Pub Walk (96) Saturday 4^th January 2020, from the Stump, Fosse Cross.

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Seven walkers turned up at Fosse Cross for the 96^th Saturday Pub Walk. This is the second at the Stump to welcome new tenants also now a free house following its sale by Arlkells (known then as the Hare and Hounds). It was held as Walk 94 in November 2019, with only 3 persons, due to potential bad weather, but repeated today since this is a great walk including the villages of upper and lower Chedworth.

We set off after the customary group photo (Photo 1). A dry bright day as we headed left out of the car park in a northerly direction taking the next road left towards Longfurlong. There is a shortage of footpath signs along this lane but do not be put off, particularly through Tudor House grounds, opening their five bar gate to gain entry. Next under the disused Railway line heading westwards for three fields. This is a very dry easy going walk on this outward section chosen because of recent wet weather.

Head towards the Monarch’s Way at New Barn (Photo 2) which now is an Equestrian Centre with rerouted footpaths to the East of the property with some footpath signs evident. Left off the Monarch’s Way adjacent to the riding arena (Photo 3) through a gate, then left alongside the hedge, emerging at the entrance road. Right here to the main road then Right for 50 yards taking the next Left onto a footpath before the first house. Much evidence of horses here (Photo 4) before emerging on a lane (Photo 5).

Left to the main road then Right. Easy walking now with great views to the left for the next mile (Photo 6). Keep on ignoring all paths either side and a road on the Right until heading downhill past Bleakmoor take a footpath sharp Right at a stile (Photo 7). Take the Right fork of the two footpaths heading South then uphill on a steep grassy bank. It is easier than it looks. (Photo 8). Look back at the top with a fine view of Lower Chedworth (Photo 9).

Bear Right at the top alongside a fence then Left at the Environmental plant. At the road turn Left for a few hundred yards to Fields Farm where Right onto a footpath heading South West. The path is dry and once through a pedestrian gate the path is regularly cut by mower at the field edges. Past a house on to the lane then Left at the end of the lane back to the Pub.

A great lunch was enjoyed in the conservatory (Photo 10) washed down with a choice of Hooky Bitter, Doom Bar or Theakson Pale. Pizzas are also very popular and excellent.

The next walk is the 97^th on 1st February at the Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington.

Report by Roger Price

Tel 01451 810305

Mob 07850 429630

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 ^