Pub Walk (87) Saturday 8^th December 2018, from the Royal Oak, Andoversford

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Eight walkers turned up at Andoversford for the 87^th Saturday Pub Walk. This is the third walk here enabled by a change of Landlord this year following an unexpected sale for family reasons. The previous walk No 66 with 18 walkers was held in Nov 2016.

After ordering lunch we assembled in dry weather for the usual pub photo (Photo 1) and set off right from the car park and turned left taking the next footpath on our right through a new estate reaching and crossing the A40 heading North.

Passing the site of a Roman Settlement and Syreford Mill (Photo 2) we crossed the next road to Syreford Plantation (Photo 3) continuing North. This is a delightful wood and a favorite walk. Open country after the wood for a field then left at Sevenhampton crossing the ford (Photo 4) and South at the next Junction onto a footpath (Photo 5). Surprisingly dry underfoot this section heading west climbs gently with outstanding views around. Cross the next country lane bearing right at the path split for a further two fields pausing at the hilltop (Photo 6).

Follow the path down hill now to the Medieval Village of Wittington turning right then left at the next junction heading south (Photo 7) The weather turned wet at this point as we took the next footpath on our left for the last section back to Andoversford reached after three fields before right back to and crossing the A40. A walk through the village southeast past many new houses back to the Royal Oak for lunch.

New owners from London, mother Sheila and son Graham served Stroud Budding and North Cotswold Winter Solstice in great condition (Photo 8) They have been looking for two years for a suitable free house and took advantage of this unexpected sale. Graham ran a pub in the White Horse area for two years and Sheila has a history in the trade. We wish them every success.

Lunch was taken in comfortable surroundings next to the fire (Photo 9)

The next walk is the 88^th on Saturday 5^th Jan 2019 at the 7 Tuns, Chedworth, to welcome new Landlords at this revitalized GBG pub in tremendous walking country.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: