01/04/25 - The Sodburys

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

26/03/25 - A Plan is Hatched for the Worcestershire Way

The Last of the Sub £4 Pints at my Local

Like Rachel Reeves, my Landlady has been leaking information. The Butty Bach has been £3.80 for quite some time. A rise is coming. The amount of damage yet to be revealed.

Before I get this reward, I have a wonderful walk that runs from my front door. How I miss the frisson of excitement provided by Public Transport.

Heading west out of town, I find paths and walking infrastructure that in the main, are perfectly maintained. Yet it is so isolated, that I felt like the only person to have walked them. Ascents and descents of the rolling hills, with some lovely views.

Abberley Hill Ahead

It's at the wonderfully named "Joan's Hole" where I pick up the Worcestershire Way. A path cutting through the newly sprouting garlic, on top of Dicks Brook. It's here that inspiration for another series of walks takes hold.

On the Way to See Joan

I'm going to break the 31 miles of the Worcestershire Way down into a series of circular walks. Usual rules apply. Each walk will aim to be in the sweet spot of around 8 miles. Interesting locations (pubs) will be visited. The bus will be used, where possible.

The Worcestershire Way

The Worcestershire Way is a long-distance footpath in Worcestershire, England. It stretches for approximately 31 miles (50 km), running from Bewdley in the north to Great Malvern in the south. The path traverses a variety of landscapes, including riverside paths, woodlands, farmland, and the Malvern Hills. It passes through or near several villages and towns, providing opportunities for rest and refreshment.

 

Follow the Pear

A hastily planned first walk will take in Nothing Bound Brewery from Bewdley. Isn't it lovely when a plan comes to fruition.

The remainder of the walk continues in a state of quiet enthusiasm, buoyed by the inquisitive and sleepy new-borns around Worsley Farm.

Let sleeping lambs lie

Despite the length, this is a walk that I didn't particularly want to end. Warm spring sunshine will do that. But the water runs out, and re-hydration is important.

Whilst I can afford it.

£3.80 Butty with an iced water chaser

Walk Details

Distance - 12 Miles

Walk Inspiration - A Ramblers Route

24/03/25 - Old Moseley Hall to Wolvo for the Great Western

Great Cathedral of Beer

There's no need to rush Wolverhampton. I had found a 14.5 mile walk in Country Walking Magazine. I may not have much but I 've got plenty of time. Three weeks ago, I made it from town to the National Trust Property, Old Moseley Hall. Now to finish the walk. From Old Moseley Hall, back into the City and hopefully find my way to one of the best pubs in the land.

A walk of two halves - more of the Monarch's Way through some fine Countryside and then picking up the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

Today's Routes

Northycote Manor Farm on the Monarch's Way

The Curly Wyrley

At Wednesfield, an unexpected portal to a secret world was found. Like a budding Pevensie, I found Narnia.

Should I enter?

I had found myself in the Royal Tiger - incredibly busy for a Monday afternoon, even when the sun was shining. I put this down to two reasons, the Cask Jaipur was £2.79 and everyone overhead on mobiles talking about redundancy payouts and being put on gardening leave. Something terrible is happening to capitalism.

My real goal, of course, was the Great Western. A Holdens Pub, where if you have time you can do a taste challenge to determine if Black Country Special is better than Bathams Bitter. Or possibly just different.

I had recently seen it described on a British Pubs Facebook Page as a "Great Cathedral of Beer". Certainly had to disagree.

Under the tracks - ask the pigeons for directions

Only time for a Black Country Special Today - but I will return

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 5

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine May 2024, Walk 14

Part 1 of Walk

21/03/25 - Pub Crawl in Barnards Green, Great Malvern

One Day, Three Guide Books

The Cicerone book, Short Walks in the Malvern Hills, lives up to its name. A 2 mile stretch from the town up to St Ann's Well and back.

To make the most of the Connecta Worcesertshire Bus ticket, I've combined it with a stretch to Barnards Green. The reason for being in Malvern in the first place? A random selection from Hidden Places in Worcestershire.

St Ann's is well known to me. Birthplace of the Malvern Water Cure promoted by those healthy Victorians. Another example of things regressing in this country, there is now a sign saying bacteria has been found in the water and it must be boiled before consumption.

Don't Drink the water

Back to town and then through the handsome housing and onto Malvern Common.

Today, I'm down here. Normally, I am up there.

Barnards Green is a suburb of Great Malvern, nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills. It has a bit of everything—local charm, practical amenities, and a surprisingly lively pub scene for its size.

Starting with the Three Horseshoes. A couple of cottages knocked together and large open plan inside. I couldn't warm to it for two reasons. Elton John, at his honky-tonking best, on too loud. And despite a good hunt around, not a single comfy seat to be found. I even tried the garden. 

The Timothy Taylor Boltmaker was in fine condition.

Sky Blue

Whereas I was the only punter in pub 1, the car park was overflowing at the Bluebell. The good people of Malvern obviously love a Gastropub. They must have more money than sense. Courage Directors at an eye watering £5.85. Little of note, other than an ornate wooden bar that wouldn't look out of place in a church.

Battleship Grey

The "Closed Pub" feature on Pubsgalore.com is used for the Forresters Arms. All on-line resources say it's open, yet the door is firmly bolted at 1:45pm on a Friday afternoon. A quick search takes me to the Admiral Taverns Facebook page, where they are looking for new tenants. Comments range from "What Again?" to "I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole".

Half and Half

Saving the best to last is the perennial Good Beer Guide Entry The Morgan. Keen pricing and excellent beer. The Wye Valley full range is always on offer but I was never going to turn down cask Jaipur. I was that impressed with the £4.40 charge that it felt churlish to ask for the rest of the pint. 

On second thoughts, I should have

Walk Details 

Distance - 5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Malvern, Hidden Places of Worcestershire and Cicerone Short Walks in the Malverns

Bar Crawl Link

19/03/25 - Droitwich to Hartlebury Rail Trail

Solar Farm Strife

For reasons that will become apparent, I was really looking forward to this stage of the Wyre Valley Line.

As with many things in life, it started out well but quickly ended in disaster.

Leaving Droitwich on the Monarch's Way provided perfect walking. Wide open spaces through Westwood Park. 

Another gorgeous spring day in Worcestershire

Apartments for sale at Westwood House

Things plod on nicely through Worcestershire Countryside. I have seen the signs nearby protesting about the implementation of Solar Farms. I am now joining their front. One of those meaningless signs saying the footpaths are closed, then detailing random numbers as to which paths are affected and which are not. These footpath numbers are on no map that I use, including OS Maps, so meaningless information. I attempt to bulldoze my way through but its impassable with heavy machinery blocking those fields that are in progress and completely fenced off for those completed.

Mappiman's Nemesis

Email sent to the Worcestershire Rail Trail Website. Their route needs taking down and/or replanning.

I replan on the fly, with lane walking to Snead's Green resulting in poorly maintained and signposted footpaths to get back on scheduled route.

Almost ruined my lunch, nestled on a thorn bush at Manor House farm.

The walk ends at Hartebury Tap House. A previous Good Beer Guide Entry, that based on the Butty Bach, should be immediately reintroduced.

The Old Station Building - Handy for the hourly service to Kidderminster

Walk Details

Distance - 9 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration

18/03/25 - Winchombe, Belas Knapp and Brockhampton

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.

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.

Out on the Cotswold Way

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. 

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.

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.

Craven Arms, Brockhampton

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Its the Corner Cupboards turn to be in the GBG this year, not the Lion

Liquid Perfection

Walk Details

Distance - 12.5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Day Walks in the Cotswolds, Walk 14

Geocaches - 2 and an Adventure Lab Cache

13/03/25 - West Midland Way - Stage 6 - Part 1 - Kinver to Alveley

The Campaign for Comfy Chairs in Pubs Starts Here

Walk 15 Miles, when you have to catch four buses to reach the start and return at the hike's end? A logistical nightmare that probably requires the clocks to have changed. And its not as if I haven't got time, or were likely to want to rush Shropshire's oldest pub. 

A little like the recent Slow Way from Kiver to Highley, this is a super walk of lonely but delightful countryside. An air of serenity re-established as I left the world behind and enjoyed a sunny half day in the cold. Never has a spring been so foolish as 2025.

The Staffordshire way takes me from Kinver to the Sheepwalks near Enville. A series of rolling hills, offering the best views in South Staffs. The Geocaching commences;

A rare Ammo Can Geocache

A selfie required for the Sheepwalks Virtial

East through agricultural land and some half decent bridleways. Mud, not too invasive.

Alveley, my temporary end for stage 6, has three pubs in close proximity. This may have influence the decision.

The Squirrel of little use to the daylight rambler. Midweek opening at 4pm.

The Royal Oak is a gastro pub but don't say I don't try. Door to the bar locked, but the restaurant open and I was met with DIY bedlam. Reopening at the end of March.

No entry, unless you are handy with a paintbrush

This leaves Shropshire's oldest - The Three Horseshoes - which I also noticed has crept into the Good Beer Guide. It cannot be unrelated that they now sell Bathams.

Timber Framed on the RHS, with a modern extension

1406 is detailed both on the outside of the building and within the WIFI password. But is it Shropshire's Oldest? A couple in Shrewsbury would like a word.

90 minutes to kill before the scheduled, and only, mid afternoon bus. Can there be a happier man in the world than he who has his favourite pint and a place at the best seat in the house?

Happiness is a pint called Bathams. With warm feet.

Well, I am not one for advocating cushions in pub, but something needs to change. 90 minutes perched on one of these left me barely able to walk to the on-time bus.

Perched

When I am King, it will be law for there to be at least one wing back Chesterfield in everypub.

The Campaign for Real Armchairs (CAMRA) starts here. Thanks to John Sturgis on Twitter for improving my nomenclature. 

258b@thebathams in Shropshire's oldest pub. Three Horseshoes, Alverley.

Where I have started the Campaign for Comfy Pub Chairs. pic.twitter.com/lEbml4E9uG

— Mappiman (@Mappiman1) March 13, 2025

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 4

Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

10/03/25 - Attempting a Pub Crawl in Aston/Witton

New App off to an inauspicious start

It was the far superior Micropub Adventures blog which brought the bar-crawl app to my attention.

Inspiration around the country for future days out.

Search by City

An easy to read interface that will launch google maps for turn by turn directions.

A clutter free map

And (potentially) the best bit..... real time information on what is actually open!

Could be the killer feature

Finding myself in the dead pub hell hole that is Lichfield Street, Aston and the decidedly crawl unfriendly time of Monday Lunch, I thought I would put it to the test.

It wasn't the app's fault that ill-behaved Cardiff fans had put the front windows through of the Manor Tavern through, following last weekends FA Cup game.

Glaziers Van

The Glazier insisted the pub was open, but the fed up looking landlady questioned my health and safety assessment about whether I would want to drink in the fresh air, inside.

I moved on to the frankly bizarre Aston Tavern to ask the question "When is a pub, not a pub?". A) When you have to press a buzzer to gain entry and B) when they have no beer.

Nestled in the shade of the Aston Expressway

Despite the A board stating they are open, all beer lines were being cleaned before Wednesday's big European game. FC Bruges are in town and we know how the Belgians love their beer.

I managed to negotiate entry on the premise that they had bottles. A first ever Koppenberg Mixed Fruit Cider, with the visit saved by the £3.30 Poppadom packets.

Country's most patriotic Chesterfields

The App successfully identified The Holte as closed. Attached to Villa Park, it looks like it only opens on match days. They have obviously dealt with Cardiff fans before. The plate glass windows protected by plastic.

Holte Enders In The Sky

The most successful visit, The Witton Arms. A large Irish Pub, where Guinness is a bargain £3.85 Mondays to Wednesday. This is Cheltenham Festival week and I had time to consider how little change you would get from a tenner at the races this year.

The one car in the carpark with a WBA number plate made me giggle.

Not the best area for a pub crawl but a decent introduction to the app which worked well.