31/10/20 - The Last of the Good Beer Guide Ticking in Chipping Norton

Things hadn't got quite as bad as the Weekend Section in the Times implied.

I only had 24 Hours

24 Hours in Chipping Norton.  I am sure that I could have spent the time in a more productive way to spend my time than walking 16 miles in a storm.

For instance, I could have been making progress with the new Good Beer Guide.  It plonked on my doormat on the 29th October and by the 31st, Boris had threatened to interfere with the broadcasting of Strictly to announce that pubs are dead.

I shouldn't have cross ticked.  A pristine bible will be worth more to future museums 

Oxfordshire CAMRA seem quite fair in their allocation, alternating entries between the Chequers, the Fox, Bitter and Twisted and the Crown and Cushion on an annual basis.  I was thinking of visiting all four.  This proved a logistical nightmare of begging with the masked "Covid Keepers of the tables" that I gave up on two.

The Chequers is the current entry - and a Fullers House from 1794 seemed a good place to start.

If you are going to go into 2nd Lockdown, it might as well be with the taste of ESB on your lips.

I am going to miss both you, and your brothers

Mask up, burst through the door, answer in negative that I haven't booked and I manage to secure a table for 60 minutes before those with foresight turn up.

I like a challenge and the challenge was to sit by the fire and see how many ESBs I could demolish before being forcibly ejected for crimes against planning.

My Sort of Bar (without the face masks)

If you hang around long enough, the circumstances will change.  Having negotiated my seat, I attempted to negotiate my tea.  Initial attempts failed with me being told "If you haven't booked, the Chef won't be able to fit in cooking you a meal".  Not sure of the logic there but when another, friendlier server offered me a new unreserved seat (presumably having seen I was a model customer, solo but drinking for three), he did supply me with a menu on request.

I would have enjoyed my steak far more without the glares over the top of a Bane facemask from Server 1.

This time next week, they will have to remind themselves what customers are.

The Fox from afar

Onto the Fox, which looked busy - with masked up parties spilling out and into taxis.  Lord alone knows where they were heading?  Chadlington?  Church Enstone?  Where is the action in this part of the Cotswolds if it's not Chipping Norton?

A long wait at the door next to the sign that says "Wait Here".  No room at the Inn but they do have a wonderful beer garden with sectioned off booths.  There's no stopping me for I am in my big coat.

The booth next to me huddle around a phone to see Boris's Bumbling.  Here we go again.  4 weeks in Lockdown.  I'm sure they said that in March.

Before the pubs reopened in July.

Subtle changes.  Those pubs that want to do takeaways, can't do takeaway beer.

Do they actually think about the impact of their words?

Who knows where next weeks blog will come from?  I am allowed out for exercise and short journeys in a car.  No definition of what short means.

Don't Americans drive for 2 hours for a burger?

I have a feeling I am going to arguing this point in the bleak midwinter.

Just before I get tasered.

Old Hooky - As Bad News Arrives 

31/10/20 - The Glyme Valley Way and the Black Prince, Woodstock

Distance - 16.5 Miles

Geocaches - 6

Walk Start - Chipping Norton

Walk End - Woodstock

Walk Inspiration

So, this seemed a good idea.

• Despite extensive walking in the Cotswolds, I've never really been to Chipping Norton.
• It has a Premier Inn.
• On my ever growing "To Do" list is a 16 mile walk along the length of the River Glyme - from Chipping Norton to Woodstock.
• Both locations have Good Beer Guide 2021 recommendation.  A publication that arrived on Friday and following Saturday's Boris Bulletin, can be promptly be thrown in the bin.
• The Premier Inn, when booked in advance, was £33.
• It was booked in advance.
• Before I had chance to see the weather report.

The Winner of the "2020 Langdale Walk in Adverse Conditions" goes to the River Glyme.  

The rain was beyond biblical. The Wind enough to frequently make Berghaus Deluge Overtrousers go half mast.

On another day, this could have been a pleasant day out.  Its easy walking along the river and although not specifically signposted, navigation is easy.

Potential highlights;

First civilisation at Lidstone - 3.5 Miles in

Could see no sign of life at the Crown, Church Enstone - at 12:30pm

Exotic River Glyme Wildlife

Coppiced Trees before Radfordbridge

Walking right through Kiddington Halls Capability Brown Parkland.

Four hours of soaking and the sun appears

Autumn walk through Glympton Woodland

It was a battle.

After 16 Miles, I was so grateful that a Good Beer Guide 2021 Pub has been built over the River Glyme at Woodstock that I forgot that there is another in the village.

Black Prince - from a Bridge over the Glyme

The Black Prince is a bit of a stalwart of the Good Beer Guides - being an ever present in the last five editions.  Carrying just two handpulls, I was offered a taster of both, before I make a decision that could rescue the day.  No need to try the Tribute but a first taste of Chadlington Oxford Blue convinced me to go locALE.

Pub Interior on the last Saturday before Lock down 2

Entertainment wise, I determined that the one way system added another 1/4 mile onto my journey to get to the loos and got confused by the times of the S3 bus.

The only people that understand public transport are the old and that is because they have lived a long, long time.  Google - and the Stagecoach Website - correctly identify that the S3 goes every 30 minutes.  

To two different locations - Charlbury and Chipping Norton.

It was the kind of day where I made it to the Farm End bus top with 2 minutes to spare. Just before the Charlbury bus came along.

The Crown Inn will have to wait for another day.  I've loitering at a bus stop to do.

25/10/20 - Black and White Villages of Pembridge and Eardisland

Distance - 5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - 100 Walks in Hereford and Worcestershire, Walk 33

Geocaches - 0

Pembridge has previously been a place that I have only ever driven through, usually when hurtling to Mid Wales (currently out of bounds). You can't help but admire the black and white timber framed houses from the C17th and the brown signs from Herefordshire County Council recommend a "Black and White Village Scenic Drive".

We would have started today's walk from here but the New Inn is dog unfriendly.  Eardisland is on route, has two pubs and the Cross Inn rectifies this fault.  

If anything, this village is even more scenic - nestling on an arched bridge over the river Arrow, with a collection of interesting buildings - from the AA Dr Who Tardis to a Staick House from get this... 1300.  Currently for sale, with viewing days arranged for this weekend.  Unsure if the builders guarantee still applies.

Down by the River Arrow in Eardisland

Crown Inn, next to the AA Tardis

We decide to do the stretch west along the River Arrow first.  Thinking is that this will provide chance for Guide Dog in Abi to dry off after she has her inevitable dunk.  Its easy walking across arable fields and sheep only in the final one.  The dunk is needed.  Abi manages to find a very dead rabbit to first roll in and then attempt to eat.  Could have been a first - family vomiting on one of our walks.

Access to the river at Pembridge provides the chance for a good clean up.

At this point of the walk - butter wouldn't melt

Plenty to admire in Pembridge - Almshouses, Hospitals, Shops and pubs

All the excitement out the way, its quiet lane walking back to Eardisland.  The Cross Inn more than matched the studiously researched trip advisor.  As fine a Sunday Lunch as we have had out and the Butty Bach on top form.

Easy Walking Home

24/10/20 - Pilgrimage to Tripel B's, Worcester

Distance - 10.5 Miles

Start - Walk Inspiration

Geocaches - 2

Maybe the British Pilgrimage Trust (BPT) had different destinations in mind, but I can't help but feel that I have stumbled on a fantastic new walking resource.

As well as some fantastic multi day, long distance paths - they have a series of day pilgrimages to British Cathedrals.  Worcester has four to attempt, a lengthy 21 miler from Evesham to more sedates ones from Droitwich, Malvern and Upton on Severn.

And you can take your pick on the where to arrive. The BPT will try and seduce you with glorious interior shots of a building started in 1084 or I can offer you a little piece of the Continent, in a time when you have to use your imagination if you want to travel.

The walk itself is a little monotonous. Its 50% walking along the Droitwich Canal, 50% along the River Severn and 100% easy to navigate.

Droitwich Canal in Autumn

Salwarpe Church for a Multi Stage Geocache

New Fish Filter Lane at Bevere Weir

Rains come in - as one of the Prizes is in Sight.

Of course, if you haven't been to the Cathedral - you should visit at least once. But with the rain driving in, I seek refuge in Copenhagen Street and one of the newer Micros Pubs on the Worcester Scene - Tripel Bs.

A little piece of Belgium in Worcester

This wonderful oasis of calm opened on in 2009 - promising an authentic and laid back cafe culture experience that I think Tony Blair was after when the potential for 24hr drinking was introduced.

This is my third visit and first since the crisis. I was delighted to see it thriving and long may it continue.  Its going to take me many visits to make a dent on the extensive menu of draft Vedetts and Duvals and 100s of bottled beers. The mind boggles at how much glassware they must carry - as each is served in the correct ceremonial chalice.

And a third menu takes you to a food menu with Belgian delicacies, which includes a cone of frites with home made mayo. I needed something to absorb my first ever Straffe Hendrick bottle, after a draft Duvel.

Behold, a composite image of beer beauty

On being dropped off at Droitwich Station - Mrs M asked my why I needed to take my big rucksack on a day walk.  I set off walking with "you better not be buying more beer" ringing in my ears.

She better not go looking on top of the garage fridge.