19/09/21 - The Lion, Clifton upon Teme

Distance - 6 miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, December 2020, Walk 9

Surprisingly, I have never been to Clifton Upon Teme - despite its proximity to the much walked from Martley.

Its a pretty little Worcestershire village, with all the things required.... village store, village green and not 1 but 2 village pubs.

A spare Sunday and a Country Walking Route fixes this gap, although again, I fail to read the small print.  Its says to check if the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb is running.  Of course, I don't.  Of course, it is.  On the fly route changes required.

Hill racing events discovered half way through the walk

Not that I'd have any idea my walk would be interrupted by a motor racing event on leaving Clifton.  High up above the Teme Valley, there is only solitude, quiet and fine views to Woodbury, Abberley and Malvern Hills.

Woodbury Hill

Its only on reaching Top Barn that it becomes apparent that my intended route is in fact the finishing line in the sort of race that only Great Britain could produce.  Instead of racing each other, the classic cars start at the bottom of the hill and time trail solo to reach Top Barn, where they complete a hand brake turn in front of a bemused rambler, looking for an alternative path.  

Death by Hillman Imp is not on today's agenda.

A steep drop through the woodland near Witchery Hole, emerges at fields above Court Farm - where the race begins.  Witchery Hole?  Folklore says that Witches were burned there.  Court Farm - ancestral home of Thomas Walsh - Sheriff of Worcester - tasked with rounding up Gunpowder plot fugitives.

Petrol-heads camp - Abberley School Clock Tower in the distance

Once the event nonsense and disappearing paths are negotiated, I am at the Teme Valley floor for some easy walking along the river - adding Shelsley Beauchamp to Shelsley Walsh onto today's new hamlet discoveries.

Access to the Teme gained at New Mill Bridge

Looking down the Teme Valley at Ham Bridge

A stiff climb back to Clifton - with the Lion in the village and the New Inn slightly out.

The Lion's advertising suggesting it has newly re-opened.  The residents were certainly taking advantage - a packed small bar, with the front beer garden filling up as the last of the summer sun makes its presence felt.

The Butty Bach was as good as found in my local - a Wye Valley house.

A Village Local