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