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 

04/03/26 - The Crown, Peopleton

Serendipity

Time for a Hidden Places of Worcestershire walk. The process? Spin a random number generator for a page number, see the place on that page and then plot a walk.

Number 73 today:  Peopleton.

Located near Pershore. Home to around 600 souls. Not any of them are out on a lovely spring day - no gardeners, no dog walkers. The place can be classified as quiet.

The walk turns out to be better than hoped for. The map indicated agricultural fields, so I was expecting a mud-fest. With the exception of one field of calf height grass - which actually gave the boots a good clean - this was easy going.

The ford at Barrel Bridge

Three highlights;

#1 - Wolverton Hall. Commandeered by Hattons jewellers in WWII for the "Industrial Diamond Trade". The guide book attests to rumours of tunnels packed with treasures.

Diamond Lights

#2 - St Nicholas Church. Back into Peopleton and an unassuming and quite simple church. Doors open - and in-the-field research suggests the wooden beamed barrelled roof is the standout feature.

St Nicholas Church

The roof looking towards the altar

#3 - The Pub. How's this for fortune? We're there on the first day of opening for the new landlords. If I hadn't been looking at curved roof beams in a 13th-century church, I would have been the first customer. Coming in late did provide the opportunity to gauge the cask quality based on the punters in the queue before me.

The London Pride looked good in the sunshine. The crisps, four days after their BBE - I'll let it slide and wish the new patrons luck in their endeavours.

Mrs M could have got the round in whilst I was on church duties

Take Pride in the Wye Valley

Walk Details

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Hidden Places of Worcestershire and Walks in the Country, Worcestershire - Walk 7

28/06/25 - Evesham Circular Rail Walk

Not Even an Ice Cream

Pickerwheel selects page 74 from the Hidden Places of Worcestershire Guide Book. We are off to Evesham, fitting in nicely as #1 son needing a lift to a railway station. Also noted that the Rail Trails website has been enhanced to include a number of circular walks.

No hardship to be in Evesham, even if the walk nearly repeats of the Town Trail I did when I chasing the Good Beer Guide Tick for the Trumpet Inn.

No pub refreshments planned for today, but with the mercury nudging 30, we are seriously hoping that Abbey Park has an ice cream van.

From the station, we head west to pick up the River Avon before crossing farmers' fields to the other side of the horseshoe bend in the river and down to Abbey Park.

River Avon

Inland to Battle Well and Oxstalls Farm

War Memorial and Abbey in Abbey Park

The park is a fine place to stop for a picnic. The artworks within were discovered through an Adventure Lab Cache. But no sign of an ice cream van. Mrs M was grumbling there had to be one somewhere. The Wall's umbrellas in the garden of Raphael's cafe promise cold refreshments, but neither of us was prepared to join the 20-man queue.

A rare day when the only spends were on car parking.

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - Hidden Places of Worcestershire and Rail Trails

Geocaches - 7

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

27/05/24 - Habberley Valley Circular and an Update on the Kidderminster Pub Scene

Random Selector choose my home town....

If the sun is shining and its an unexpected day off - say a Bank Holiday -with  no plans, I will put my fate in the hands of the gods. A random spinning wheel will pick a page in my "Hidden Places of Worcestershire" book. Round and around it goes, where it stops, no-one knows.

Until it does.... on Kidderminster.

Not exactly a hot-bed of walking activity but the resource library of walks is consulted and Kommot has a gentle 4 miler that more or less follows the well signed Habberley Valley Walk.

Can't get lost

From the visitors car park, its a climb on the good paths to Trimpley for the views over to Clent.

Up on high at Trimpley

Then down through Easthams Coppice to the poppy fields of Franche. Disgruntlement at the farmer not maintaining the public footpaths dissipates through the photo opportunities.

This is meant to be a footpath

That's a pleasant way to spend a morning.

The Kidderminster pub scene has been blogged about many times over the years. Mainly static, with a few dropping out and coming back in over the years. Here's a quick summary;

The two Weavers provide an old school experience at the traditional Park Lane one and a more contemporary micro pub one at the Comberton Hill. Both have fantastic range and quality.

The King and Castle, the go to for arrivals on train, steam enthusiasts and lovers of Bathams. And we are all lovers of Bathams. The only station in the land where I am glad if the taxi rank is empty.

Bad news for the Beer Emporium, which didn't survive Covid. The range was always fantastic and I miss my Christmas St Bernadus, which became a tradition on my one man festive parties. The unexpected consequences of a home worker. Last time I walked past, the unit was being converted into a Sports Bar. I doubt they will stock the grinning monk.

Kidderminster's oldest, the Seven Stars, had a lengthy closure but reopened in 2022. It's added onto my Xmas crawl, to provide some tradition and an antidote to drinking more unusual beers in converted shops. 

The new kid on the block is the Bear and Wolf. A micro with big ambitions. Hosting comedy, live music and regular pub quizzes.

Kidderminster's newest addition

The range is ever expanding. Deya a near permanent feature, when the landlord thinks Kidderminster can handle the price. Other craft keg and traditional keg. My last visit was on the Friday before the bank holiday and the Cider range is becoming very impressive.

As if I need any more temptation.  

Walk Details

Distance - 4 Miles

Walk Inspiration

06/04/24 - Belbroughton Village Walk

 No time for the Pub

Strangely, with cocked up plans caused by traumas too dull to document, I find myself with a Saturday afternoon free. The randomiser is sparked up select the next location in my Hidden Places book.

Belbroughton.

A village packed with history, with every building seemingly hosting a blue plaque and random bits of scythe making machinery left in public spaces.

A Hammer Press

The village is exited to the South West from the Churchyard. A pleasant bit of ridge walking leaves me battling Storm Kathleen, which bizarrely brings high winds and warmth, with no rain.

Belbroughton Church

Drayton Pond is the only alternative to agricultural fields and paths of various degrees on mud.

Drayton Pond

   

If I ever read my blogs in the future, maybe I will notice that my elderly OS Map shows a footpath that has now moved around Brookfield Farm. This is the second time I have made the same mistake.  

So what Belbroughton provides with historical interest and pretty buildings, it does lack easy parking. As the very definition of a rat run, leaving the car parked on the street makes you wonder if the wing mirrors will be still attached on return. The Talbot pub car park is now fee based and there is a steep increase in cost from 2 hours to all day.  

I arrive back back on the dot of expiration. 5 miles walked in exactly 2 hours. Even with the lost footpath of Brookfield Farm.  

There is no decision to be made on whether the Talbot, Queens Head or Ye Olde Horseshoe Inn gets the Mappiman dollar.

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 2

Walk Inspiration - Village Walks in Worcestershire, Walk 2

14/01/24 - The (soon to be resurrected) Red Lion at Holt Heath, Worcestershire

 The "Random Walk Generator" leads to pub archaeology 

The Hidden Walks in Worcestershire book (pub. 1999) is used for a second time, a random number generator selecting which location we should head to.

Page 96 - a half page spread on the Red Lion in Holt Heath. The highlights of what we could have won;

"A 350 year coaching house open 12pm - 3:30pm and from 5pm in the evening.... the value for money extends to the French house wine, an alternative to their real ales such as Timothy Taylor and London Pride"

Closed for three years..... but I bring news

Always fascinating, pub archaeology.  A quick google shows that it failed to make its reserve price of £475K at auction 6 months ago but more recent news.... from three days ago - shows it has been purchased and will be converted to an Indian Grill and Bar, opening Spring '24.

The Desi Pub experience gains further momentum from its black country homelands and into the Worcestershire wilds.

Our 6 mile walk is better than we had hoped. I expected a mud bath and although my feet would have been better served by the Scarpa boots I left in the living room, this was a much cleaner walk than we had any right to expect.

Frosty country fields to Ockeridge Woods, fine views across to Abberley from Little Witley, a land that time forgot dingle walk along Shawley Woods and a return along high cliffs along the Severn.

Two Women who will do anything for a Sunday Lunch

Views over to Abberley

Into the dingle along Shrawley Brook

Timed to perfection, we have 13 minutes for those without dementia to change their footwear and drive the 4 miles to the Cross Keys in Ombersley. 

There's always an alternative. There's always hope.

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, Jan 2001, Walk 9

12/11/23 - The White Hart, Hartlebury

 The Wheel of Fortune leads to the familiar

New book klaxon.

Charity Find in Evesham

The guidebook tantalises with its promise of day trips to the counties it covers, detailing a variety of entertainment options. While pubs are a mainstay, there are also restaurants and National Trust properties, complete with cake selling cafes. Everything you need for a fine day out.

I decide to embrace the element of surprise and let chance guide me. Throwing caution to the wind and using randomness to choose my destination. An on-line random number generator is chosen, the book's page numbers programmed and the wheel of fortune activated. Around and around it goes and where it stops, nobody knows. Until it lands on 107.

Hartlebury.

As the crow flies, 2 miles from where I am sat.

I vow to look at it through tourist's eyes.

A suitable walk is found that ventures near all three places mentioned;

St James Church - sandstone built and I pick the one Sunday in three when there is a service. I am unable to investigate the ancient episcopal throne and the partly Norman font.  Like all good villages, the pub adjacent.

Remembrance Day 

Hartlebury Castle - fortified by Simon De Montford in the C13th and former home to the Bishops of Worcester. Visited by Elizabeth I. Used for captured Royalists in the English Civil War. A tree lined avenue leads to the entrance, but for good photos, you need to pay the entry fee. Or lift one from the Internet.

Me going for a peek

What you'd see if you pay £13.25

My walk takes me over the back of Hartlebury Common. A place explored since childhood but my guides do deliver new knowledge. The only acid bogs in Worcestershire. Fine place for walking and despite the trees turning autumnal, the photos are largely dull.

The White Hart. My guidebook from 1995 has the details and it shows that I need to work on my game if I want to make this blog more professional.  

I don't think I will ever be able to give a rump steak baguette such descriptive justice. Or get excited at the delights of lemon brulee.

Travel writing from the 90s

It's a pub that I have used many times, so I know that I can expect Timothy Taylor Landlord in a traditional country pub. No Brew XI, Banks Mild or Bass any more.

I had heard rumours that it has been recently taken over. A skip in the car park really should have rendered the walk to the door unnecessary.

Could be worse, could be dead.  Revisit required after the grand reopening

To the cafe at Hartlebury Castle. At least I have something else to moan about the cost of. An Americano and a tiny flapjack. 

£5.50.

Walk Details

Distance - 3 miles

Geocaches - 2

Walk Inspiration - Short Walks from Worcestershire Pubs