A Great Pub Guarantee At Either End
A new rail trail that is so new, it hasn't even been published. I noticed it as an advertised Ramblers Walk, where I couldn't make the date. Little information, other than the route detailed on an OS Map. What more do I need?
And the great thing about this walk?
The Prince of Wales awaits in Ledbury, the Nag's Head at Malvern Link. Two of my favourites, that I can never tire of.
I decide to start in Herefordshire.
 |
| Herefordshire Bull, Red Earth, River Wye |
The first half of the walk follows the Geopark Way, climbing Oyster Hill for the day's Trigpoint. Slippery underfoot, as we appear to be in monsoon season, but fine views to the west making up for tricky walking.
The Geopark Way is a 109-mile walking trail designed to showcase the geology and landscape of the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark. It starts in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and ends in Gloucester, Gloucestershire. |
| Herefordshire Trail slapped on |
 |
| Westward Views |
 |
| Oyster Hill Trig Point |
The Church of St James the Great at Colwall makes a fine lunchstop. Minor investigation and route diversion to get the Multi-Geocache. “Doors Open”, so I can admire the fine ceiling woodworking, complete with a dated beam from 1675. The carpenters’ initials, “RM and RC” also carved.
Colwall Church (St James the Great) has seen several extensions and modifications over the centuries. The core of the church dates to the 13th century, but significant changes occurred in the 15th century with the addition of Perpendicular Gothic features.
 |
| Extension on Extension |
 |
| Fine Ceiling Work |
 |
| Dated Main Beam |
 |
| Really? Oh Go On then! |
A church alehouse was a common feature in medieval England, built within or beside church grounds for the purpose of hosting “church ales”—communal feasts where ale was brewed and sold to raise funds for parish upkeep, charity, and festivities. These alehouses were important social centers, playing a key role in village life, especially before the Reformation. Over time, most were lost or repurposed as festivities declined and public houses became more common.
This example at Colwall is one of the few remaining in Herefordshire. Alas, like more contemporary pubs, it no longer functions for its original purpose. We will have to remind ourselves of the joy through this quote.
Pushing on with the walk, its the Worcestershire Way taking me to a previously undiscovered private railway. The Downs Light Railway running for all of 0.75 of a mile and the oldest private miniature railway in the world. A project devised for entertainment and education at a nearby school.
The usual fine views from the western flanks of Malvern, with the usual issues in finding the best paths to escape it. Much zigging and zagging adding the miles, when you could just roll downhill.
 |
| Looking West from the side of Table Hill |
The walk ends, as all good walks should, at the pub.
 |
| The Nag's Head, Malvern Link |
- Timothy Taylor Landlord
- Otter Bitter
- Hook Norton Old Hooky
- Holdens Golden Glow
- Teme Valley This
- Thornbridge Jaipur
- Bathams Bitter
And this is just the cask - they also have a fine collection of ciders, bottled international and craft.
A fine place to while away a couple of hours.
Walk Details
Distance - 10 Miles
Geocaches - 2
Previous Cotswold Line Rail Walks - Worcester Parkway - Foregate Street, Foregate Street to Malvern, Worcester Parkway to Pershore, Pershore to Evesham, Evesham to Honeybourne, Honeybourne to Morton-in-Marsh
No comments:
Post a Comment