Witney Beer, Wool and Blanket Trail
6 people attending
18 places left
We will start at the brewery where we will join the tour which last about 2 hours. It will take us through the brewing process of Wychwood & Brakspear Beers, from seeing the raw ingredients to the finished product, taking in the Copper, Mash Tun and Brakspear's famous Double Drop system. After the tour you are invited to sample their flagship Legendary Hobgoblin and their range of Wychwood and Brakspear bottled beers.
Note: The tour being opened to the general public and very popular, do secure your place as soon as possible. You must book your tickets for the brewery tour using the following link: Wychwood Brewery tours
We will aim for the 11am tour, but if there is no places left then book your ticket for the 11.30am tour.
Then we will follow the Wool & Blanket Trail around Witney: On 19th July 2002 the looms fell silent for the last time and the woollen industry in Witney was consigned to history. The industry had lasted almost a thousand years, dominating the economic and social life of the town. For centuries Witney was famous all over the world for woollen cloth in general and good quality blankets in particular, a product in which the town began to specialise in the 17th century. The blanket industry successfully survived many of the great changes of history – industrialisation, the introductions of steam and of electricity - but in the early 1970s finally met what was to prove its nemesis: the humble duvet! Unsurprisingly, such a long and illustrious history has left its marks…
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof Over-Trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential both in mid winter to preserve heat and in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Gloves: essential in frosty weather.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
We are likely to eat in one of the pubs in Witney.
More info nearer the date of the event.