08/12/18 - Ankerdine Hill and the Talbot at Knightwick

Distance - 3.5 Miles
Geocaches - 0
Walk Inspiration - 100 Hill Walks around Birmingham

This is a walk that pack a lot into its short distance.   I'm almost tempted to class it as the finest walk in Worcestershire.

It starts, as all things should, at a Good Beer Guide Pub - the Talbot at Knightwick.   We'll come back to it after sharing how they do recycling in these parts.

Wine Tree

The route takes the right hand side of the pub, where we get a glimpse of the brewery but not the bakery.   Knightwick is self sufficient.  A metaled farm track runs alongside the River Teme.  Its in spate but not presenting a problem to the hunting dog that bravely leaps in to recover a recently shot pheasant.   Guide Dog Joy stays on her leash - if she followed their lead it would present Mrs M with a heart attack.   We are only borrowing her for a year.

The Farm track to Ankerdine Farm

At Horsham Farm, we turn right a have a muddy climb through a coppice and Joy is presented with her second favourite sound.... after the high pitched whistle that means tea-time, she loves "Go Free", signalling an off lead run.

Worcestershire Views from Horsham Farm

Guide Dog Joy "Gone Free"

We've picked up the Worcestershire Way as it winds its way on lost lanes and through fields and woodland.   Exceptional walking, with views of the Malverns.   Not even a single stile to navigate.

The Malverns from the Worcestershire Way

She shouldn't but too good a location not to stop for a pose

Once Ankerdine Hill is conquered, its a simple task for winding the way down its flanks to get back to the pub.

The Talbot is a C14th former coaching house.  If you're thinking of doing this walk, try the second Sunday of the month, when they host a Farmer's Market.   Not that there isn't produce to purchase on a regular day.   Whilst I am eyeing up the brews, Mrs M has noticed that there are home made doughnuts for sale that "we go very nice with an afternoon cup of tea".

So the brews?   Their own brewery has been mentioned and the beers are called This, That and T'other.   Although they could do with some re-arranging.

Makes No Sense

There's not much to go on to help with selection.   No little sample pots at the front.  I ask the barstaff what's the difference and they simply point to the chalk board to the right, where a full description is available to those that haven't left their glasses on the table.   I chose a "That".   It's met with approval by the two drinkers at the bar.

It's a That

Its that good that I ask if they sell bottles to take away.

Keep your eye on the maths, Blogfans.   Its £2.75 a bottle or £9.50 for three.   I cannot resist a bargain, so go for the 3.   And two doughnuts.

Out the corner of my eye, I notice that Mrs M is furiously tapping numbers into her Smart Phone.