Pub Walk (91) Saturday 6^th April 2019, from the Red Lion, Chipping Campden

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

On a Sunny Saturday Morning 11 walkers met at the Red Lion in Chipping Campden for 91^st North Cotswold CAMRA pub walk (Photo 1). We set off west along the High Street before turning right at the Catholic Church to join the Cotswold Way as it climbs out of the town towards Dovers Hill. We were treated to a fine view back towards ChIpping Campden as we progressed up the hill. Signs of spring were evident with the blossom started to show its colours (Photo 2).

After a short stretch of road we turned again towards Dovers Hill and came out on the plateau at the top of the hill. With fine views over the Vale of Evesham around to Mickleton Hill the route took us along the top of the hill to a junction of several paths at Bold Gap. We then descended down the Cotswold escarpment to Lynches Wood (Photo 3). With the Blue Bells not quite in bloom yet this will be a stunning place to see them in a few weeks’ time. We passed through the wood (Picture 4) and over a stile before crossing 3 fields into Weston-sub-Edge village.

Crossing the road in the Village we entered the Churchyard and passed through the well-kept graveyard and the blossom on the trees making the Church look a picture (Picture 5). We then walked along the top of the earthworks that formed the ditch around the now long gone Manor House before finding the only mud on the walk at the stile in the field corner. Thankfully Dave Field avoided falling into it despite his precarious position in the picture! (Picture 6)

Following a small brook over several fields we then took on the challenge of climbing the escarpment again up to Dovers View. This was a good cardio vascular work out and several stops were needed before we reached the viewpoint (Picture 7). Three wise men found a bench to rest on as we waited for the entire group to complete the climb (Picture 8).

We then started our descent into Chipping Campden and the views again were stunning (Picture 9). No walk in the Cotswold would not be complete in the spring without seeing lambs and we passed these youngsters basking in the sun (Picture 10).

Once we returned to the Town, as the Red Lion cellar was being refurbished and they had no Cask Ale, many of our group popped to the Volunteer Arms nearby, where the enjoyed a choice of Wye Valley Butty Bach or Prescott Hill Climb.

Next Walk No 92 The Stag, Stow on the Wold, on May 4^th, Park in the Square or next to Tesco in the Free car park.

Report by Martin Jones

Pictures taken on the walk:


^ Photo 1 ^	^ Photo 2 ^

^ Photo 3 ^	^ Photo 4 ^

^ Photo 5 ^	^ Photo 6 ^

^ Photo 7 ^	^ Photo 8 ^

^ Photo 9 ^	^ Photo 10 ^