27/12/24 - Millers Arms, Pershore

Missing out big time for the sake of a 6X

The last of the Christmas guests needs a lift to a railway station on the day after Boxing Day. You've got to admire the little one's optimism. How to get the most out of a 40 mile round trip? Well there is a railway station (nearly) in Pershore. And there is 50% of the necessary Good Beer Guide Ticks to render Worcestershire green again.

The weather - Pea Souper. The experts, heading for broken spectres, fog bows and a spectacular cloud inversion on the Malvern Hills. The hills that we should have been able to see from our Pershore lowlands.

Third day of fog meeting strong temperature inversion on the Malverns.

A truly memorable spectacle, particularly on the Malvern Hills where you get fantastic 360° views. pic.twitter.com/Rn4Y1ky5DQ

— Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) December 27, 2024

Have I ever cocked up so spectacularly? 

Just to keep the blog positive, the train was on time.

Back to the misery - our walk was a sloppy mud-fest, with zero views until we get inside the Abbey. Mrs M quite quickly asking the questions "Why do we do this exactly?"

Pershore Old Bridge

They tried to take my horse to rehab, it said "Neigh, Neigh, Neigh"

Pershore Abbey deserted, apart from a guide keen to engage. I'm out my depth with ecumenical conversations, but he thrusts a leaflet in my hand. At least I know the back story to the tombs and carved stone roof bosses.

Originally painted colourfully, until those miserable Victorians cleaned them

The Hazelwood Family Tomb

Slightly too early for the midday opening, so time to ponder on when exactly a small Americano in a back street cafe costs £3.15.

The Millers Arms is the latest pub to grace the Good Beer Guide. You cannot accuse CAMRA of not being fair and inclusive. Each year a different pub in town gets the award.

2025 - The Year for the Millers Arms

The outside signage is unpromising. A "No Guinness Available" hand written not on the door recorded for posterity of the great marketing hoax of 2024. The A Frame board more worryingly saying "Bar Closed".

Yet the door is ajar, so we enter to find zero punters and a bar person on their phone. Her ruse for a quiet afternoon thwarted.

A Frame removed and a quick sconce at a tardis like interior that has a lot going for it. Partitioned into cosy little alcoves with the pick of the seats the voluminous red Chesterfields in front of what would have been a roaring real fire. If phone lady had bothered to light it.

Wadworths 6X in fine condition.

Enjoyed in silence, as the first social media posts of what is happening on top of Malvern filter through to Mrs Ms phone. 

My single seater Chesterfield now known as the Dog House

Walk Details

Distance - 5.25 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Adventurous Pub Walks in Worcestershire, Walk 5

22/12/24 - Harvington Hall

Priest Holes and a Perfect Pint

A last minute walk and the Ramblers Web Site used for inspiration. I need a local walk. I need a local walk that I haven't done for a while. I need to be out for a couple of hours.

A 7.5 Miler from Harvington Hall. Last walked in 2016. Will it pass a pub?  Only one way to find out.

First Harvington Hall - a moated manor house, with a little Catholic church attached. Stunning from all angles.

Moated Harvington Hall

Harvington Hall is an Elizabethan manor house located in Worcestershire, known for its remarkable preservation and rich history. Built in the 1580s by Humphrey Pakington, a Catholic during the Protestant Reformation, the hall is a testament to the turbulent religious tensions of the time. The house is particularly famous for its numerous and ingeniously concealed priest holes, secret spaces designed to hide Catholic priests during periods of persecution. These priest holes, some of the best examples in England, were believed to have been designed by Nicholas Owen, a master carpenter who dedicated his life to creating safe havens for priests.

An the historical references don't end there, as I head out on the Monarchs Way to Hillpool. Waterside walking along the Belne Brook, fields and then a woodland section past Mount Segg to Stone. Maybe its the rare blue skies. Maybe its escaping for some peace and quiet before the Christmas madness begins in earnest. Whatever it is, I am in a delightful mood.

Sheep huddling together for warmth like penguins

A weir on Belne Brook

Worcestershire Fields

Harvington Hall is closed for winter, but the adjacent Catholic Church is doors open. Although there is an ominous sign warning an alarm will be triggered if you get to close to the wooden carvings.

Zoom on a Pixel 8

The walk did pass a pub - but a two meals for the price of one but twice the price chain pub (The Dog) wasn't going to cut the mustard.

A short journey to the Plough, Shenstone.

I know that Camra say that a seasoned drinker should only award 5 stars to a beer very occassionally.

So I will allocate a 6 to this perfect Bathams Bitter..... as it always is.

Quiet at 12:30 but soon filled up with haggard last minute Xmas Shoppers.

Walk Details

Distance - 7.5 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - The Ramblers Website

17/12/24 - The Old Swan, Minster Lovell

Myths and Ruins

Why walk along the River Windrush, when you can walk in it? The aftermath of Storm Darragh in full evidence on this short walk that packs plenty.

I'm here for two reasons;

Reason 1: A mercy mission to fetch a student in the final throes of his PHD for a permanent(?) return to Worcestershire. I am sure he will find another course to do before long.

Reason 2: Episode 5 of the Loremen Podcast is about the mystery of Minster Lovell. Surprisingly, a part of the Cotswolds previously unvisited. I love a good ruin.

Bonus Adventure Lab Cache at Minster Lovell Hall

The legend that made the Podcast;

Francis Lovell's story is intertwined with the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts in 15th-century England between the Houses of York (white rose) and Lancaster (red rose) vying for the throne. Lovell was a staunch supporter of the Yorkist King Richard III. After Richard's defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, the Lancastrian Henry Tudor became King Henry VII. Two years later, Lovell participated in a Yorkist uprising that culminated in the Battle of Stoke Field. Following the Yorkist defeat there, Lovell vanished. Legend has it he returned to his estate, Minster Lovell Hall, and hid in a secret room, relying on a single servant for sustenance. When the servant died unexpectedly, Lovell was trapped and starved to death. Centuries later, during renovations, a vault was supposedly discovered containing a skeleton seated at a table with a dog's skeleton, believed to be the remains of the ill-fated Lord Lovell, forever linked to the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses.

A "doors open" Church requiring investigation.

Baron Lovell Effigy

Onward, for the walk.  An easy out and back along (and in) the River Windrush to Crawley.

River Windrush - not meat to be this wide.

Refreshment at the wonderfully evocative Old Swan. C15th, Grade I listed. I still find it an honour that for a tad over a fiver, I can sit in a Chesterfield armchair with a pint of North Cotswold Windrush Ale, completing their Times Sudoku Super Fiendish for as long as I like. Stone flagged floors and a huge fireplace. Gripes? Would have been nice to have the fire lit.

River lapping at the door

Even the rucksack gets a comfy chair

All set to pack the car to the rafters. What on earth does a student do with a string of industrial grade fairy lights? And when did he take up tennis?

Walk Details 

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 7 and an ALC

Walk Inspiration - Loremen Podcast and Jarrold Cotswold Walks, Walk 1

Previous Loremen Walks - Churchill, Burford, Long Compton, Swinbrook

16/12/24 - Sandwell Valley Country Park

Psycho-geography through Adventure Lab Caching

Mappiman taxi service in full swing this week. A mother that needs delivering to Digbeth Coach Station for a journey that will a) hopefully reach Plymouth, in the opposite direction and b) arrive by Christmas Day.

Where to walk? A couple of ALCs in Sandwell Valley Country Park and the adjoining Dartmouth Park.

Sandwell Valley Country Park is a 660 acre green space nestled between Birmingham and West Bromwich. It's a haven for nature lovers, offering a variety of activities like cycling, walking, and birdwatching. The park's rich history is intertwined with the ruins of Sandwell Priory, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. This historic site, once a place of religious devotion, now stands as a reminder of the area's past.

Dartmouth Park, while not directly connected to Sandwell Valley, is another significant green space in the region. It's known for its beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, providing opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The route between the various stages, rather meandering.

Information

Low Sun over Swan Pool

Remains of Sandwell Priory

Could have been a Desi Pub Lunch. But I have a Turkey Crown to collect. I kid you not, the BBE date is 22/12/24. 

With a price tag that has me agreeing with the Daily Mail article suggesting it is now acceptable to charge your Christmas day guests.

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 10 ALCs

15/12/24 - Mawgan Porth to St Mawgan

The Last of the Cornish Bargains

Final day in Mawgan Porth. We've walked the coast North. We've walked the coast South. Only option now is inland. But once again, we fail to find a circular walk.

This is a straight up, straight back following the River Menalyhyl. We head along roads, through woodland and along the river bank to find the hamlet of St Mawgan.

The Woodland trail to St Mawgan

St Mawgan Church

Twice blogged, never visited. It's 10am on a Sunday

A church, a pub (which we are too early for) and a choice of two cafes. We pick wisely, with Hawkey's cafe.

Old school, unspoiled and run by a genial Hullensian. A master baker and mean wielder of the frying pan.

Normally, not enough excitement to warrant a blog. Until I pay the bill. Two teas, a hot mince pie with cream, a slice of fruit cake and two home made sausage tolls for the 4 hour drive home.

A tenner.

We're tourists. They really should have seen us coming.

Walk Details

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 0

 

14/12/24 - Mawgan Porth to Waterbeach - and Back

No alternative to linear walking

Despite an extensive library of walking books, there's only a single route along this part of the South West Coast Path. That is a fully linear walk that runs from Newquay to Portcothan, where you catch the bus back.

There are no inland paths to make circular walks feasible.

We headed North yesterday, so it makes sense to head south towards Newquay. A mere 5 miles away, yet the return bus takes about an hour. We'll bail out at Watergate Beach, have a tea and sausage bap (tenner to tourists) and then retrace our steps. High cliffs around the inaccessible Beacon Cove. Geocaches placed just the wrong side of dangerous. Some sort of cross country race causing plenty of giving way on the narrow paths. The reward? Well Watergate Beach must surely be a contender for Britain's best. The views from the cafe bring a tear to your eye.

Here's the photos;

Mawgan Porth from the other side.

Beacon Cove

On the Cliffs over Watergate Beach

Down on the Beach

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 2

13/12/24 - Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth

A-List Celebrity Neighbours

Please allow me to boast, just a little bit. Our dog-sitting exploits have taken us to new heights, that surely have ruined us. It was rather tough to get out of bed this morning.

Those are my feet

We have Kate Blanchett next door. We have Chris Martin, supposedly moving in a few doors down. Yet our property possibly trumps them all. Can you feel smugness from a blog?

Walk past the hot tub, hop over a wall and we're on the South West Coast Path. The dramatic section of the SWCP. Where its impossible to get down to the beaches of Whitestone Cove and Pentire Steps. Too precipitous, and in the case of the former - cliff erosion.

Still, its a bracing walk from Mawgan Porth to Porth Mear. A lack of inland paths results in rather a balloon shaped walked, but superb all the same.

North on the SWCP

Our responsibilities for this week, Ruby and Wolf.  And Mrs M

Wolf on Porth Mear

The National Trust Pentire Farm allows for some variety before we come back the way we went for a mess about on Mawgan Porth Beach, and of course, the pub.

Behind a Waterfall

Mawgan Porth Beach

The Merrymoor Inn, family run for 62 years. A huge car park, where they have avoided threatening patrons with fining if they don't input car registration numbers. Mulled wine, mince pies on the bar and Skinners Jingle Knocker at £4 a pint.

I hope Kate and Chris appreciate this level of service to the community.

I'm fixed, Chris, totally fixed

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 3 and an ALC

10/12/24 - Hanbury Hall

Things I Grew Up With Are Now Museum Exhibits

First proper usage of my National Trust Membership. The closest attraction, Hanbury Hall. A place I have walked around, but never set foot inside.

Today's walk is functional. Muddy countryside, an ascent of Pipers Hill for the church and back down through the grounds.

The Inspiration for Lower Loxley Hall in the Archers

Allowed in, as I had brought a change of shoes.

Mud to Pipers Hill

St Mary the Virgin

Let's go through the round window

Back in an hour. Through the National Trust's Checkpoint Charlie and adorned with a sticker to prove membership. Its a tour through the rooms of Hanbury Hall. The Theme, Christmas past.

The exhibits? Floppy disks. Cassettes. Ghetto Blasters. Smash Hits. 

And this bad boy

Basically, the things from my youth are now museum exhibits.

A gentle weep in the car before setting off for home.

Walk Details

Distance - 3 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Jarrold, the Malverns to Warwickshire, Walk 2

05/12/24 - Cottonopolis Manchester

Two Pubs and a Dive Bar

Winner of the shortest distance for a blogged walk. It is from an official walking guide, so don't blame me for its brevity. Less than a mile, exploring Manchester's rich past as a Global Trading Centre for the Cotton Industry.

It starts at a pub and recommends stopping at another - both of which were unticked since the launch of another specific book this time last year. So much inspiration, filling my days!

A pint before I even begin at Holts, The Old Monkey.

Monkey Magic

For some reason, I always had this down as a "Fun Pub". Maybe a previous visit had it packed with students. I've never felt compelled to revisit and have often hot footed past onto more revered hostelries. A basic Holts Pub, with the football on, bright lights and just a handful of punters took me a little by surprise. 

Third in the world to check in their seasonal ale - "Deck the Holts".

Why Not at this time of Year

I've hardly got going and its time to stop again. The City Arms - the middle of three boozers - in Kennedy Street. Always worth it - the beer quality is fantastic, even if I never fail to move on from Red Willows Feckless. Seemingly permanently on. Lucky enough to get a little table in the back bar.

A break in the gaspers

Fools?  A bit harsh, I hardly know them

Best concentrate on the walk. I'm looking for Portland stone buildings. I'm looking for Neptune on the top of the Manchester Ship Canal HQ. I take my life in my own hands by dipping into Back Fold Lane at night - the former location of a pond used to punish "lewds and scolds". File under sketchy.

The End of the Walk - The Royal Exchange

Walk over and time to kill. I have an entry saved in my google maps that even eluded Matthew Curtis in his "Manchester's Best Beer Pubs and Bars" book. 

Corbieres, A dive bar..... and Manchester's "Worst Kept Secret".

Down we go!

What goes on in Corbieres? Sorry - you'll have to go yourself to find out. I will say the music is beyond excellent.

24 Hour Party People indeed.

Walk Details

Distance - 1 Mile

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - AZ Hidden Walks in Manchester, Walk 2 and Manchester's Best Beer Pubs and Bars.

05/12/24 - Yarnbury Mines, Hebden Beck for the Grassington Pubs

Christmas Cake.... with Cheese

Day 2 in North Yorkshire and another cracking half day walk.

We leave Grassington Civilisation to head upwards, discovering iron age ruins and the location of the original village.

Today's Playground

Yomping on to Yarnbury

Yes, a slight navigational error was made. I should have been further west, but we got a feel for the ancient field systems and we arrived where we needed to be. Yarnbury, for a quite delightful beck-side drop through the mine workings.

Easy navigation home

One small problem.... the overnight rain has the beck in spate. We were meant to cross at stepping stones, which are just about visible under 9" of water. As ever, the trail will provide.

Unorthodox

Too early for the Clarendon Pub in Hebden but only a couple of miles along High Lane to re-enter Grassington.

A tea-shop sounds about right. Christmas Cake sounds like an accompaniment treat. Being asked if I would like a slice a Wensleydale reminds me why this is God's Country.

Now Then..... Tea, with a Chef's Swoosh

But we read the blog for the pubs, I hear a couple of blogfans cry? Well, I've been and blogged before but here is last night's summary, with this morning's photos.

The Devonshire is a posh Timothy Taylors gastropub. When busy, it feels great. When quiet a little soulless. The beer is perfectly kept and Bolt Maker is now edging it in their range for me.

The Devonshire

The Black Horse Hotel is now in the Good Beer Guide (as is the Foresters), providing an unexpected tick. Black Sheep House, and the seasonal Blitzen was in fine condition. They have a special on the food menu. Roast Turkey and all the trimmings with Christmas Pudding to follow. I ask for the Christmas Fayre and the waitress responds with "what, like a circus?". Apparently, Christmas Fayres are not national. Good food, good service, good beer and lovely internal Christmas decorations.

Fayre Enough

We expected The Foresters to be closed, having spotted on Facebook that the long term patrons had held a leaving party last week. The new management team are already in. The earthiest pub in Grassington and filled with proper pub goers. The Landlord was still £5.40 a pint.

'Ow Much! I believe the correct response to be.

Earthy Pubness

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Mark Reid's Walking Weekends in the Yorkshire Dales, Walk 10

Geocaches - 2