5/12/15 - Hooky

Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 2
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Oxfordshire and AA 1001 Walks

A walk in the Cotswolds.  A visit to a Brewery.  Pub Lunch.  Do Saturdays get more complete than this?

We are off to Hook Norton.  Entertainment somewhat ironically provided by the latest New Order Album, their first without the legendary Hooky on Bass.

Park up at the Pear Tree Inn.

All Journeys Start with a Single Step

In 1869, this was the original brewhouse for Hook Norton.  The operation must have been a success as by 1899 they had built an imposing purpose built brewery up the road.  More on that later, we have a walk to complete.

Not that its the weather for it.  Storm Desmond (having one a week this winter, we are already up to "D") is battering the country.  Mercifully rain free, we do fear that we will be hit by debris.  On the richter scale, it is "Hooley".

Hook Norton itself is a classic Cotswold village.  Sun Inn looks interesting, honey coloured cottages and an imposing Church.

Glory to God

We are soon out of the Village and into the Countryside.  Under the arches of a disused railway viaduct and a close encounter with the Cotswolds wildlife.

They are starving

It seems to have been an age since I complete a proper "Country Walk".  This is perfect - decent tracks, easy route finding and peace and quiet.  We don't even have to bother with breathing, as Desmond is forcing the air into our lungs.

A late entry for Walking for Pleasure Tree of the Week Competition

Skirt the edges of Swerford and adhere to the ever so polite request for Ramblers to avoid getting bitten by Swerford Parks guard dogs by taking a diversion.  Hit the lane, knowing that the highlight(s) of the day are less than a mile away.

Pleasure - This Way

No geocaches, I hear you ask?  Well, there are two - one opposite the pub and the other in a brewery. All my joys are combining.

The Pear Tree has just opened as we arrive.  The open fire is lit.  A choice of 6 of the Hook Norton range are on.  For further options, a cocktail board shows how they can be combined.  Who would have thought half an Old Hooky and half a Lion makes an Old Growler.  Who would have thought I would miss out on the opportunity of an Old Growler.

Greedy Goose will more than do

The Cocktail Menu

Lovely lunch consumed and just to make the day perfect, a short jaunt to the brewery.

I am absolutely gutted that Sonia chooses to stay in the car, whilst I enter an Aladdin's Cave of brew paraphernalia that is the visitor centre.  Still, you know what they say about men with no women?  There is no one to say no.

Two crates of Ale and a T-Shirt later and my day's work is done.

One of the finest example of a Victorian Brewery in the Country

Booty in the Boot.  With Boots.