05/04/14 - Pleasures Combined

Walk Inspiration - Millennium Way Stage 11
Distance - 6.25 Miles
Geocaches - 14


Time is just too precious.  Too many plans, not enough free time.  So what to do?

How about combining my hobbies?

This one takes in a Top 10 County Pub, loads of Geocaches and this month's installment of the Millennium Way.  Perfect for a man with more ideas than time.

The route would have us start at the Throckmorton Arms.  I prefer to have Alcester as my start, as on my return, I will be delivered to my pub to investigate.  From previous walk, I also know that the parking is free.

So park up and head out on familiar paths along the Monarch's way.  Someone has been planting caches, otherwise I would have had these previously.

Fields of Yellow as we head out of Alcester

Turn Right at the entrance to Cold Comfort Farm

Nine caches as we make out way along Spittle Brook towards Coughton Lane.  Quite a variety and I have to make use of several tools in my Geocaching bag, including Tweezers, Penknife and Magnetic Ariel effect "Bodger".  Add in a couple of near tumbles into various streams and good spirits abound.

Easily the best GZ on route

A mile on the tarmac of Coughton Lane brings us to the first real things of historical interest.

Medieval Cross marking the entrance to the Forest of Arden

We also obtain glimpses of Coughton Court through the trees and over the heads of the new born sheep.  Another walk, another Tudor reference, as this was the home of the Throckmorton Family - close friends of Henry VIII.  Until he tried to divorce Katherine of Aragon.

From R-L, Catholic Church, Church of England, Tudor Manor House

Sonia wanted my feet over the top of the tower.  Achieved Neither.

A couple more caches on the way to pick up the River Arrow, which we follow all the way south back to the town.  The walking is OK but expectations of refreshments are taking priority.

I have completed my research and I am looking forward to the eight real ales that are served at the Hollybush in town. 

However, Mrs Mappiman has other ideas

But I will not be denied to tick off the Top 10 pubs in my closest counties.

Unassuming from the Outside

Joyful on the Inside

The pub is a proper 10 out of 10 experience.  It doesn't look much on the outside but inside its has a central bar with some lovely alcoves surrounding it.  The dining room and menu looked incredible.

And with my perfect pint of Black Sheep, I was presented with a card to collect stamps from the top 40 real ale pubs in Warwickshire.

Could I have found a new challenge?

We return to the car by walking up the high street passing;

1. Turks Head
2. Three Tuns
3. The Bear
4. The Royal Oak

All in a line.  All waiting to be discovered.  We get to the car park at the back of the Swan.  We can see two more pubs.  The Swan have a comedy night on tonight.

Alcester.  You are my new favourite town.