Pub Walk (90) Saturday 2^nd March 2019, from the Sherborne Arms, Northleach

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Twelve walkers and a black Labrador turned up at Northleach for the 90^th Saturday Pub Walk. This is the first at the Sherborne, an Enterprise Inns establishment, but the fourth walk at Northleach, two at the Red Lion (now closed) and one at the Mechanical Museum. This time a different route in bright sunshine after recent heavy rain.

After gathering outside the pub in the Market Square (Photo 1) and ordering lunch we set off to the East along the old A40 and took a footpath to the right towards the playing field heading south. Past the swings and up a slope to a stile (Photo 2) and lovely views behind with the magnificent church dominating the landscape.

Left at the next stile at Helens Ditch along the Diamond Way heading east. Cross the next road to Upper End (Photo 3) Through a gate bearing right passing a lake below (Photo 4) then left at the footpath climbing through woods (Photo 5) heading east past Black Barn then left after another field now heading north into woods screening the new A40. Cross with care onto a footpath.

Leaving the A40 traffic noise behind passing Folly Farm to the right. a peaceful valley emerges with Farmington ahead. At the bottom of the hill cross over the stream then left to the west along the valley bottom until reaching a footbridge re crossing the stream (Photo 6)

Continue west joining the Monarchs Way at Bunkers Hill. Under the A40 this time on the road leading back to Northleach and the Sherborne Arms (Photo 7)

A great value lunch was enjoyed (Photos 8 & 9) washed down with a choice of Butcombe Bitter or Marstons 61 Deep. A great walk in this picturesque village on an alternate route to previous.

The next walk is the 91^st from the Red Lion, Chipping Campden on Saturday 6^th April 2019. Free Parking along the main road usually available. Meet outside the pub and order lunch before setting off at 1030hrs.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

Pictures taken on the walk: