Distance - 14 Miles
Geocaches - 4
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
The hard part when planning Stage 13 of the Chiltern Chain Walk was deciding which pub to end at. A potential 5 available on first double digit mile walk for a long time.
The reality was I need not worry - through a mixture of being too early (expected) and bad luck (unexpected), not a single one was open.
Too early for the Black Horse at Lacey Green and Red Lion at Bradenham. The Boot at Bledlow Ridge has temporarily closed for Xmas - reopening two days later. The Whip Inn at Loosley Row closed for refurbishment.
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| Too early for the this handsome freehouse - which may well be a Tearoom! |
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| And that's lunch at the Boot cancelled. An Xmas break |
Most disappointingly was the Pink and Lacy, where I chose to start/end the walk. I had passed it on Stage 12 and additional research showed that it is in the Good Beer Guide. A 300 year old boozer with an historic bar dedicated to the war poet Rupert Brooke sounded just up my blogs alley.
The sign saying closed Mondays/Tuesdays was unnoticed until my weary return. Even when a Tuesday is a Bank Holiday.
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| Timeless Boozer |
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| Failing to find the "Except Bank Holiday" small print |
A 14 mile route march in poor weather conditions, without stopping is how I spent my bank holiday. On a positive note, the paths were good when not muddy and there was some variety between woodland and expansive views along the dry valley floors. Revisiting the Ridgeway Long Distance Path is never a chore, even if I am going to have to look at the blog for a reminder.
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| Horsehoe Artwork at Kingswood House |
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| Spirits not allowed to drop when there is festive cheer |
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| Looking back over Bradenham from Slough Hill |
The CAMRA GBG App came to my aid. A quick look at the nearest (open!) pub showed the Golden Cross in Saunderton was not too far away.
The day saved by a Wye Valley HPA and Tuna Baguette - about three hours later than expected.
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| Thank the lord for Technology |
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| Much needed - and the likely last Good Beer Guide Tick of 2021 |
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