (Photo 5) with a lovely pond to admire as we regrouped. Turning right we emerged on the road back into Blockley for a few hundred yards before taking a footpath to our right between houses.

A lovely garden on our left (Photo 6) before turning left at the next path alongside a stream ideal for washing off boots, though not necessary today, (Photo 7) then rejoining the road after this slight detour. Through the village (Photo 8) then the churchyard and left at the road uphill back to the pub.

Meals ordered and taken in our reserved table in the bar next to the stove we enjoyed a choice of Hooky Bitter, Gold and Old Hooky. (Photo 9)

Next walk: No 72 on Saturday 3^rd December at the Golden Ball Lower Swell.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: