Bells, Barrows and Barstools
First visit to Winchcombe since the nonsense of the COVID Lock-downs. Spring is certainly the time to come.
Start off by seeing if there are any secrets left in St Peter's Church. When outside, look out for the gargoyles and the bullet holes. I've never been inside before but I have recently read about the twin coffins.
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| One of a pair |
The only downside of venturing in a place is you are bound to get into conversations with enthusiastic amateur historians. See also National Trust Venues. I do believe that I have now ticked off all that this fine medieval wool church has to offer.
Onwards, slightly delayed, with the walk. Soul restoring.
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| Out on the Cotswold Way |
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| Looking back with the new born lambs - always a special day on the calendar |
The main target of the day is Belas Knap Long Barrow.
Belas Knap is a Neolithic long barrow located in the hills above Winchcombe, dating to around 3000 BC. It was used as a communal burial site, with stone chambers built into the sides of the mound. A false entrance at the front may have had a ritual purpose or served to mislead grave robbers. Excavations have uncovered the remains of more than 30 individuals. Today, it’s a quiet, open site with views across the countryside.
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| Long Barrows, notoriously tricky to photograph |
A peaceful spot for lunch before taking in the finest countryside walking the Cotswold has to offer, aiming for Brockhampton on the opposite side of the Coln Valley.
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| Ruined Wontley Farm - 1980s raves to a warehouse for stolen car parts |
Brockhampton teases with the OS Map showing a Big Blue Cup of Joy. I'd already resigned myself to a remote Cotswold pub being open on a Tuesday afternoon but things were even worse. It looked long closed but an ongoing campaign led to research its a post COVID cost of living casualty.
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| Craven Arms, Brockhampton |
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| Campaign for Open Pubs |
Ironically, the banners are adorned on "The Old Shop" and "The Old Post Office". Guess there will be a new one on the Craven Arms - "The Old Pub".
The return to Wincombe follows new signage for the Coln River Trail. This looks intriguing. I already have the Wardens/Windrush Ways from Winchcombe earmarked. Looks like another 33 mile multi dayer joins the list.
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| All the way back to Winchcombe |
The grounds of Sudeley Castle mark a spectacular return.
Sudeley Castle is a historic Tudor manor house just outside Winchcombe, with origins dating back to the 15th century. It’s best known as the final home and burial place of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. The castle has seen both royal visits and civil war damage, and was partly restored in the 19th century. Today, it’s privately owned but open to the public, with formal gardens, exhibitions, and access to Parr’s tomb in the chapel on site.
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| The End of the Walking - Sudeley Castle |
Sudeley Castle is a historic Tudor manor house just outside Winchcombe, with origins dating back to the 15th century. It’s best known as the final home and burial place of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. The castle has seen both royal visits and civil war damage, and was partly restored in the 19th century. Today, it’s privately owned but open to the public, with formal gardens, exhibitions, and access to Parr’s tomb in the chapel on site.
Now for the choice of pubs. Having a "week after Super Saturday" Good Beer Guide Tick during the last lockdown, it had to be the Plaisterer's Arms turn. An unlikely but genuinely authentic Irish pub, still run with an iron fist by the Irish Landlady. I previously caught both barrels of her hospitality skills during a bizarre discussion about Sunday Lunch menus.
Alas, she is still keeping American tourists on their toes, not least by not opening on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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| Need to come on weekends if you want an afternoon drink |
The Lion wins again, when our convivial landlord is burning off the last of the Winter's log pile and serving the best pint of Butcombe Original known to man.
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| Its the Corner Cupboards turn to be in the GBG this year, not the Lion |
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| Liquid Perfection |
Walk Details
Distance - 12.5 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Day Walks in the Cotswolds, Walk 14
Geocaches - 2 and an Adventure Lab Cache
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