Sunday 14 January 2024

14/01/24 - The (soon to be resurrected) Red Lion at Holt Heath, Worcestershire

 The "Random Walk Generator" leads to pub archaeology 


The Hidden Walks in Worcestershire book (pub. 1999) is used for a second time, a random number generator selecting which location we should head to.

Page 96 - a half page spread on the Red Lion in Holt Heath. The highlights of what we could have won;

"A 350 year coaching house open 12pm - 3:30pm and from 5pm in the evening.... the value for money extends to the French house wine, an alternative to their real ales such as Timothy Taylor and London Pride"

Red Lion - Holt Heath
Closed for three years..... but I bring news

Always fascinating, pub archaeology.  A quick google shows that it failed to make its reserve price of £475K at auction 6 months ago but more recent news.... from three days ago - shows it has been purchased and will be converted to an Indian Grill and Bar, opening Spring '24.

The Desi Pub experience gains further momentum from its black country homelands and into the Worcestershire wilds.

Our 6 mile walk is better than we had hoped. I expected a mud bath and although my feet would have been better served by the Scarpa boots I left in the living room, this was a much cleaner walk than we had any right to expect.

Frosty country fields to Ockeridge Woods, fine views across to Abberley from Little Witley, a land that time forgot dingle walk along Shawley Woods and a return along high cliffs along the Severn.

Walking companions in Ockeridge Wood
Two Women who will do anything for a Sunday Lunch
Views across to Abberley school and clock tower
Views over to Abberley
The sheltered dingle of Shrawley Brook
Into the dingle along Shrawley Brook

Timed to perfection, we have 13 minutes for those without dementia to change their footwear and drive the 4 miles to the Cross Keys in Ombersley. 

There's always an alternative. There's always hope.

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, Jan 2001, Walk 9


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