Wednesday, 20 November 2024

20/11/24 - Evesham to Honeybourne Rail Trail

Meeting Nigel at a Classic Pub

Two weeks on a Mexican sunbed and my mind constantly wanders to winter time walking. I dream of this;

Worcestershire Snow
Crisp Winter Walking

I'm not wired up correctly.

The Vale of Evesham is often a flat mud path that doesn't provide exciting walking but today's route is saved by a couple of things on top of the crisp conditions underfoot. Two interesting Adventure Lab Caches at Bengeworth and Badsey. A lunchtime intermission at a stone cold classic pub.

Crossing the Avon at Evesham
Over the Avon at Evesham
Owners of Bengeworth Manor
And into Bengeworth to find King Canute's House
Badsey Manor
Badsey Manor House

Arrival at Bretforton for the Fleece in at 11:45am. This means I can get the best seat in the house, practically in the fireplace, next to the circles designed to repel witches.

The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
Witch Repelling Circles

The pub is a joy. Hosting many events, from top quality folk gigs in the barn to regular festivals celebrating beer, cider, aspargus and all things Nigel. As no Nigel's were christened in a calendar year, the landlord decided it was worth celebrating a dying name. Click the link to read about 372 Nigels from around the world descending on a sleepy Worcestershire village.

As the pub fills with diners, Nigel the landlord comes for a pub related chat, started by meenquiring about their sister pub, the Cardinals Hat, in Worcester. I'm not sure I have been there since it was an Austrian themed bar, but I will surely visit to see if they have Uley Pig's Ear.

Which was so good here, I stopped for 3. That's the beauty of Rail Ale Trails.

Uley Pigs Ear
Pigs Ear and the view "Down Bar"

Warmed and watered, it was a struggle to tear myself away for the last two miles. Timed to perfection for the hourly train. Which of course was late. And then never reached its intended destination of Foregate Street. 

How complicated is Great Western Railways Delay/Repay website?

Walk Details

Distance - 10 Miles

Geocaches - 14 and 7 ALC




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