Ebrington Walk (1) Saturday 8^th March

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The first weekend walk organised by North Cotswold CAMRA Secretary Roger Price took place on 8^th March. Roger and Wife Carol walk most weekends mainly around Pubs in the Cotswolds area and it seemed logical to pick out and host a selection of walks to include in our Inaugural Branch Year Program of events.

The key part of the walk and the first Pub selected was the Ebrington Arms, now much improved under the ownership of Claire and Jim Alexander offering 3 well kept changing real ales from Gloucestershire.

The walk commenced at 1030hrs with a slightly depleted starting line up of seven intrepid walkers not dissuaded by the forecast inclement weather. The rain failed to arrive but no sun as we commenced the route north from the pretty village of Ebrington. This was quickly left behind as we climbed upwards towards Ebrington Hill now in open country with stunning views as we linked up with and followed the Diamond Way to the West. We crossed Hidcote Road and headed towards Chipping Campden with its magnificent Church dominating the landscape. Campden will be left to another occasion as we swung South towards Battle Bridge then East past Battledene Farm and back along Campden Road. Returning to Ebrington and diverting via the attractive well kept church grounds brought us back to the Ebrington Arms before opening time.

Lunch was booked for 12-30 taken in front of the roaring open fire in the dining room due to Six Nations Rugby dominating the front Bar. We welcomed three delayed walkers, prospective N Cots members who joined us sampling Uley Hogshead, Stanway Stanney Bitter and Goffs Jouster all in excellent condition.

The walk was judged a great success and we look forward to the next two at the Plough at Ford on 18^th April and the Red Lion on 8th May at Northleach. Two stunning walks and pubs not to be missed.

Pictures taken on the walk: