Monday 13 July 2020

12/07/20 - The Lion Inn - Winchcombe

Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 4
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in the Cotswolds - Walk 5
Good Beer Guide Tick - #479

One week after Super Saturday and I get my first post lockdown Good Beer Guide Tick.   The Lion Inn in Winchcombe is expecting visitors.

Lion Inn, Winchcombe
Social Distancing at the Lion Inn, Winchcombe
The walk is a variation of a short classic from this most walker friendly of towns.

I follow the Cotswold Way along Puck Pitt lane and out into the gorgeous countryside of the lower slopes of Salters Hill.

Nottingham Hill from the slopes of Salter Hill
Nottingham Hill, from the Cotswold Way
The destination - Hailes Abbey, where I can peak over the long grass for a glimpse of the ruins of a C13th Cistercian Abbey.  For once, its not that I am too tight to pay the entrance fee - its still temporarily closed.

Hailes Abbey through the long grass
Hailes Abbey from the other side of the fence
A clamber up a quiet lane to Haile on the Hill for views that are the same as those from Broadway Tower.   Worcestershire opening up below like a patchwork quilt.

Views from Haile on the Hill
Looking across to the Maverns from Haile on the Hill
The Gloucestershire Way returns me to town, where I hope this short but hilly walk can be rewarded in a suitable manner.

I approach the C15th Coaching Inn with some trepidation.  Of the handful of pubs that I have been to over the last 8 days, each has a different approach to the rules.   The Lion Inn's website states that you must book a table - but does this apply to the thirsty Geocacher that just wants a pint?

I am met at the door and ask nervously for a drink in their garden.  After hand sanitising and a passing on of details, I am escorted to their delightful garden.  After a few short moments, a lady delivers my requested Wye Valley Butty Bach.

This is what I normally have in my yet to re-open local.  Four months of various bottle deliveries from the UK, Belgium and Germany is forgotten at the first sip.

When it is on form, you cannot beat a hand pulled Butty.

Butty Bach - first for 4 months.
Liquid Perfection

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