Sarsden - a lovely Cotswold walk

Sarsden and the Tite Inn Chadlington.


Sarsden is a Cotswold hamlet that dates back to Anglo Saxon times. It stands in the triangle  between Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford. It is also close to Chadlington, a lovely little village that boasts one of the most stylish and well stocked village stores and butchers in the Cotswolds.

There was only one snag - MUD.  Three quarters of the walk was fine as we were walking a small country road that circumnavigates the grounds of Sardsen Manor, a classy stately pile built in 1845. It stands in grounds that are so manicured and well-tended it reeks of money.  The bridleway that linked the small roads however was a muddy quagmire that was so difficult to walk we had to move to the edge of a field of winter wheat to make our way round the estate. As the sky was blue,the song of skylarks filled the air, and the bare trees flaunted their beauty, somehow it didn't matter. Yes our boots were heavy with mud and Barnaby was having trouble lifting his paws, but we found ourselves rejoicing at the promise of Spring which was all around us.  Clumps of snowdrops scattered throughout the trail heralding fine weather certainly brought us joy so did the red kites that soared above us.
Having walked a couple of miles we arrived at the place we had started, and after removing our filthy boots climbed into the car, secured Barnaby in his seat belt and headed for the Tite Inn, Chadlington, which was but a handful of miles away.

The fish and chips - delicious!!!

 Barnaby was welcome, indeed the locals made him very welcome, declaring that he was a really smashing little dog (he liked that).
So that he didn't feel left out, I had fixed him a packed lunch which he chomped down with enthusiasm while we ate our fish and chips.
This is now a really fantastic little pub, which has recently been taken over and given a tasteful face lift.
An army of workmen were making good the garden to the left of the pub when we arrived, apparently that will be ready for Easter.

The menu includes many traditional English dishes and the selection of real ales included both local brews and ales of national importance.
But the best thing about this pub is the service, it really is service with a smile. We all felt genuinely welcome - particularly Barnaby.