18/04/22 - Thames Path at Newbridge, Oxfordshire

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration - Walks along the Thames Path - Walk 6

Pub - The Maybush

This time last year, it was the weekend that pubs re-opened. In honour of a year without lockdowns, I am back on the Thames Path for the next leg from a lovely little guidebook, with walks from Thames Head to Greenwich.

There is some debate as to whether Newbridge hosts the oldest bridge over the Thames but in my mind, there is no doubt it is the best. Single track, 5 pedestrian escape triangles, C13th construction and importantly, a pub at either end. By virtue of not being a Greene King, the Maybush wins the Mappiman dollar over the Rose Revisited.

The Old Bridge at Newbridge

Eastern Side - Rose Revived

Western Side - The Maybush

Getting the agricultural walking over first, I head to Northmoor. A pretty little village of thatched cottages.  A little pub archaeology - the Dun Cow changed purpose to residential in the 1980s.  Research reveals that it had no bar, with beer dispensed from racked barrels in the kitchen. Sounds dreadful, but there are some lovely photos here. Other research showing that it sold recently for £1.175m.  

It a wonder we have any pubs left, when you consider the value of the real estate but little Northmoor is not a dry village. I am too early for the Red Lion, but at least the new occupants of the Dun Cow are within walking distance of a boozer.

Maybe it was bought by a publican... with deep pockets

An mid point stop off, it you time things properly.

A short distance to Northmoor lock and easy, riverside walking back to Newbridge.

A Geocaching GZ

The Maybush provided a lovely beer garden, organised ordering with an airport Wetherspoons-esque queue at an external bar and a buzzer provided system to tell you when your ciabatta is ready for collection from the chef's hatch.

I'm always left wondering whether there are any batteries in these things and I am sure there is a German word for the relief felt when it finally goes off.