Sunday, June 22, 2025

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Sixty One - LEDBURY

Taking to the tracks for a rare chance to become a highwayman in Herefordshire, the Bus Pass Bandit makes the most of the recent sunny spell...

The Bandit and his accomplice take the train from Birmingham to the Herefordshire market town of Ledbury, a place with strong poetry connections.

A pleasant walk beside an apple orchard and Dog Hill Wood takes us to the Church of St Michael and All Angels, which has an interesting detached Bell Tower.

The much photographed Church Lane leads us to the Prince of Wales pub, an old favourite.

Westons vintage cider goes down well with a Ploughman's lunch!

The distinctive Market House stands at the heart of Ledbury.

Our next stop is the Horseshoe Inn on The Homend.

Herefordshire Wye Valley HPA is always a good choice.

Close at hand is the Seven Stars.

And a chance to sample some local Ledbury Bitter.

The Feathers Hotel on the High Street was an old coaching inn.

A comfortable interior in which to enjoy some Olicana Pale Ale, again from the Ledbury Brewery.

The Talbot on New Street was also a coaching inn.

The Wadworth Swordfish beer contains rum!

Our next stop is The Lion on Bye Street, a basic no frills local.

Here is some excellent Three Tuns Best from Bishops Castle.

And finally to the Brewery Inn.

After some Banks's Amber we return to the station along the Town Trail, following the route of the former Ledbury to Gloucester railway.

Monday, June 2, 2025

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Sixty - HATTON

The Bus Pass Bandit can be a secretive fellow on occasions but mention of a beer or cider festival is usually enough to tempt him out of hiding. That was certainly the case for this particular adventure...

The Bandit can't resist a return to the Case is Altered on Case Lane for their annual beer festival.

The pub is well prepared for the Festival.

Some Broadoak Pheasant Plucker cider seems like a good start!

A few ciders later, the Bandit makes his way across fields to the Falcon at Hatton.

A refreshing half of Aspall Cyder awaits.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin at Haseley.

Not far away is Hatton Holy Trinity Church.

The Hatton Arms provides the opportunity for a half of Church Farm Harry's Heifer.

The garden offers a view of the 'Stairway to Heaven' - the Hatton Flight of 21 locks on the Grand Union Canal.

A particularly large species of dragonfly can be found by the canal.

Hatton Bottom Lock is near to Warwick Parkway Station.