We were only able to do a four RambAles this year, but at least we were able to do some this year unlike 2020, and enjoyed pleasingly good weather for all of them.
We started on a lovely sunny afternoon at the end of July when we met for a lunchtime drink at the Hammer & Pincers pub at Bents Green. Following a pint of Moonshine five of us set off up Ringinglow Road to a much busier Norfolk Arms and a very pleasant Titanic Plum Porter amongst other available waiter served drinks. We were joined by two more colleagues for the walk along the Houndkirk packhorse route to Fox House. There our party split with the majority staying for a drink there prior to catching a bus back to Sheffield. I carried on along the Moss Road route over Totley Moor towards Thornbridge’s Cricket Inn at Totley, who were indeed hosting a cricket match, before going home.
Our small group of regulars assembled again at the end of August at the Anglers Rest in Bamford for a varied choice of drinks, before making our way to the Cheshire Cheese at Hope which had local Intrepid beers on. A short walk from there found us at the Old Hall Hotel for the Bank Holiday Hope Valley Beer Festival with a larger marquee and choice of beers and ciders and entertainment from our old Harlequin friends ‘Rocket 88’ who were doing only their second gig in 18 months.
We were amongst many who enjoyed beers from Blue Monkey, Little Critters and Intrepid amongst others.
Our September RambAle started at the Shepley Spitfire in Bradway but as it had no cask ales on, we made our way through the woods and field paths to the Royal Oak at Millthorpe which was serving refreshing pints of Tim Taylor’s Landlord. A slow walk back via Cartledge took us to the Angel Inn at Holmesfield who had beers from Hambleton Stud brewery. This pub is well known for offering gluten free food and drink. We were going to head back to Totley for a final drink but ended up going a different way for some chips instead.
We had intended to start our October RambAle at the Guzzle micropub in Woodseats but had heard it wasn’t opening early enough, so switched the start across the road to the Big Tree who had a couple of cask ales on. Whilst we were gathering there, we noticed the shutters going up at the Guzzle so made our way back across to find they were experimenting with opening at 12 rather than 2pm. There was already a party in, so opening early obviously works. As does having a good range of well looked after cask and keg ales on and friendly and knowledgeable bar staff.
We then headed up through Graves Park where we found a regional Running Race taking place – so we took advantage of their catering facilities (a burger van) as we passed through. We found the Mount Pleasant pub down on Derbyshire Lane open and welcoming, although we initially went into the lounge which had been set out for an afternoon of gin tasting. Luckily next door’s bar had a choice of six cask ales from Abbeydale, Tetley, Stancill, Titanic and Whymer.
A short walk from there took us down the road to Thornbridge’s Cross Scythes pub which had a choice of four of their excellent cask ales plus others on keg. A longer walk via Heeley Green took us past the Victoria and onto the Brothers Arms who must have had a dozen ales for us to try. Then a short walk across the road then took us to the equally busy Sheaf View and a choice of Neepsend and other beers. Our final stop on this RambAle was the White Lion on London Road for a final choice of drinks.
It had only been a 3.5 mile walk but we’d fitted in seven pubs and (mostly) halves but the clocks had progressed through seven hours by the time we left for our buses home. An enjoyable day out for all.
We’re already discussing ideas for next year – we might finally get to the Redmire Dams and out to Great and Little Hucklows. Bakewell and Birchover have also been mentioned but may need an earlier start. A new route to the Wortley Beer Festival, if that is taking place, has also been suggested. More visits to pubs to the north of Sheffield or further into South Yorkshire and its surrounding countryside. Its also been suggested we start a second group who fancy doing longer/faster walks than the ones our current group are happy doing.
Please let us know if you are interested and any possible ideas for routes and pubs we could visit you may have and we’ll see what we can do in 2022.