Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 6
Pub - Good Beer Guide Tick 319 - The Three Tuns, Henley in Arden
Previous Stages -
Stage 1,
Stage 2,
Stage 3,
Stage 4,
Stage 5,
Stage 6,
Stage 7,
Stage 8,
Stage 9,
Stage 10,
Stage 11,
Stage 12,
Stage 13,
Stage 14,
Stage 15,
Stage 16,
Stage 17
So what exactly made the 18th Monthly Walk in the Heart of England Way the best so far?
A combination of bright blue skies, varied footpaths and the first new pub tick from the 2019 Good Beer Guide. It was also a delight to have the company of Mrs M and Guide Dog in training Joy.
I've never really got on with Henley-in-Arden - even with the mix of historical architecture along its never ending mile long high street. I walked from here many times and the pubs were always a
let down. We've suffered in the past from poor service (White Swan) and poor value (The Bluebell). After cross ticking my entries in the new guide, I realise that there is a previously unvisited boozer to look forward to.
And the free parking is always a bonus. Just tricky finding your way through the courtyards to the High Street.
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| Ancient Henley |
We pick up the Heart of England Way instantly, passing the 2nd church of the day and heading up to the Norman Castle site of Beaudesert Mount.
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| View from a former Norman Castle Site |
The walking is steady, rather than dramatic. Careful checking of livestock to see if the dog can "go free". All we find are their droppings, which are strangely delicious to a 7 month old puppy.
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| Working our way across Warwickshire |
Coppice Corner provides the half way point and a change of scenery as we enter dense woodland.
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| Into the Woods |
Preston Fields Lane is navigated, along with its ford. Joy hasn't quite determined whether she likes water yet. Once it gets past her knees, she legs it back to terra firma. She's dried out by the time we reach Preston Bagot Church and happy to pose for photos.
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| Preston Bagot - right in the middle of nowhere |
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| Guide Dog in Training Joy |
To aid her training, she is introduced to sheep, cows and horses in the fields on the way back to Henley.
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| Back in Henley |
Onto the pub. The Three Tuns is the chosen one, proudly displaying its brand new bright red "we're in it sticker" in the window.
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| Just about make out the Sticker in the Window |
It's simply too nice to be inside, so we make the most of the street benches to soak up the sun. Which is a shame, as inside, this C16th is a pubby gem of dartboards, exposed beams and proper pub seating.
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| Perfect for when its raining |
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| Perfect for when its dry |
We'll be back in Henley on the next leg of the Heart of England Way. The White Swan - the town's 2nd Good Beer Guide Entry - will be beer tested.
The London Pride at the Three Tuns has set a high bar.
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