A riverside walk from an isolated and unchanged country pub
No one is going to stumble upon the Camp House Inn by mistake. Unless, maybe, they are in a kayak. It's located at the end of a dead end lane, worryingly close to the river.
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| A Camra Heritage Pub |
In it's splendid isolation, the boozer remains unchanged for decades. As do the landlords. 50+ years service from the current incumbents. The barstaff who served me had herself been coming here for 51 years.
Prone to regular (and increasing) flooding events, it makes you wonder for its long term future. Who else would take on a business, under such a risk? An ominous skip full of furnishings may have been the result of January's latest flooding. The house next door, seemingly abandoned to it's watery fate. The other pub in the village, the historic Wagon Wheel, turned to houses when their patrons retired.
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| Just make out the height of the flood on the plaques on the LHS of the fire place. |
As you'd expect from the photos, its a rambling, multi roomed former farmhouse. Getting to the bar is a challenge for the uninitiated. Through two doors, ignore the one marked "private" and double back on yourself to find a small serving. Wander further for tiny alcoves with river views and the large room detailed in the photo above.
Wednesday spring evening, so maybe four other punters. This leads to questions of how they can justify three similar real ales on. Turnover is likely to be limited. I would have settled for any one of the Butty Bach, HPA and Exmoor Ale on offer, having more confidence of its freshness if it was the only choice.
The walk - a river-side (near) figure of 8 ramble, with the pub at the apex. The truly thirsty and chauffeured could get away with a pint at the start, the middle and the end. I found the route in CAMRA Pint Taken magazine, whilst re-investigating the Good Beer Guide Pubs of Kidderminster. One adventure providing inspiration for another.
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| Pint Taken |
Historically, the stretch of the River Severn was home to the Grimley Lido. In the summer time, a stretch of the riverbank was turned over to sunbathers and swimmers. Conflicting reports as to whether it was WWII or the health and safety concerns of river swimming in the 70s that put an end to the commercial enterprise. The "beach" now long overgrown and some debate amongst the locals as to where exactly it was.
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| The River Severn "near" the Grimley Lido |
Other items of interest - Grimley's Norman sandstone church is bolted, limiting external investigations only.
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| Grimley Church |
And when you finish the walk, the pub peacocks may put on a show for you.
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| One of 3, but the only one showing off |
Walk Details
Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration - CAMRA Pint Taken Magazine Winter 2022/2023
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