11/02/18 - Queen Elizabeth at Elmley Castle

Distance - 7 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration - Walk 19 from Jarrold Shakespeare Country Walks


There's only one issue when parking up next to a Good Beer Guide Pub, famous for its food, at 10am on a Sunday morning.   The smell of roast dinners hits you.

We complete this 7 mile wander in the shadows of Bredon Hill in a state of mild starvation.   The mud and unexpected hail storm make it hard to shake of the images of a place where the 4.5 Tripadvisor reviews simply state that people are talking about "Roast Beef".

This is a walk of Churches.   Four, medieval ones, as we make our way from Elmley Castle, to Briklehampton and on to the Combertons - Little and Great.

As expected, the only caches are Church Micros.  But a couple are big enough to swap over travel bugs.

Here's the photostory.

The Sundial and Elmley Castle Church - Cache took some time!

We walk in the Shadow of Bredon Hill throughout.  Deceptive blue skies made way to hail.

Spring is coming to Bricklehampton Church

Little Comberton - Imagine how big the one at Great Comberton is.

Black and White Worcestershire Village of Little Comberton

Last view of Bredon Hill, as we make our way back

7 miles walked and much needed refreshment required.

The Queen provided.

Queen Elizabeth, Elmley Castle, Butcombe Rare Breed

I started my walking career in the early 2000s and came to Elmley Castle.  The pub was closed down and there was a hand written notice from a thirsty local claiming enough was enough and six months was too long to live in a dry village.

The residents agreed and rather than stock up with Frosty Jack from Iceland, they did something about it.

The Elmley Pub Company was created by the community and the pub was brought back from the dead, Lazarus style.

Refreshement Ahead

Celebrating a Royal Visit - Queen Elizabeth 20/08/1575

The residents are doing a superb job.   Greeted on entry and their Internet booking system worked a treat.  Confusion only caused by my announcement that I have a table booked for one.  They ask my name and say they had me down for two.  Computers are better equipped to make the distinction between number in the party and time the party are to dine.

Justifiably in the 2018 Good Beer Guide, I made my way to the bar to see a well thought out collection of four real ales.  A couple from Wye Valley, Purity Mad Goose and an infrequently seen Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed.  The tasting notes suggest its never happier than when paired with a Full English Brunch.  Today, it will make do with being paired with Roast Beef.

Mrs M proclaimed it to be the finest Sunday Lunch in the land.  She also insisted on checking the puddings were up to scratch.

The walk must of taken it out of us.  We spent the afternoon prone.