The Hermit's Cave

Desperate Dan’s Christmas Walk

I’m sure you remember Desperate Dan, that heroic Wild West character from The Dandy, who could lift a cow one handed. If so, you will remember his favourite food, Desperate Dan’s Cow Pie with it’s horns poking through the pastry topping.

Now, at pubs like the Little Lark in Studley we can all enjoy Desperate Dan pies – and their Christmas counterpart, The Desperate Santa Christmas Pie, simply, Christmas dinner, in a pie, topped with gorgeous, golden puff pastry.

And so it was that a party of twelve doughty walkers met in Alcester High Street for our Christmas walk to The Little Lark and a feast of Desperate Santa pies. Chased by the strong winds blowing Storm Barra across the country the group convened for coffee before setting off on a soggy-looking 5.5 mile walk and our meeting with our Christmas lunch.

So here are some of us emerging from the coffee shop, preparing to depart. The weather was, so far, pretty cold but dry at least as we set off. I will place a walkers guide to this walk under the Walks Tab on this site but basically this is a simple one way walk between Alcester and Studley, relying on public transport to return us after lunch.

Along Butter St and down the bank to a area that apparently suffered greatly in our Tabling days. Mike reversed into a lamp post, Brett hit the bridge. Good job we are older – if not wiser now. Across Conway Fields, through the thicket, over the road and into he Heart of England forest. I had no idea that plastic grew in the ground. Walk through here and you will see what I mean. But then we met the cows. Steaming in the cold wind and huddled under a hedge, they watched us, idly probing their nostrils with their tongues. A few of our party paled at the baleful stare but I will not be intimidated and marched straight on. Ain’t I brave?

Down the lane towards Coughton Ford before which we climb up to the right and head off though more “plastic” forest after which we met the trickiest obstacle so far. A kissing gate with its own pond. How deep is it? How waterproof are my boots? Two questions to which colleagues found the answer and some of us squelched throughout the rest of the walk.

A break was declared adjacent to St Leonard’s church in Spernall. Coffee and the contents of a couple of hip flasks were circulated along with water and cake. After which we moved to the final leg of our journey, from Spernal to Studley via Studley church.

The last time I had past this way this part was a muddy morass. Truly horrible. So, as we set off it would be true to say I was pretty nervous. But there was no need. In fact we bowled easily over the shallow river valley towards Studley church and then towards Studley, crossing The River Arrow in the process.

And so we reached our destination, The Little Lark and lunch. We stumbled muddily through the door and were bathed in festive lighting and a wood fire warmed atmosphere. A busy, friendly pub with busy, friendly staff, we were soon seated, drinks in hand and being served our meals of Desperate Santa pies washed down with with beer. Soon the sound of chatter began to swell. Indeed, so engrossed were we that we managed to miss our bus back to Alcester. So we were grateful to non walkers among us who had brought their cars. And so, crammed in, we returned well sated and well exercised. A truly excellent start to the festive season.

The Thank You Letter

We have just received a lovely “Thank You” letter from The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford-upon-Avon for the £1300+ we raised on their behalf during our recent Shakespeare Stroll.

We had a brilliant weekend walking two routes over the weekend, covering just over 20 miles; four pubs; a churchyard and a couple of fun wayside picnics. My thanks must go to Bill, David, Howard and Jude for walking and planning and being great fun!

Guilty Conscience

Cars and cyclists go by as I sit here on this slightly damp bench. I’m conscious that I have been a tad tardy in my recent postings so I’m trying to make amends.

It’s warm for mid November. At least it was when I set out but now low grey clouds have rolled in on the south westerly breeze. There is even the odd spatter of drizzle.

The walk took me past the Trig Point, just beyond which was a field full of sheep. I paused to watch and beheld an interesting phenomenon. A magpie riding on the back of a sheep, taking the odd peck while being, seemingly ignore by the host. Is. anyone aware of this symbiotic relationship? Is this activity common between sheep and magpie?

My route took me towards Great Alne then across the fields towards Kinwarton and thence to the Ford at Hoo Mill where I spied the apparently late flowering and exotically names European Spindletree

From Hoo Mill it was a simple matter of following the road back into town. Today’s walk was sandwiched between family commitments and so what quite short at about 4.5 miles but it had the advantage of being relatively dry

Shakespeare Stroll – The Reckoning

At an autumnal barbecue, last weekend, the participants in The Shakespeare Stroll gathered bearing gifts of cheese cake and coleslaw, to draw the threads of the event together and thank those who donated and participated.

Back in September our group came together to walk 20 miles along the footpaths and byways of south Warwickshire, raising funds for the Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford upon Avon who undertake such excellent work for those in our community who suffer from life-limiting illness.

The twenty mile walk was divided in two. The first commenced at St Nicholas’ Church, Alcester then climbed the escarpment to Weethley; thence across the fields to Wood Bevington and slowly descended through Dunnington and Wixford back to Alcester.

The second began at the same point but set off roughly to the East past the Trig Point and The Alne Hills then descending to Little Alne and Aston Cantlow for lunch. After which, the walk crossed field and woodland to Walcote. Then climbing past the church to Haselor and across the fields to Oversley Wood and finally to Alcester via Oversley Green.

Back at the barbecue we dodged the showers and managed to produce and excellent lunch while we totted up the score. After much consideration it was announced that we had raised some £1377.00. A brilliant performance.

So, we would like to thank everyone who contributed both either by donation or by giving up a weekend to walk the twenty mile route. We are extremely grateful to you – and rest assured you have helped the hospice to continue their support of those in our community who are most in need. Thank you all.

Shakespeare Stroll. The Final Reckoning

Shakespeare Stroll. Gentle reminder. Could any of you lovely people who made promises of donations via the legacy paper methods (luddites) please now make your payments please. I am keen to round things up as soon as possible. Indeed there is still time to donate via our Just Giving page if you wish. Thank you all so much for your help and support.

Shakespeare Stroll – Final Planning

So, the day of our walk draws near. Some of the walking team met last night to finalise the route; try on our tee shirts (in some cases quite tight) and check out the marketing material provided for us by The Shakespeare Hospice.

We did note how many people stop and stare when a real paper map is unfolded on such occasions. Many were the suggestions as to what could be done with it but just to clarify, I do have the OS map on my phone; I do have a compass and I know how to use it so we should be fine on the day.

Just to remind everyone. We will be walking 2 ten mile routes around South Warwickshire and we are doing so to raise funds for The Shakespeare Hospice who do incredible work in the community helping those affected by life-limiting illness both patients and their families. I know I am one of many who have good reason to be grateful for their support.

So, here is where you can help. Follow this link, Just Giving and make a contribution, as big or as small as you like. We have already passed £300. You will be helping a really excellent organisation dedicated to helping people who are really struggling.

Shakespeare Stroll – The Marketing Begins

**Shakespeare Hospice Marketing Materials**

The marketing support has arrived from The Shakespeare Hospice ahead of our walks this weekend. We are meeting tomorrow for our briefing at The Turks Head in Alcester so last fitness issues can be assuaged and the routes explained.

We have been completely knocked out by the support everyone is showing towards the event. The coffers are filling nicely. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need more. Absolutely the reverse. So if you would like to support us please help us fill our box or go to our Just Giving Page https://www. we would be delighted and grateful to you in equal measure.

I understand the BBC has allocated us some dry weather over the weekend, something looking a little iffy up to now. So it looks to be full steam ahead.

Shakespeare Stroll – Training Report 1

My habitual walking friends have both chosen this key stage of the the training programme to disappear on holiday so today I took the opportunity to steal a march on them by getting in an early session and revisiting a favourite walking area.

My route took me through the Cold Comfort portal and out into Warwickshire farmland towards Coldcomfort Wood. Emerging, I cross a newly harvested field, the golden straw awaiting the baling machine. Autumn seems to have arrived a little early this year. There is a chill in the air. Flowers I have been enjoying over the last few months have been replaced by berries; Golden Wheat and dusky blue Linseed replaced the final throes of harvest and ploughing. Was it really only last week I was swimming with the grandkids at Studland Bay? And without a wet suit as well?

My thoughts take me to a point where I leave The Monarchs Way and follow the perimeter of a baled and stubbled field down a gentle bank. A pair of Buzzards are mewing to watch other from an island spinner in the middle of the field. The path leaves the field over a narrow footbridge over Spittle Brook – and here I made a discovery. Some kind person has installed a seat under the shade of an Oak Tree. No dedication or memorial, just a well placed seat on which I sat listening to a Robin while munching an apple.

From this point I am following The Millennium Way towards Coughton. Leaving the field I stroll down Coughton Lane, hedge to one side, Maize to the other. The walk was about a mile down to the village, emerging opposite Coughton Court.

So, now I am crossing a broad field, diagonally, towards a yellow footpath marker in the far corner. A small group of Ayrshire heifers eye me with some interest as I go. Since departing The Millennium Way at Coughton Court I have walked through dark forest of maize; lunched most amicably at The Kings Court Hotel and crossed a mini airfield complete with Microlite. Now I return to the main road, briefly, before joining the footpath beside the river. Over the old railway line and into the nature reserve. The river here is quiet today and is known for its Kingfishers so I keep a look out for the telltale iridescent flash of azure or orange. But no luck today.

Finally I leave the nature park and walk up the hill to the church to complete my walk. Just short of 7.5 miles in good time, so I’m pleased with that. I’m planning my next training session for Saturday so if you see me, give me a wave. But more importantly please go to our Just Giving page and make a contribution. However small it all helps The Shakespeare Hospice.

The Shakespeare Stroll

A group of friends and myself are organising a big charity stroll over the weekend 11 – 12th September. The plan being to raise as much money as we can for The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford on Avon. The hospice is a vital organisation offering vital support to patients with life limiting illness and their families during the worst of times. The hospice relies on charitable funds for its income and has, like many others, been suffering badly during the pandemic

So a group of walking friends and myself have got together to walk a couple of long routes around South Warwickshire to raise as much money as we can over that weekend. And this is where you come in. We have launched a Just Giving page and we would be very pleased if you could make a contribution, however small, to help us help the hospice. We would be very grateful. Also, please feel free to pass the link on to anyone else you think might support us.

We will be posting updates on my Facebook page, search for Martin Parry; @carrotcakebites or here. So tune in and we will let you know how we are getting on. But don’t forget. Just Giving page

On and On On The Onny Trail

The Onny Trail winds through a shallow valley following the course of the River Onny; the road between Craven Arms and Bishops Castle and the remains of a railway line. The three, intertwined sinuously, cross and recross each other through the south Shropshire hills towards Bishops Castle.

Rising in the Shropshire Hills near the Welsh border, The River Onny flows some 25 miles through Craven Arms and Onibury to its confluence with The River Time near Ludlow. I join near Wistanstow, a charming Shropshire community of which more later.

I have no idea who presented the business case to build a railway between Craven Arms and Bishops Castle but he must have been an excellent salesman. The pitch was to build a line between the two towns preparatory to extending the line to Montgomery. In the event money was raised and construction began, following the course of the River Onny To Lydham and then round to Bishops Castle. Opened in 1866 during a period of national railway fever, the line was a financial failure from the outset. Indeed its first, court enforced closure came in 1877 only saved when £700 was raised from the sale and leaseback of one of the locomotives. The line struggled on, finally closing in 1935 when the mighty GWR refused the opportunity to buy the line.

**The Bishops Castle Railway in happier times**

As I join the Onny Trail close to Wistanstow, the remains of an embankment can be seen. Later on, at the remains of a farm bridge the walk actually follows the old track bed for half a mile through a wood until the line crosses the river and the trail continues straight ahead, rising up across a large field.

The path plunges into the gloom of woodland, crossing a stream and steeply up the other side bursting into the sunshine. I turn right, downhill, towards the road, river and trackbed. A small herd of cattle watch me go by until I exit the field into a lane and then across the river and trackbed at Horderley where the old station building remains.

Crossing the road, the path now climbs steeply. A metalled lane winds steeply up through the the forested hillside, for no apparent reason except to demonstrate the stunning views at the top. Walkers will recognise the instruction that says, “Head for a point mid way along the hedge opposite.” Such was the instruction here. No defined path, the hedge opposite invisible behind the incredible summer meadow grasses and flowers before me. Although a beautiful sunny day today it had rained relentlessly in the night so by the time I had finally found the field exit I was soaked from the hips down.

Next, another plunge down through woodland, a stream crossing and up this time into a series of wheat fields as the path continues to rise with more views towards Craven Arms until, after a final plunge into woodland and up across a wheat field the path becomes a lane and the trajectory, blissfully down. Now about 1.5 miles from my destination, Wistanstow I begin to enjoy the warmth of the day; clothing begins to dry; I can see Wistanstow church tower. Little do I know that the worst is yet to come!

I am standing at the edge of a huge field of waist deep, impenetrable, wheat. No sign of a path and an instruction that warns me that the exit stile is low down in the far hedge and “might be hard to find”. I left the lane in plunged down through a huge patch of head-high and soaking nettles. Having run that gauntlet I have crossed two small tributaries of the River Onny and climbed a slippery slope to get to this point. The church is still before me, tantalisingly just beyond the impenetrable barrier before me. I track left. No good. I track right. Even worse. Eventually I shove my way through the soaking crop to a track formed by tractor tyres. They head roughly in the right direction. I am now soaked to the waist and covered in seeds, spiders, webs and muck.

When I reached the other side my troubles continued. I couldn’t find the exit. I hunted low and lower, scrabbling through brambles and nettles until, finally, almost invisible under a bush I found a plank. A plank that, after investigation, crossed a ditch and out into another field and thence, blissfully, into a lane.

Finally I was face to face with the church. A pretty village church in which a beautiful pre-Covid celebration was under way. A wedding: how great it was to see it. A stunning bride in white and her well scrubbed up new husband were just emerging into a blizzard of confetti. What a lovely day for it too. And there stood I, Worzel Gummidge after a long night shift in a wet field.

The Plough hove into view and I hurried inside struggling to pull my sodden mask from my sodden trousers. The barmaid eyed me suspiciously. “What the hell have you been up to?” she asked. “Never mind all that. Give a pint of Shropshire Lad”.