This crossword No. 26118 clues and answers were published on Fri 29 Nov 2013 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 26118 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Driven thing, tough — and the best! : HARDTOP
5-across – This unusually fruitful giant outstanding at finding inspiration for starters : GOATFIG
9-across – Such a noted art I’m not sure returns thus : MUSIC
10-across – Gilt-edged artist, foremost of compilers on song, our beloved hero : ARAUCARIA
11-across – 10 across’s ultimate invention that’s timeless, followed by a complete devotee : AFICIONADO
12-across – Entertained by endless poetry, us solvers were indebted : OWED
14-across – Sort of nag, Shetland pony might you say, with a love of the country : ANGLOPHILIA
18-across – Other characters are all quite square, possibly? : EQUILATERAL
21-across – Spirited crossword, perhaps? : GAME
22-across – Getting on, a parish priest with RAF ultimately feared lost was seen again : REAPPEARED
25-across – One decorated by monarch, perhaps, 8’s responsibility to drop off award — I’ll be blowed! : HARMONICA
26-across – Much-respected rector tucking into good feed : GREAT
27-across – What may restore fount of knowledge from King’s, after playing with some appropriate language : GINSENG
28-across – Attention given to fantastic old master’s noble rank : EARLDOM
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Holy man, nothing less, composed for service book : HYMNAL
2-down – Our final wish is a pretence, it turns out : RESTIN
3-down – In match, start to play with clubs in a calculated way : TACTICALLY
4-down – Uncomplicated man of the cloth spilling his tea : PLAIN
5-down – Reverend’s ultimate parting gift, setters’ youthful education of old : GRANDTOUR
6-down – A vicar finally getting his place above all others : ARCH
7-down – Drop round — we’re sorry to say goodbye … : FAREWELL
8-down – … but we fitted much of 10 in, Dei gratia : GUARDIAN
13-down – Innovator holding up letter to show worthy opponent : CHALLENGER
15-down – Understanding devious hinter’s in-joke? : GATHERING
16-down – Behave shiftily and selfishly? Not this self-effacing character! : HEDGEHOG
17-down – Rehearsal for card game finished by Spoonerist? : DUMMYRUN
19-down – Close of day for close companion : FRIEND
20-down – Master standing to admit dereliction of duty in sanctum sanctorum : ADYTUM
23-down – See 2 : PEACE
24-down – Nothing’s better than faith and hope, according to Paul : LOVE
This crossword has in total 30 where 14 are across and 16 are down.