10/07/16 - The Coach and Horses at Weatheroak Hill

Distance - 4.5 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Worcestershire, Walk 6
Geocaches - 2 found, 1 Seen
Pub - Coach and Horses, Weatheroak Gold

Just over two years ago, we celebrated completing the writing of the Brummie Ring by shunning the refreshments available in Alvechurch and finding the more remote Coach and Horses at Weatheroak Hill.

We vowed to come back and complete a walk from here - after all, it is number 6 in the top 10 pubs in the West Midlands (although is actually in Worcestershire).

It's taken a while.

First, lets get the walk out of the way.  It wasn't the best, battling as we did against appallingly maintained stiles, dense undergrowth, disappearing paths (god damn you Alcott Farm with your roping off of horse enclosures) and one spectacular stumble before I had even had a pint.

It could have been worse - after a stagger, lurch and roll, I came to rest with my head inches from a large pile of horse manure.  It would have been messy but a strangely symbolic walk review.

We start at the pub and head up the Roman Road of Ryknild Street.  A geocache is halfway along a tunnel used as a stream conduit - I had a torch, clambered down and thought, Na - I want to be half decent for my pint.  Always sad to spy one but not get the smiley.

Another lonely pub - The Peacock is at the top of the hill.  Unlike the Coach, its shed it's agricultural watering hole roots and is now a Chef and Brewer.

Must win a prize as the most remote Chef and Brewer

Rest of the walk is made up of a stretch of the North Worcestershire Way and a drop down to walk alongside the M42 to the horsey hellhole of Alcott Farm.

These are the highlights;

Lovely Blue Skies

2 Cache Finds today - this one next to the M42

Things reached a nadir when we were faced with a totally overgrown swamp or a clamber over a barbed wire fence to make our escape.  The fence won.  No way for two 46 year olds to behave.

Pleased to get to the pub, where they have got everything correct.  They have left the original building for drinkers and inside, its probably not changed much in centuries.  To cater for diners, they have built a smart extension on the side.  The two groups of punters can exist in splendid isolation.

In an old stables at the front, they have their own brewery.  I went for a Weatheroak Gold and as you would expect, it was in perfect condition.  Top pint - with a choice of four others from the brewery and a number of guests ale.

The real highlight was seeing the mound of cling film wrapped cobs (not batches, barn cakes - cobs) behind the bar.  So many times we only have the offer of a full Sunday Lunch when out on the Sabbath.

The pub is only a couple of miles from Hopwood Park Services at J2 of the M42.  If you are passing and want a break - come here instead.  Its an improvement on KFC.

The Stable Brewery

Drinkers Quarters

Balanced Lunch