Finding Palmers 200 North of Somerset
Easy transport links from the Midlands to Yate. A fairly non-descript town of dead pubs and new build shopping experiences. But walking just 2 miles west allows for the Cotswold Villages of the Sodburys to be explored.
The Sodburys
| Village |
Description |
| Chipping Sodbury |
The largest of the three, it’s a historic market town founded in the 12th century. It has a picturesque high street with pubs, independent shops, and a long-standing market tradition. Contains all the refreshment options, including a Good Beer Guide Pub, the Horseshoe. |
| Old Sodbury |
A small village just to the east, known for its scenic location on the Cotswold Way walking route. It has St. John the Baptist Church, which dates back to the 12th century, and remnants of an Iron Age hillfort. |
| Little Sodbury |
A tiny hamlet with a rich history. It’s notable for Little Sodbury Manor, where William Tyndale is believed to have worked on his English Bible translation in the 16th century. The Cotswold Way also passes through here, making it a good spot for walkers. |
A march from the railway station to find another village claiming to have the widest high street in the land. This, and oldest pub, must be the most spurious claims to increase tourism.
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| Wide enough to hold the Mop Fair - 04/04/25 |
In recent weeks, I have walking in three different counties. Each one, I have accidentally stumbled on the Monarch's Way. Whatever you have to say about Charles II, he certainly got around his kingdom.
The LDP leads across common land to Little Sodbury End, Horton and Old Sodbury. The clue is in the name here with plenty of history. First a church dedicated to William Tyndale;
William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536) was an English scholar and religious reformer, born in Gloucestershire, best known for translating the Bible into English. In 1535, he was arrested in Antwerp after being betrayed by an English informant. He was imprisoned for over a year in Vilvoorde Castle, near Brussels, where he was tried for heresy by the Catholic Church. In October 1536, he was convicted and sentenced to death. He was strangled at the stake and then burned, his final words reportedly being, "Lord, open the King of England’s eyes." Despite his execution, Tyndale’s English Bible translation remained influential, forming the basis of later versions, including the King James Bible.
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| Bad Henry VIII |
And going back into antiquity, Sobba's Hill fort. Overtaken by Woodcock Farm, who used the centre for making Hay (presumably only when the sun shines). The ramparts are clearly visible and the Cotswold Way runs right through the centre.
Old Sodbury Hill Fort is a large Iron Age hill fort in South Gloucestershire, near the village of Old Sodbury. Positioned on a high ridge along the Cotswold escarpment, it offers commanding views over the surrounding landscape. The fort dates back to around 400–100 BC and was originally built by the Dobunni tribe as a defensive settlement. Enclosing approximately 11 acres (4.5 hectares), it features multiple ramparts and ditches, which were later modified during the Roman period. It may also have been used as a strategic site during the Wars of the Roses. The name Sodbury is thought to derive from the Old English Sobba’s burh, meaning "Sobba’s fort." Today, the site is part of the Cotswold Way walking route, attracting visitors for its historical significance and scenic views.
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| Always hard to photograph a hillfort |
But none of this prepares you for the view from St John the Baptist Church. I doubt I will have a more scenic lunch spot than from the bench overlooking the Severn Vale.
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| A single ham sandwich barely apt for such a place |
Worryingly, Chipping Sodbury church tower can be spotted a long way away.
I have a train to catch and a Good Beer Guide Pub to tick off.
I cannot attest to this, but the Horseshoe has to be the stand out pub in the village. Others were spotted but are all trying to be something other than a pub. The Squire was almost visited until I saw the branding "Steak on the Square". Real Ales look way down on its list of offerings.
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| Not at the Horseshoe - it sells beer and has music |
Its not often I get excited but almost a whoop of delight as I spotted Palmers 200. That doyden of Dorset beer that has never been seen so far north. I wasn't even sure if they sold it in their non tied pubs.
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| Where to find Palmers Tied Houses |
A conversation with the barman told that it is permanently available here and they sponsor their Cask Marque status. I feel an Internet Job coming on. Maybe I could maintain a database on locations with Palmers permanently on.
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| Zoom in to see a rare Timothy Taylor shunning |
Times are checked for the 3.04pm return train. Google maps shows it to be 1.6 miles to go. That can be done in 30 minutes, can't it?
Only if I can down this second Palmers in 11 minutes.
Ubers are available.
Walk Details
Distance - 11.5 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, November 1991
Geocaches - 16
