Pub Walk (83) Saturday 10^th March 2018, from the White Hart, Winchcombe.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Seven walkers turned up at Winchcombe for the 83^rd Saturday Pub Walk unfortunately deferred one week due to snow on 3^rd. The White Hart maiden walk was arranged following its award as our Autumn Seasonal Pub of the Year but walker numbers depleted today due to the date change and some of the regulars on holiday. Sky clearing as we set off after ordering our lunch and the group photo (Photo 1)

A new route, starting immediately left from the pub down the Sudeley Castle road then taking a footpath to the right after a few hundred yards. Muddy today after recent melting snow but surrounded by inquisitive new born lambs. (Photo 2) Follow the Windrush Way for a short distance before veering left adjacent to the castle wall. (Photo 3) At the field corner we turned left then right around the field edges then left again steeply uphill arriving at a lane near Sudeley Lodge. Left at the road back to Sudeley Hill Farm. Left then immediately right onto a poorly marked footpath up towards Kinnelm Well.

Continuing up hill on a track taking the next path to the left skirting the wood on our right to Dunn’s Hill with tremendous views of Winchcombe (Photo 4). Downhill now across several fields emerging at a lane, turning right for a few hundred yards then left onto a footpath passing even younger lambs (Photo 5) with one particularly friendly and very keen to be on our web site. (Photo 6). Across the last field (Photo 7) emerging via a path between houses, back at the lane behind the pub.

Boots removed and seated for an excellent lunch at the reserved window table (Photo 8). Our host Gareth Stone proudly serving Prescott Hill Climb, Otter Bitter, Sharps Atlantic and Goffs Cheltenham Gold. (Photo 9) Goffs have done a great job with the aptly named Cheltenham Gold. This has become one of the most popular pubs in Winchcombe.

The next walk is the 84^th of the series on Saturday 7^th April at Snows Hill Arms Snowshill. Park in the adjacent large pub car park and order lunch before we set off at 1030hrs for one of the best walks around this delightful Donnington pub in an idyllic setting.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: