11/08/13 - All Super Bocked Out

Distance - 6.1 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Stage 3 of the Millennium Way
Geocaches - Some on route, all previously found


A week of adventuring in Portugal.  Fortunately, this did include some Geocache finds, as there are none on my return to UK based walking.  Had a fine time in Lisbon, Cascais, Mafra and Ericeria with nice company and excellent food but there is only so much Super Bock a man can drink before he yearns for some beautiful British ale.

I have high hopes for this walk - continuing on the Millennium Way.  It starts, and ends, at a pub.

I cannot big up this section of the Millennium Way too much.  On top of the aforementioned lack of treasure, there is not too much to get excited about.  However, the views over Bredon Hill and the Malverns mean that it deserves an understated summary of "Nice".

Park up at the Berkley Arms and head out across fields to the farm at Upper Wolverton.  This seems to be concentrating on restoring classic cars more than agriculture, as its the home of Worcester Classic Cars.  It's also a typical farmyard dump with plenty of building detritus lying around.  Why take old doors to the tip when you can just fling them in the hedge?

On exit, the walking improves as I head through first an orchard and then one of those classic paths cutting through fields of rapeseed.

Cider's Journey begins here

After crossing the railway line, I am back at Stoulton Church for the 3rd time in 2013.  The vicar will soon be luring me in, the amount of times that I have been past the front door.

Even Molly knows we have been here before

Its a quick loop around Stoulton, back under the railway line and then the tree lined approach to Wolverton Hall.  The rat drawn union jack on the roof points to its level of shabby chic.

Tree lined approach

They also have a nice line in locked gates, dodgy stiles and a walk through a Pheasant enclosure.  All obstacles in the way of the on foot adventurer.

Emerge the other side and meet our first people of the day.  A family of four with a dog called Sky who failed dismally to get Molly engaged in a game and then three lady horse riders of various girth.

We head up to Aston Hall farm and White Ladies Aston.  Take in a small detour to see St John the Baptist Church.  11am on a Sunday and no service going on - the sign seems to indicate they have moved to Peopleton.

Congregationless Church

Loop back around and just have a field of sheep and then some evil horses to cross to get back to the pub.

Heinous members of the animal kingdom, stopping me getting my pint

Having convinced them to move out of the way and let me and my labradoodle across, we arrive at the pub at 11:50, queuing patiently like a man that has had a week's worth of Euro Fizz.  What delights do they have in store? Only the nation's finest.

Portugal - you have 35 degree sunshine but you have no Timothy Taylor Landlord.  Unlucky you.