Geocaches - 0 (But I did get a couple of drivebys on the way home)
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Worcestershire
After yesterday's mountain excursions, something far more sedate is required.
I will use the opportunity to tick off the last of the Top 10 Country Pubs in Worcestershire. So in a couple of years, I have knocked off a walk and a beer in each of them.
Today, it is the turn of the Three Kings in Hanley Swan. A suitable short walk is found from "Pub Walks in Worcestershire". It looks uninspiring, but that doesn't matter.
I am here for the beer.
Park up outside the pub at a collection of old buildings around a village square. This is old, undiscovered Worcestershire - complete with a named tree - the 900 year old Cedar of Lebanon - and the remain of a Norman Castle, who's moat I will walk around.
The walk kicks off through the grounds of the Church. Instantly, one's eye is drawn to a freestanding gravestone. I cannot ever remember seeing a grave with a Star of David on it in an English Church.
Hanley Castle |
Unusual Gravestone |
At first, I thought the image inside the star could be the Worcestershire emblem but its just a flower.
There really is not much to say about the walking. Its a short loop along footpaths and minor roads, through Gilbert's End and back. There are fine views of the Malverns - where a helicopter appears to be practicing taking off and landing. There is a field of young bulls who try it on until I shoo them away. There is a moat, but you don't really get to see much of it.
In term's of things to look at, all I can give you is the answer to the puzzle "what happens when you cross a deer, a rabbit and a tree"?
You get one of these. |
Cross the Threshold |
The Three Kings - Hanley Castle |
In a world full of "two for the price of one" identikit pubs, it is a revelation. Like stepping back in time - a real life history lesson of how people used to be entertained.
At first, I am unsure if its open or not. I tentatively walk through the door and the landlady greets me and points out the bar is through a sliding door to the right. Enter, and there is a fire going in the Inglenook fireplace (welcome, its colder here than up Tryfan) and a small serving hatch.
Good job I am not a Fosters drinker - just hand pulled pumps with Butcombe and Hobsons. Showing no loyalty to my Shropshire neighbours, I go for the one from Somerset, knowing that its a standard here.
I am the only punter and soon get into a conversation. I am a day early for the beer festival. I am not the only person to ask about the grave.
No one really knows the story. But if I find out, I am to let her know.
Step Back in Time - Drink like a 19th Century Farmer Would. Smashing. |
What Next? The Top 10 Pubs in Shropshire.
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