03/09/18 - A Pub Walk from The Hop Pole, Droitwich

Distance - 6 Miles
Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Walks
Geocaches - 4

Droitwich - salt production to the Roman, grand gothic houses to post civil war industrialists. 

Just the one entry on the 2018 Good Beer Guide but first, generate the thirst. 

This is a super 6 mile walk, with wide ranging views and making use of a couple of Long Distance Paths - The Monarch's Way and the Wychavon Way.

Start in the town centre and head down to the canal and River Salwarpe.  After crossing the A38, pick up the Monarchs Way.

This is a long distance path that represents the route taken by Charles II after losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Crossing the Birmingham to Worcester Canal

All you need to know about the Monarch's Way

After a short spell through woodland, emerge into the wide open spaces of Westwood Park.  Incredible views over the Malvern Hills and Abberley/Woodbury hills in the distance but the real gem is of course, Westwood House - an Elizabethan hunting and banqueting lodge.   Possibly the most impressive thing today is that it has been converted to private apartments and a two bedder is currently available for £280,000.   Not completely out of reach if you want to impress distant relatives.

Malvern, bottom left

You could live in a house like this

Abberley and Woodbury Hills

The Monarch's Way shares a Romanesque arrow straight path with the Wychavon way, heading North East to Hampton Lovett and it's pretty church.

Hampton Lovett

Heading South, traverse possibly the largest field I've encountered on my rambles.  1.15 miles in length and we are back into Droitwich.   For entertainment, read the various signs/statues depicting the salt making history and/or head to the pub.

The Hop Pole, 40 Friar Street, Black Pear

A couple of pubs available down this street.  The Old Cock Inn wins the prize for most snigger worthy name but its the C18th Hop Pole that is lauded for its beer quality and flickering coach lamps.

The Hope Pole

Good beer guide stickers adorn the window to the left hand side to prove their credentials.

Inside, its low ceilings and lots and lots of wood.   Busy on at 8:15pm on Monday - which is most unusual - with people playing pub games.   A side pool room was proving popular but get this - at the stroke of 8:30pm, someone started laying out crib boards and packs of cards.

If I lived in Droitwich, I'd put my name down to join the team.

Four real ales on - Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach noticed instantly but they also had a beer I've been searching for for a while...  well, at least since Friday - when it was written on the chalk board of Worcester's Cardinals Hat but they had sold out.

It's been a long time since I have found Malvern Hills Brewery Black Pear. 

I just need to convince you it wasn't cider.

Point off for incorrect chalice.   The back of the Crib captain's head.

A cracking walk and an equally good boozer.