30/04/25 - The Cricket Inn, Beesands

Civilised Opening Hours

We're back in the land of ridiculous roads. The only reason the A379 from Kingsbridge is an A road is by virtue of there being no grass growing down the middle of it.

Another week of dog-sitting. The walks have been plotted from the comfort of Worcestershire. Which to tackle first?

We'll add another new section of the South West Coast Path by walking from Beesands to Start Point. 

It's one of those walks where the whole route is laid about before your eyes.

Near the start at Tinsey Head

That's the nearly lost village of Hallsands ahead and in the far distance, Start Point Lighthouse.

The coast takes us there, green lanes bring us home.

Testing Ziggy's recall in garlic green lanes

Ziggy, this week's charge, had us up at 6am. Not a problem, as we wanted to complete today's walk before it got too hot in this unseasonable April. Starting early can leave a problem for post walk refreshment. But not here. How about these for most civilised opening hours?

Open All Hours

The Cricket Inn is housed in a row of terraced cottages and has obviously crept into the neighbouring properties since its opening in 1867. Since then it has survived storms that have wreaked along this coastline, a WWII bomb and a mudslide.

The original part of the pub

It's now a smart gastro-pub/hotel catering for the holiday trade that are brave enough to drive the final mile. 

Again, expectation exceeded. I didn't expect too much from the beer, but a choice of three cask and the Otter was as good as I have ever tasted anywhere.

And this, a first pour at 11am.

It settled to perfect clarity

Walk Details

Distance - 5.5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Dartmoor and South Devon, Walk 2

Geocaches - 1 

25/04/25 - Rail Trail - Hartlebury to Kidderminster

A Walk of Two Halves

A bit of a weird one this. The route from Hartlebury Station to Kidderminster runs along the disused railway spur to Stourport and then along the canal. My house is pretty much at the half way stage. The easiest way to be a completist is to walk it over two days.

Bank Holiday Monday saw me get the hiking umbrella out for the first time this year to plod along the disused railway, now called Leapgate Country Park.

Walking, mainly like this

Some new paths through Hartlebury to take me to the station. The Hartlebury Tap Room could not be ignored, even if I did have to wait for the scrape of the midday bolt. Butty Bach in as fine condition as I remember it from the end of the Droitwich leg.

Open up, its a Bank Holiday.

The trains running and on time for the £1 per minute journey to Kidderminster. Where, of course, I was going to use the King and Castle for a Bathams. Yet something is amiss. A high police presence and bouncers on the door asking which football team I support. The answer was meant to be Kiddy or Hereford and not West Bromwich Albion but the mention of serial underachievers who get their manager the sack by the end of the day gains me entrance. 

It didn't take me long to hot-foot it out of there. I love Bathams but not in plastic glasses. Rather go without.

The following Friday saw me complete the walk - one that I used to do for my one man Christmas Party. The loneliness of a WFH'er meaning that every December I would walk up the canal and make sure the pubs of Kidderminster hadn't completely disappeared. It was never the same once the Beer Emporium closed and the night couldn't be rounded off with a St Bernardus XMAS ale.

Friday, under the Falling Sands Viaduct

The Bear and Wolf Micro pub was chosen for a change.  Alas, the range of beers on this visit all met the same criteria - all casks was sub 4% and with the exception of a single porter, all pale ales. Overhearing that the Big Trip Brewery Loose Fit was freshest on, I chose this Manc Brewery for a pint that would never set the world on fire.

Micro pub classic

Back to the King and Castle it was. Where the Bathams was lovely. And served in a glass.

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Previous Stage on the Wyre Valley Line - Worcester to Droitwich, Droitwich to Hartlebury

Walk Inspiration

23/04/25 - Colwall Bluebell Walk and onto the Ledbury Pubs

AI vs Reality

A Ramblers walk from Colwall Station to admire the bluebell woods. Checking out ticket prices, I can purchase a Worcester to Ledbury ticket for the same price. They do allow for "break of journey", don't they?

The walk is psychogeography at its finest. I have no idea where we will be going, putting the next five miles in the hands of the walk leader. She has done her homework and the advertised flowers are duly found.

Single File through the Bluebells

Easy walking in the foothills of the Malverns.

Always keen to revisit the Prince of Wales - one of the country's more photogenic pubs - I have done some homework. I asked AI to rank the Ledbury Pubs in order. I should have time to visit three.

The Talbot

A historic 16th-century coaching inn offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. With a cozy pub, enchanting dining room, and a not-so-secret courtyard garden, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Talbot

Accurate - gaining access is a little tricky. I may have missed it but I never found anything as simple as a door, instead making my way through the secret courtyard into a cozy, fireplace hosting front bar. Old boy bar hangers blocking access to the non-existent staff. A wait - that if I hadn't broken the ice by asking if there was a bell to ring - that was too long to be comfortable. On another day, I would have walked straight back out.

Barstaff are also restaurant waitresses. And she only has one pair of hands.

Four cask on - a Wadworth House that the main local explained to me has a special deal to serve Butty Bach as well as the expected 6x, Swordfish and one other unremembered. 

The old boys engaged me in conversation. I didn't actually expect to be talking with a Vietnam Vet from Seattle when I set out this morning, but he made sure I had my chance to rant about the land of the free.

Prince of Wales

A 16th-century timber-framed pub renowned for its extensive selection of cask ales and continental beers. Recognized by CAMRA as Herefordshire Pub of the Year, it offers a cozy atmosphere with regular folk jam sessions and hearty pub meals.

Photogenic

AI not commenting on just how handsome, welcome and timeless it looks. Quiet enough on a Wednesday afternoon, I was able (for the first time) to position myself in the front bar room. Plenty of time to check out the chalkboards. Can't be many pubs where I can have a Utopian 7.5% Dopplebock but even I had the sense to not take advantage of the barman's offer of "Same Again?" on completion.

Anyone with a love of pubs should visit.

Pub Number 3

Seven Stars

A historic inn at the heart of Ledbury, sourcing ingredients from its own farm near Malvern. It offers spacious accommodation, local food and drink, and a warm, traditional setting.

Quinno's Pubsgalore review told me all I needed to know. The bar staff still have waistcoats. They are doing their bit to maintain the national average £5 pint price by wiping out any gains I have had elsewhere.

But they do have the new Landlord glassware. Wye Valley Bitter has been renamed "Pyoneer". Timothy Taylor have employed the same designer that scrawls on Superdry clothes.

What a time to be alive!

 

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Ramblers Led Walk

Geocaches - 12

15/04/25 - The Waterfall, Old Hill

Holdens Hours Lead to BCA Benefit

Mrs M looked rather bemused when I tell her I am off to Old Hill for a walk. Bemusement leads to hilarity and she spies my Urban Explorer outfit. Maybe I'll create a AI Doll so you can join in the mirth.

These gritty urban walks - from a book with handwritten maps published decades ago - can produce real joy. There is nothing wrong with the walk. All green corridors, with the Dudley Number 2 Canal taking me down to Leasowes Park and the Monarch's Way through Coombeswood taking me home to Blackheath.

Feature	Description
Dudley Canal Number 2	The Dudley Number 2 Canal is a historic waterway running through the West Midlands, opened in 1798 to serve the coal and iron industries of the Black Country. It stretches around 11 miles from the Dudley Tunnel at Netherton through places like Old Hill and Halesowen to join the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Selly Oak.
Leasowes Park	​Leasowes Park in Halesowen is a landmark of English landscape gardening, designed by poet William Shenstone between 1743 and 1763. Transforming his inherited farmland, Shenstone created a 'ferme ornée'—a blend of working farm and ornamental garden—that became a model for naturalistic landscape design.

I will make it back to Bumble Hole

The Landscaping in Leasowes Park

Views of the Clent Hills from the Monarchs Way

I was here to tick off a Holdens Pub. The Guide Book recommends the Waterfall as "one of 6 great hostelries in the area". Alas, they don't tell us the other five... only that the Waterfall "offers Hook Norton, Everards and Marstons Beers and is open daily for lunch time and evening service".

Of course things have changed. It now only opens from 4p.m. on weekdays. A dubious Holdens Tick, and although only a short distance from the station, I am unsure whether I would risk the steep walk up the Old Hill.

Black Country Special for another day

Holden's loss is Black Country Ales gain. Two Good Beer Guide Ticks in the immediate area. 

Currently, Black Country Ales are running a promotion to visit the pubs and get stamps in a log book. Coach Trips are offered, as the chain stretches from Herefordshire to Leicestershire and all places in between.

Having visited two sequentially, I'm unsure if I could think of anything more uninspiring, pub-wise. Taken individually, a BCA house offers a traditional experience, with classic pub furniture, doggy filling stations, pub games, cobs you've heard off and beers you probably haven't.

The problem is that they are all the bloody same. I swear the checked seat coverings in the Swan and the Old Bush Revived were identical. The fonts on the toilet doors definitely were. As was the WiFi Password.

The Swan

The Old Bush Revived

In a game of "Spot the Difference", I'd say the beer was better in the Old Swan. Both pints were Citras, with Peerless Citruvian a better pint than Hop Back Citra. 

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in the Black Country, Walk 21

Geocaches - 2

12/04/25 - Padstow to Trevone Bay

The Last Hurrah

I know the secret on how to be the most popular man in Padstow. Vacate your parking space at midday. They were like vultures, hovering, as I made the slowest reverse to man, giving the next tourist the freedom of the town.

But how rude, on this the last day of our dog sit, the weather turns. The worst of it expected from 1pm, so we are up early to arrive at Padstow. The final stage of an ALC completed at the 11th Century Celtic Cross church and an arrow straight farm track takes us through Trethillick and onto Trevone Bay.

Early Christian Art

The Adventure Lab Cache at Trevone tells us this is another community that has been hollowed out by second home owners. We can leave old fashioned political protest to the traditional geocaches.

I only have one

The final coastal walking of the week takes us past Gunver Head but with the rain starting, we shortcut Stepper Point to cross cow fields back to the Camel estuary.

Where have the blue skies gone?

Heading back to Padstow in the rain

Of course, Padstow has plenty of options for post walk refreshment. Having sampled the beer (Old Ship, Tribute) and Fish and Chips (Chip Ahoy!) we are left with only one delicacy.

Cornish Pasties, as big as your shoe.

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - 40 Walks in Cornwall

11/04/25 - On the Wadebridge Camel Trail for the Swan Inn

Trading The Coast for Shaded Woodland Paths

Having not had enough of entire families on two wheels, we decide to tackle the Camel Path away from Padstow. Surely Bodmin won't be as popular as Padstow and there will be less traffic?

All quiet on the Eastern Camel Trail Front

A very pleasant, simple walk. Clear enough on the Camel Trail to let the dogs off the lead, and in Wolf's case, play in the Camel. At Polbrock Bridge, cross over and head back through Bishops Woods. A change from the week's coastal walking. Would you believe that this early in April, we need the woodland shade?

River Camel, with Bishops Wood Opposite

Into the Shade

Then up to Burlawn and down along lanes/agricultural tracks back to civilisation. An Adventure Lab Cache showing us the history of the town - train station, museum, town hall and finishing on the 15th Century and 17 arched bridge.

The Old Bridge

Mrs M wants to maximise her lunch experience, so takes advantage of local knowledge by texting friends who have lived here. They say the Swan Hotel. 

Good food at reasonable prices and a decent pint of Proper Job.

Proper Job at the Swan

Walk Details

Distance - 6.5 Miles

Geocaches - 9

Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Walks, Walk 11

10/04/25 - Crantock to Holywell for the Old Albion Inn

More Blue Skies and Blue Seas

April keeps on giving — weather-wise, at least. Just like during the COVID-era financial crash, I’ve got sunburn while the stock markets tumble through tariff trauma.

There's probably no better way to forget your troubles than to set off on a lengthy coastal hike, with your boots sinking into fresh sand, watered from the retreating tide. Especially when you have saved £9 parking at Crantock by being a member of the National Trust.

Sand Dunes Conquered on Crantock Beach

Another day in Paradise

The walking is as exceptional as we have come to expect during our week in this part of Cornwall. Spectacular coastal paths. Ups and Downs to the next cove, where the dogs insist on a play with the ball before moving on. Refreshment stops aplenty - this time, cream teas at Holywell Beach Cafe.

Polly Joke - another place for dogs to play

Carters Rock from Kelsey Head

After enjoying the cream tea with jam applied first, we decide to head in-land. A sprawling camping/caravan site at Trevornick offers holiday makers the opportunity to both fish and play golf. Cubert Common delivering us back to Crantock.

Two pubs opposite each other but as a Baggies Fan, the Cornishman never going to get a look-in for a Baggie on tour.

The Old Albion Inn

Every bit as wonderful as it looks. Low ceilings, red chesterfields, many strange display cabinets suggesting a member of landlords family is moonlighting as a jewellery maker.

The Tribute, the best sampled on this holiday.

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Ramblers Route

Geocaches - 2

08/04/25 - The Camel Trail into Padstow, Saints Way Out

Ding Ding

Should you want to go to Padstow (plenty of chippers, no Good Beer Guide Pubs), you'll probably want to avoid the stress and expense of parking in town. 

I parked at Little Petherick - which provides two walking trails (sort of) into town.

 

Path	Description
Camel Trail	The Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s most popular recreational routes, stretching around 18 miles along a disused railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin. Walkers should avoid getting angry with cyclists that insist on dinging their little bells at you when approaching from behind. Far more hideous are the new breed of electric cyclists, who are not only lazy but think they have a right to silently creep up on you at 20 MPH before delivering said "ding".
Saints Way	The Saints' Way is a 30-mile walking trail that cuts across the heart of Cornwall, linking the north coast town of Padstow with the south coast harbour of Fowey. Steeped in history, the route follows ancient paths believed to have been used by early Christian pilgrims and traders as they journeyed between Ireland, Wales, and Brittany.

We decided to take the Camel trail first, which required some uninspiring walking until the views eventually opened up over the estuary. St Issey/Trevance especially annoying, where a new estate has been built and the footpaths only vaguely indicated on the ground. 

First views of Padstow

The Camel Trail is picked up at Halwyn. A C15th Pigeon house but more importantly for the C21st Tourist, a free car park. If you are prepared to drive down narrow lanes with grass growing up the middle.

The Second Time this structure has appeared on my blog

Shared access paths are never the easiest, especially when you are sharing with arrogant and entitled pricks. Christ, but cyclists do little to live down their reputation. They seem to get emboldened, the more of them there are. It's a relief to reach the end of the line.

The views were of course, excellent

Its possibly best to avoid the harbour area of Padstow. Take a few steps into the back streets and you will get an outdoor seat at a pub. We tried the Old Ship, where friendly service was countered by a lacklustre Tribute.

Padstow - from the opposite side of the Harbour

Space at the Old Ship

Lunch had to be Fish and Chips. We could have queued with everyone else for the full Rick Stein experience, but Chip Ahoy sounded more up our street. Next to a Padstow Brewery craft beer bar and a couple of available outdoor seats. This proved handy to get over the shock of Fish and Chips twice being £27. 

It's the families I feel sorry for! What do you do if you have hungry kids? Get them to share is the only obvious answer.

The Saints Way took us back to Little Petherick. And what super walking it was - Up and down over agricultural fields. The agriculture? Daffodils! 

Saints Way to the Obelisk

Who knew daffodils were industrially cultivated?

Followed by a around a mile along Little Penderick Creek.

End of the Day Walking

Super route, 14 years after I last completed something similar.

The saving up starts now for the next time.

Walk Details

Distance - 10 Miles

Geocaches - 9

Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in Cornwall, Walk 4

07/04/25 - St Agnes for the Driftwood Spars

Blue Hills Tin Streams

St Agnes is the furthest we will travel for a walk this week. A village steeped in mining traditions, where we never seem to be far from an engine house or a slag heap.

As always, stunning sea views.

We start in the centre and work our way along back lanes to Trevellas Coombe - one of the last places where tin and copper were mined. The dogs enjoying a lengthy romp in the post industrial stream. Why walk on the path when you can have a splash around?

Ruby under the way marker

Blue Hills Tin Stream Engine House

A steep up and over to Trevaunance Cove. You would think that 10:52am would be too early for a Good Beer Guide Tick. In the same way that Rick Stein dominates Padstow, the Driftwood Spars dominate St Agnes. With a pub, a hotel, a restaurant, a brewery and a snack shed, one of them is bound to be open. A drink in a branded glass means this isn't one for the dubious ticks committee, even if the drink was San Pellegrino.

Quite the approach to a pub

Good Beer Guide Tick

The dogs demand a beach frolic and then we are on our way. Mrs M disappointed that her new fitbit is providing a "sleep score" - an encouraging 82% but not counting flights of stairs climbed.

Although the cliffs level out, we still have some climbing to do. St Agnes Beacon must be summitted before we take one of several footpaths marked "To The Village"

More amazing views - St Agnes Beacon looking South

Pups always enjoy a view

Mondays - always a fun day to claim your reward for a day's exertions. We promised ourselves a Fish and Chip lunch. Pre walk research suggesting we may need to use Tripadvisor to determine the best Chipper out of two available. The question answered itself. Neither are open on a Monday Lunch. Nor the fish restaurant.

The Taphouse saving the day. Beerwise, I may have expected more from such a named establishment. I mean it sounds somehow cruel to have Proper Job as one of the 4 keg options and no cask at all. But a Lunchtime Special menu which provided both a Huli Huli Chicken Poke Bowl (hers) and Steak Frites (mine) for a tenner (each) could not be sniffed at. 

Kona Big Wave an apt choice for Surfer Central.

Lunch

Walk Details

Distance - 7.5 Miles

Geocaches - 9

Walk Inspiration - Ramblers Route

 

06/04/25 - Trevose Head for the Cornish Arms, St Merryn

Eponymous Wifi

Once the initial shock of £12 for all day parking had worn off, we found a stunning walk from Harlyn Bay.

A minimal amount of inland walking for a lengthy coastal walk on a circular walk.

The first bay we meet is Constantine. If we had been braver - trusting the maps for unmarked footpaths at ground level and facing the anger of middle-aged men playing golf - we could have investigated St Constantine Church ruins and well. From google research, the ruined church recovered from sand dunes. The dogs, and Mrs M, wanted to get to the beach.

Beach 1 - Constantine Bay

Trevose Head, with both a lighthouse and a lifeboat station providing the majority of the coastal walking.

Wolf shows us the way to Trevose Head

Lifeboat Station from the other side

Homeward, via Mother Ivey's bay and back to Harlyn to see what facilities you get for your £12. Pizza and Burger Shacks and signs to the toilets that appear to be located somewhere nearer Padstow.

As we have our own beach at home, we head back to St Mawgan. Not without a stop at one of the two pubs in St Merryn. The Cornish Arms having a larger car park and beer garden than the Farmers Arms. Neither scoring particularly well for Sunday lunch on various review sites.

The Cornish Arms

A scan at the bar told me all I needed to know about the reviews, which stated "Over priced and average food". 

The WiFi SSID is RICKSTEIN with a password of rickstein.

This St Austell house is celebrity backed.

Not that I am going to complain about the quality of my Tribute. Enjoyed in the sunshine.

Tribute in the sunshine

Walk Summary

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 4

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine - February 2016