Geocaches - 1
Distance - 8 Miles
Pub - The Grape Vaults, Ludlow Gold
The Leominster long stay car park has been half commandeered by gypsies, creating a shanty town of caravans and motorhomes. As I feed the machine with the necessary dollar for 24 hours, they give me the look that says "This is not totally necessary, old chap".
At least there's someone to keep their eye on the car.
This is a walk that has nothing at all going for it. If I had taken a non-walker out with me in a attempt to sell the dream of weekend walks, they would fail to be convinced. It's rare that a walk leaves me in a worse mood than before I start.
Leominster is one of those Market towns that spring up around the Welsh Marches. I've driven through it many times but never actually stopped. Out of my extensive library of walks, there are only two that start here. Suspicions should have been aroused.
We pick a route that heads West along the Pinsley Brook. With the exception of increasingly tricky stiles, there is little to break the monotony of persistent drizzle and damp overgrowth.
Not Long Forgotten Military Vehicles |
Not Dead Trees |
Not the promise of hill side bovine love action |
We pick up roads at Cobnash, heading back to Town along the River Lugg. The walk deteriorates further with disappearing paths, electric fences and to top it all a green dotted path on the map that simply leads you to the Lugg, with no bridge to cross. Fortunately, there is the world's worst suspension bridge further downstream to make the crossing safely.
Pleased to see it, in all its wobbly glory. |
Only the pub can save the day. Even then, Leominster teases.
Not what I expect from a "Prince of Wales". |
The Grape Vaults would appear to be the highest remaining. It's two buildings from the 1600's knocked together and the sort of place that when someone walks past your table, the floorboards creak that much that the top of your pint is knocked off.
Best of What's Left in Leominster |
Choice of four real ales and I went more local than the Shropshire Lass with a Ludlow Gold.
Ludlow Gold on a pub representation |
Although it looks like I am walking alone tomorrow.
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