Hidden Cotswolds Pub Walk
From the Jolly Nice Cafe to The Green Dragon Inn CocklefordYou will be set up for the strenuous day ahead with a great breakfast made from local produce and some of the best tasting coffee for miles. Hitting the hills early on in this pub walk you will be rewarded with some great views, four excellent pubs and a good meal at your final destination – the Green Dragon Inn at Cockleford.
Route Map
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At Glance
STARTING AT THE EXCELLENT JOLLY NICE CAFE AND FINISHING 12 MILES AWAY IN COCKLEFORD THIS PUB WALK TAKES IN SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COTSWOLD SCENERY IN THE AREA
Distance
12 miles
Time [approx]
7 Hours
Pub Count
4
CBA Grade
Hardcore
Total Ascent
1984 ft
Start Point
Jolly Nice Cafe
Highlights
The Itinerary
No need to start early on this pub walk. The pubs in Bisley don’t open until midday. Start walking by 10:30 and you’ll arrive in Bisley in time for opening time and your first pint of the day.

Please note the timings below for this pub walk are a guide only, times will vary depending on your walking, eating and drinking speed
10:00 – 10:30: Jolly Nice Cafe
The Jolly Nice really is a very pleasant spot to start a significant day out walking in the Cotswolds. On paper a converted petrol station doesn’t sound that auspicious but it works…really well! Combining a Farm shop, butcher, deli and cafe with a couple of yurts and plenty of space to sit outside it is the perfect place to go over the logistics for the day prior to hitting the trail. The breakfast ciabattas are highly recommended by the Cotswold Beer Adventures
12:15 – 12:45: The Bear Inn &/or The Stirrup Cup - Bisley
The Bear Inn is a lovely atmospheric pub serving a comprehensive range of traditional ales, it’s a great example of what a traditional British village pub should be like. Bisley is lucky enough to have another good pub in the village. As you leave the village keep your eye out for the Stirrup Cup if you’ve made good time why not stop and chalk off another pleasant Cotswold pub.
Lunch
Between Bisley and Miserden the route takes you across some beautiful open pasture and into hidden valleys. You will find numerous places to sit by the path, enjoy a packed lunch and take in your surroundings.
14:30 –15:00: The Carpenters Arms - Miserden
The Carpenters Arms is a traditional 17th-century Cotswold pub, set in this picturesque village. It’s cosy in the winter with a five-foot inglenook open fireplace you can warm up by and plenty of seating outside in a pretty garden in the summer. There is always a good selection of well kept real ales and an even wider range of ciders. The pub is located within the Miserden estate. The route takes you through this impressive parkland before dropping down into the Frome valley.
If you’re running late and arrive midafternoon and fancy tea and cake rather than beer why not order up an afternoon tea – £14.95 to share for two people add a 20cl bottle of Prosecco for £24.95
The Golden Heart Inn Nettleton Bottom[16:00- 16:30]
You’ll be grateful to arrive to the Golden Heart after the steady climb up the valley side from Brimpsfield. This pub takes it’s beer seriously and is commitment to providing well-kept real ales such as Brakspear Double Drop, Ringwood Fortyniner, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Otter Best Bitter and Jennings Cumberland alongside beer from local breweries such as Cotswold Lion. On leaving the pub you will need to cross the busy A417, you need your wits about you as it can be busy during peak rush hour times.
The Green Dragon Inn Cockleford [17:30]
The final leg of your pub walk takes you through a lovely wooded valley prior to emerging into Cockleford village with the Green Dragon in front of you. Cockleford is a small picturesque hamlet, The Green Dragon Inn dates back to the 17 century and sits at the heart of it. It’s a great finishing pub to end a challenging day out. You’ll be greeted with open fireplaces, beamed ceilings and stone flagged floors the perfect environment to relax and enjoy some great food. The menu changes regularly, when we were last there we enjoyed an excellent Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding perfect comfort food to restore and nourish!
The Logistics:
GETTING HERE
The closest train station to the start of the walk is Kemble or Stroud only 10/15 minutes taxi ride from the Gateway Center.
TRANSPORT
Local taxis from Kemble need booking in advance. We recommend P & A Travel
Email info@pandatravelcirencester.co.uk
Phone 01285 657 983
Mobile 07946 006 847
ORGANISED BEER ADVENTURE:
If you’re in a large party, organising a stag or corporate event or simply want local insight we can help to ensure you have a fantastic weekend or day out in the Cotswolds – Let us help you create your own true Cotswold Beer Adventure. Please contact us with your enquiry.
STAYING:
This is a selection of accommodation in the area. They are convenient for this particular pub walk and we like them! Those listed provided a range to suit most pockets but if you don’t find what you’re looking for have a look at the map below to find the best deals on accommodation in the area in the area.
- The Crown Inn – Frampton Mansell
- The Ragged Cot – Minchinhampton
- The Bear – Bisley
- The Green Dragon – Cockleford
- Cowley Manor – Cowley
Cockleford is equidistant from Cirencester and Cheltenham either have a selection of good hotels. Search using the booking.com website below for best prices
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