04/08/25 - Upton-Upon-Severn to Tewkesbury

The Pear and the Pulpit

A monthly newsletter comes courtesy of Walk Midlands. A man with a beautiful web site and a penchant for walks accessible by public transport. Upton to Tewkesbury appealed and both towns are well worthy of spending a day. Upton, in particular, must be up for the prize of most public houses per capita. 

With AI at our disposal, I can actually tell you that prize would go to Rhayader - a town for another weekend.

Today, I don't hang about in Upton - despite being tempted to spend time in the Map Shop. That's the sort of town it is - a whole shop, just dedicated to maps. More reasons to love it.

I'm straight down to the River Severn - my handrail to Tewkesbury, rendering GPS largely superfluous.

Down by the River

This is the section of "hams" that may be familiar to those using the M5. Whenever it rains for two days, the landscape turns into an inland ocean. As a result, there is very little on the map of interest. It's more or less empty space, with just a walk under the pillars of the M50 to break up the monotony.

This makes a detour to Bushley a necessity before dying of boredom. The church spire spotted from the Severn Way and a single geocache seals the deal.

St Peter’s Church, Bushley was rebuilt in 1843 in Victorian style, using local blue lias stone from Sarn Hill and Postlip stone from the Cotswolds for the spire and decorative features. Inside, it retains several 17th-century Dowdeswell family monuments. The chancel, rebuilt in 1857 by Sir Gilbert Scott, reflects 14th-century design. A font, possibly 12th-century, was once used as a farm drinking trough before being returned. Nearby are the brass figures of Thomas Payne, a woolstapler and retainer of the Earl of Warwick, and his wife Ursula, originally located in the old church’s chancel.

Bushley Church

Gargoyles

Payne Brasses

Into Tewkesbury on a Monday. The more I visit, the more I fall in love. The Black Bear impressing on my last visit but is closed at the start of the week. The Cross House Tavern - the king of micro pubs - is open.

A favourite

A lengthy chat with the Scouse owner - I was impressed with the Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild that was on offer but more impressed with a recent beer. Three types of Spingo beer from the Blue Anchor in Helston. So good, he delivered a barrel to the Roscoe Head in Liverpool.

It seemed more fitting for me to choose a cider or a perry - what with it being Cider Pub of The Year. Couldn't find my chosen drink on untappd. I think it was called Mid Severn and firmly placed in the middle ground of ABVs detailed on the chalk board. It was poured from a bag in a box hidden in a crate.

Information on the Cross House

The Back Room

With 90 minutes until my (cancelled) train, I have time to check out a couple of interiors. Despite the 'spoons being a medieval banqueting hall, it didn't make for good internal photos. Summer holidays ain't it. Kids running around and babies screaming.

The abbey looking magnificently photo friendly.

Saved from Henry the VIII

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration