Pub Walk (82) Saturday 3^rd February 2018, from the Queens Head, Stow on the Wold

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Nine walkers turned up at Stow on the Wold for the 82^ndSaturday Pub Walk, and the second of 2018. The Queens Head maiden walk has taken a while but this Donnington Pub, a jewel in the crown, has finally earned a walk. Our cycling section uses it each year as the first port of call, so know it well. Numbers depleted today due to some of the regulars engaged elsewhere and heavy overnight rain.

Sky clearing, as we set off, after ordering our lunch and a few early tasters before the group photo (Photo 1). Martin Jones had devised a new route starting through an alley on our left, as we headed left from the pub. After crossing the Fosseway, we took a footpath opposite heading west across an open field with great open views ahead. This brought us to the Lower Swell road, which we crossed and took a footpath opposite, running downhill parallel to the main road. Shortly rejoining the same road we crossed back over and took a road on our right past Lady’s Well to wards Bowl Farm (Photo 2).

Continuing north on a footpath to Sheep Pen, we emerged at Upper Swell turning left at the road. After a few bends we took the next road on our right towards Donnington Brewery. On the day of our walk the road was closed to traffic due to bridge repairs, but just passable to walkers.(Photo 3). The bridge (photo 4) may be closed for a while to traffic needing substantial repairs due to flood damage. The River here (Photo 5), which runs into the Dikler, was crystal clear despite the recent rainfall. A little later we passed the Brewery with their two fine peacocks perched on the roof ridges (Photo 6). In the week you can call in to the office to purchase beer.

After a steep climb past Duncombe House, we crossed the main A424 road onto a track which led uphill to the Civil War monument for a rest (Photo 7), then to Donnington village. Right here and south on a footpath joining the Fosseway, and back to Stow and the Queens.

A Donnington house with Gold, BB and SBA on tap and a good lunch (Photo 8) enjoyed by all. An excellent walk and many thanks to Martin for devising the 5 mile, mainly dry route.

The next walk is the 83^rdof the series on Saturday 3^rd March at the White Hart in Winchcombe. Park where you can, and meet at the pub to order lunch, then we set off at 1030 hrs.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: