Walk Inspiration - Walks in Warwickshire and Worcestershire by Des Wright
Geocaches - 2
Once again, the CAMRA Good Beer Guide has been put to good use - providing the inspiration for walks in previously unheard of local areas. It appears that I am not alone in not knowing the area.
E's are Good. No one knows where we are. |
But first, the walk. And it's one that delivered a number of unexpected OMG moments.
OMG Moment One - a quick walk along the road and out into the countryside on the path down to Hanley William Church. Superb views over the Clee Hills.
Straight on it |
I shouldn't have been surprised - the CO is called "TemevalleyVicar"!
Hanley William Church |
And its Geocaching Secret |
OMG Moment Three - and not such a good one. I have a lovely walk past Hanley Court, attempting to get the resident peacock to display its feathers for the blog and attempt to use the public footpaths in Hanley Dingle. The public have not been using them. Worst set of paths I have ever experienced. If you are following in my footsteps, bring a machete. Or Napalm.
Hanley Dingle. Overgrown |
But does lead to fine views over Abberley |
The walk is called "Down on the Temeside" and there is a two mile stretch along the valley floor, offering only the occassional glimpse of the river. We turn off just before Eastham, scene of the 2016 bridge collapse. I meet only one car, who stops. Its an elderly fella, taking a suitcase on the passenger seat for a spin. He's been driving up and down looking for signs to Droitwich. I explain he's a good 20 miles away but point him in roughly the right direction.
Quiet Road not to Droitwich |
Views on the Climb out of the Valley |
The Smaller Waterfall near Death's Dingle |
OMG Moment Four - A ruined cottage, where the front door was open just enough to warrant an explore. There is something deeply creepy about being in deserted houses. I came over all Blair Witch.
Abandoned Cottage |
Downstairs. Yes, I went upstairs too. |
The walk is over as soon as the first of the two GBG pubs comes into sight - stunning views, interesting things to explore and some seriously dodgy paths.
The Tally Ho! come into view |
If you want a pub with views, this is for you.
From Butty Bach, to a Hoppy Hen, a HPA and a Gold |
Although my rather dainty glass is clearly marked Wye Valley, this was a Ludlow Gold. They're both a favourite but this felt slightly wrong. Or it might have just been because it was a half.
The pub slowly filled up with diners and some old boys talking about how surprised they were to see each other, even though you got the impression they popped in daily.
With more work to do, I settle my tab. All £1.50 of it.
The Fox Inn, Presumably Bell Lane, Hanley Broadheath
Wheras the Tally Ho! has no reviews on my usual beer websites, the Fox is positively awash with them. This, my favourite;
I went here on Boxing day and discovered that for a fiver you could shoot a few clay pigeons out the back! There's also an endurance lawnmower race on August bank holidayWho could fail to be entertained by riding around on lawnmowers with shotguns?
The place has a very down at heel feel about it, in common with many of the really old farms, where there is just a mish mash of ancient machinery lying around the place. One room was completely full of junk - disco lights and broken furniture. It looked like one of those C4 documentaries on hoarders. The outside looked like it could use a lick of paint too.
C16th and in need of some TLC |
I was delighted to see they sold Bathams. Unfortunately, it wasn't in good condition - although to be fair, mine was the last half they pulled before changing the barrel.
Hops. Logburner. |
More great inspiration from the Good Beer Guide but I can't help but feel Worcester CAMRA got a bit over excited on their day trip.
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