05/06/26 - Masons Arms, Wichenford

Church Treasures and a Dovecote

The Pickerwheel is spun and returns Page 91 of the Hidden Places of Worcestershire book. Wichenford, for a dovecote and a pub.

My extensive library of walking books fails to find a single route in this small village. I am forced into making my own. It's a success - maybe the start of a new career. 6 miles through beautiful agricultural landscapes in the shadows of Woodbury and the Malvern Hills. Plenty of stiles to clamber over. 

Mainly on paths like this

With Views like this

Wichenford Dovecote - when I woke up this morning, I was unsure I could describe to you what a Dovecote is. Now, I know. It's got a brown tourist sign, pointing into the moated Wichenford Manor House. It's gated, so I nervously let myself in. The first building looks suitably ancient but on inspection, it's just stables. Around the corner, I find my quarry. 

C17th Birdhouse

Home for 557 Birds. Who, presumably, have all been evicted

 

Wichenford Church - This is what I love about exploring. The church is not only "Doors Open" but provides the WiFi password on the front door. Live blogging from the field was a possibility. The church is pretty enough and with the low lying land, is visible for much of the walk. Inside it housing two beautiful C17th shrines to the Washbourne family. 

St Laurence

Bunk Bed Shrines

And the loyal dog

The Masons Arms - is a food led country pub, which surprisingly has competition with the most bizarrely located Thai restaurant you will find. Housed in the barn at nearby Buryendtown Farm. One cask on, Wye Valley HPA, and I should have trusted my instincts, as it was badly on the turn. The landlady was that pleasant and attentive, I couldn't bring myself to complain. Besides, there was nothing to swap it with.

Repeat after me Mappiman - if in doubt, sample it; optimism pairs badly with blind ordering.

The menu looked fantastic

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Page 91 of Hidden Places in Worcestershire