29/05/16 - The Dead Pub at Napton

Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 4
Walk Inspiration
Pub - The King's Head, Napton, Hooky


Things start off very badly on the 36th Monthly adventure on the Millennium Way.

The Horror

The Bridge at Napton was meant to be our starting point.  We were a week too late.  There is a hand written note in the window saying that on the 22nd May 2016, it has been bought by a developer.  The note goes on.  Despite planning permission to convert to a private residence being denied twice, there are no plans for it to re-open as a pub again.

Another dead soldier.

Parking is hastily rearranged at a spur road to an unbuilt business park.  Not only is post walk refreshment in jeopardy, Warwickshire is also 8 degrees colder than the tropical Worcestershire we left an hour ago.  We have one XL Mans fleece between us.  Discussions about gentlemanly conduct ensue.

Not only will I have a thirst on, I also have nipples like monkeys thumbs.

We head off into the rape seed fields.  Despite the undergrowth resulting in two failed caches, we can console ourselves that at least the farmer has left a nice broad path through the crops.

The Millennium Way

We arrive at the familiar ground of Stockton.  A church, a second dead pub (the Barley Mow) and the same paths as last month to pick up the Grand Union Canal at Gibraltar bridge.

Grand Union

The walking is suitably undramatic.  Talk about a waterways holiday is quite passionate until I prove once and for all to Mrs Mappiman that I can walk faster than a barge.  Hopefully, that's that nipped in the bud.

We walk past some new marinas that are unmarked on my OS Map, Napton Reservoirs and the junction with the Oxford Canal.

Not on the OS Map

After a steady, unspectacular walk, we arrive back at the Bridge.  Mood not massively improved.

Chin Up - There's always options

Of course, the great thing about the UK is that you are never more than 1KM from a boozer.  A look at the OS Map shows there is a Big Blue Cup of Joy at the Alpine resort of Napton on the Hill.

It's also a Cask Marque pub.  The app describes it as "Gastropub".  And it does what it says on the tin.  It's Sunday lunchtime but we don't want the full monty.  We ask if they have a "normal" menu on and are met in the affirmative.

Normal in a Gastropub does not include sandwiches.  We think about splitting a £13.95 meze sharing platter.  Settle on two bags of crisps, a diet coke and a cloudy pint of Hook Norton Hooky.

Cask Marque Pub Number 9 for Mappiman

Usually, a great pint.