RambAles are our social events that combine pub visits with a gentle walk, usually in the countryside. June sees our new social secretary Mike Cooke take over on RambAle organising duties!

In June the walk is from the West End Hotel in Killamarsh to Fuggle Bunny Brewhouse in Halfway with some of the route being on old railway trackbeds. This is in a part of our branch area we rarely visit! Get there on bus 120K, meeting time is 12:20. More details of this was in last month’s issue of Beer Matters.

The July walk is along the route of the Chesterfield Canal from Thorpe Salvin to Shireoaks.

We meet up at Crystal Peaks Interchange, stand CP2, for the 12.30 no. 26 bus to Thorpe Salvin. If you’re travelling from Sheffield city centre, either the 11.30 no. 120 bus from the Interchange, or the 11.45 Blue route tram from Cathedral, will get you there in plenty of time.

Alighting the 26 at Thorpe Salvin around 1.00pm, we walk just around the corner to the Parish Oven for pre-walk refreshments, following which we take the footpath through the fields down to the Chesterfield Canal, crossing over at Pudding Dyke Bridge to take the towpath eastwards, past the impressive series of Thorpe staircase locks. This area is renowned for being one of the the prettiest parts of the whole UK canal network.

At Turnerwood, we can stop for tea or coffee at Orchard Teas, overlooking the attractive basin there. Continuing our walk, we pass through Shireoaks, past the Marina, which was once the wharf for the nearby colliery, and carry on along the canal to the Lockkeeper, on the outskirts of Worksop. Time for a drink (food is available here) before we retrace our steps back towards Shireoaks. We leave the canal at the bridge over Shireoaks Road, and walk through the site of the abandoned colliery to the Ticking Clock Brewery taproom. Here we have around 90 minutes to relax.

After quenching our thirsts (food is also available here, usually pizzas or burgers from outside caterers), we take the short walk back to Shireoaks station and catch the 18.14 train back to Sheffield, where the option of the Sheffield Tap may compete with that of catching the next bus home!

Total mileage on foot is about 6 miles, mostly level, with no significant hills, the canal between Thorpe Salvin and Worksop is all downhill (obviously only actually downhill where the locks are). It’s just over 2 hours walking in total.

Note: Anyone needing to get back earlier can cut short the stop at Ticking Clock and catch the 17.08 train back to Sheffield.

Sat April 26th– The Pennine Way starts here!

Join us to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the creation of the Pennine Way long distance footpath with this much shorter walk between Hope and Edale where the Way starts on its 268 mile route to Kirk Yetholm.

We shall be catching the 11:36 272 Castleton bus from Sheffield Interchange as far as Hope Village. Our first drink will be in the Old Hall Inn and we’ll wait for anyone who’s come out on the 12:14 Northern train from Sheffield. A short walk then takes us to the Old Cheshire Cheese for a second drink.

From there there’s a choice. You can either join us for a walk up Lose Hill to Hollins Cross and then down to Edale for a drink at the Rambler Inn to get our breath back before walking up to the Old Nags Head where there should be a Beer Festival in full swing (April 25th-27th)

Alternatively, you can board the 62 bus from outside the Cheshire Cheese to take you to Edale for that section of the RambAle.
Late comers can also come out on the train to join us at Edale. Departures from Sheffield are at 14 minutes past each hour. Return travel will be by train from Edale Station.  All welcome.

Next RambAles: – Sat May 17th, Fri June 6th and Sat July 12th

Sheffield has many great pubs and green spaces within, and around, its boundaries. Once again we invite you to join us on visits to some of our local pubs and villages in the countryside in and surrounding Sheffield using public transport.

APRIL
Sat 26 | The Pennine Way starts here!

Join us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Pennine Way long distance footpath with this much shorter walk between Hope and Edale where the Way starts on its 268 mile route to Kirk Yetholm.

Catch the 11:36 272 Castleton bus from Sheffield Interchange as far as Hope village. We shall meet up in the Old Hall Inn for our first drink and wait for anyone who’s come out on the 12:14 Northern train from Sheffield.

A short walk then takes us to the Old Cheshire Cheese for a second drink. From there we’ll walk up Lose Hill to Hollins Cross and then down to Edale for a drink at the Rambler Inn to get our breath back before walking up to the Old Nags Head where there should be a beer festival in full swing (25-27). Return travel will be by train from Edale Station.

MAY
Sat 17 | A bluebell walk through Ecclesall Woods to Dore & Totley

Meet outside Dore and Totley Stn (S17 3LB – trains, 97, 98 or 218 buses) at 11:30. We’ll walk through Ecclesall Woods and Ryecroft Glen up to Dore to call in at the Devonshire Arms. We’ll then walk down to the Crown and the Cricket Inn at Totley before walking up to the Cross Scythes for a final drink before a bus back home.

JUNE
Fri 6 | Beighton to Halfway via Rother Valley Country Park and Killamarsh

We catch the 11:45 Blue Tram from Castle Square to the Drake House Lane in Beighton stop. Then its a short walk to the Scarsdale Hundred Wetherspoons for our starters.
We then walk down to and then through the Rother Valley Country Park to get
to Killamarsh for a visit to the award winning Guzzle MicroPub.

Finally we walk up the road to finish with a visit to the Fuggle Bunny Brew House, where we might be joined by fellow CAMRA drinkers.

JULY
Sat 12 | In the footsteps of Kes, Hoyland Common to Chapeltown

Catch the 11:36 2 bus from Eyre Street alighting at Stead Lane in Hoyland Common, featuring artwork depicting Billy Caspar and Kes, and a blue plaque on the house where Barry Hines lived.

We visit the Tap & Brew for a choice of six brews, then onto the Saville Square pub. We do a bit of walking towards Tankersley and Thorncliffe. The Miners Arms might provide a further stop as we continue on our way to the Commercial in Chapeltown.

We might find time to call in the Wagon & Horses before getting either a train or bus back to Sheffield.

AUGUST
TBD | We hope to feature a mini pub tour of Derbyshire

We aim to provide a series of walks which we hope people won’t find either too long or too strenuous and most will feature a number of pubs and drop-out points where people can leave and make their own way back, by bus or train, to Sheffield if they don’t fancy doing the whole walk or want to stay for another drink in a particular pub. These will also provide joining points for any latecomers.

Everyone is welcome to join us on any of these walks but they are advised to come suitably equipped for the day’s walking, which may be rough, wet and muddy in places. Please also come prepared for the possibility of changeable and inclement weather. In most cases you will also need to bring (or be able to buy) sufficient food and drink for yourself for the day.

Most timings and fares will be given in the walks listing. Any additions or amendments will also be published in new leaflets, future editions of Beer Matters or on our website.

Contact the RambAles Coordinator on 07842 530128 or rambale@sheffield.camra.org.uk for more information.

Malcolm and Jenny

By the time you read this we’ll have already done three out of the five RambAles planned for this year. Back in April we had a walk around Redmires Reservoirs. The 51 bus took us to Shiny Sheff which only had one beer (Jaipur) on draft. Having done our walk round the reservoirs we called in Three Merry Lads on what was its last day of operating. Luckily it still had a choice of beers and food available. Our final stop was at the newly reopened Sportsman Inn where a new couple had taken over this well established and popular pub.

May saw us taking a 65 bus out to Eyam, with a field path walk to Bulls Head at Foolow. A drink there set us up for the walk up the hill to Barrel Inn at Bretton (pictured) for a drink and spot of lunch. Then a steepish walk down to Miners Arms in Eyam for our final drink to celebrate John’s 80th birthday before our bus back to Sheffield.

In June we used the annual One Valley Beer Festival as an excuse to visit Dronfield and some of the surrounding villages. Starting at Drone Valley Brewery, we sampled some of their excellent range of beers before walking up to Miner’s Arms at Hundall which was getting quite busy by now. A shortish road walk took us up to Traveller’s Rest at Apperknowle for another choice of beers and to wish Glyn a happy 78th birthday. We then walked down to Dronfield where the festival was really taking over the town. Dronfield Arms was busy inside and equally crowded out in their back yard where they had another bar. But queueing for 40 minutes for a pint soon had us heading for the exits and our buses home. We’ll choose a different route (or day) next year.

We still have two more RambAles planned for later this year which you can join us on. In July we shall be going to Stanton in Peak, Birchover, Darley Bridge and Bakewell. In August a trip out the Hope Valley Beer Festival via calls at Bradwell and Brough. Details in the diary and below.

Although we have a fairly regular group of people coming out on our walks, they are open to all CAMRA members and everyone is welcome to join us on any of these fairly leisurely short walks.

However you are advised to come suitably equipped for the day’s walking, which may be rough, wet and muddy in places (even in summer). You come prepared for the possibility of changeable and inclement weather and will also need to bring (or be able to buy) sufficient food and drink for yourself for the day. We hope you can join us on one or more of our RambAles!

Cheers, Malcolm and Jenny 😀🤓

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Bradwell, Brough & Hope
Sat 24 Aug

Catch the 12:36 272 Castleton bus from Sheffield Interchange as far as Bradwell where we’ll visit the Bowling Green. We’ll walk to Brough for a visit to Intrepid Brewery (if open) before making our way to the Old Hall Hotel at Hope for their Bank Holiday Beer & Cider Festival. Buses or trains back from Hope.

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Our RambAles combine a gently paced walk in the countryside with a real ale pub or two and CAMRA members are invited to join us. All the walks have start and finish points that are possible to reach from Sheffield by public transport.

The 2024 RambAle programme kicks off in April, our co-ordinator Malcolm is still working on the finer details but the calendar is currently planned as:

• 13 April: Lodge Moor & Redmires. Meet at the Shiny Sheff at 12:15 (51 bus from Sheffield City Centre, Arundel Gate stop AG11 at 11:46).
• 11 May (TBC): Eyam, Foolow, Bretton and Grindleford. Catch 65 bus from Sheffield Interchange at 11:30 to Eyam and meet at the Miners Arms.
• 8 June: Dronfield, Apperknowle and Hundall. Coincides with One Valley Festival. Get 44 bus from Sheffield Arundel Gate stop AG12 at 11:11, meet at Drone Valley Brewery.
• 13 July (TBC): Stanton in Peak, Birchover, Darley Bridge and Bakewell. Get 218 bus from Sheffield Interchange at 10:40, connecting onto bus 172 to Stanton in Peak, meet at the Flying Childers Inn.
• 24 August: Bradwell, Brough and Hope. Coincides with Hope Valley Beer festival at the Old Hall Hotel. Get 272 bus from Sheffield Interchange at 12:36, meet at the Bowling Green pub in Bradwell.

Join us again for a RambAle in 2023!

Sheffield has many great pubs and green spaces within, and around, its boundaries. Now they are open again it’s time for us to get our boots on and go for our drinks further afield – do join us!

Once again we invite you to join us on visits to some of our local pubs and villages in the countryside in and surrounding Sheffield using public transport.

Sheffield CAMRA RambAles are walks and a few drinks with friends. We hope you can join us for one, or more, of them.

Sat 8 Apr – Woodseats Wander

Meet at Guzzle Micropub, Chesterfield Road, Woodseats at 14:00 (24, 25, 43, 75, 76, X17 buses)
Then via Graves Park up to the Mount Pleasant and Cross Scythes on Derbyshire Lane and then down to the Heeley Triangle pubs: Brothers Arms, Sheaf View and White Lion.

Sat 20 May – Birchover & Stanton

09:40 218 from Sheffield Interchange to Bakewell, to connect with 11:00 172 bus to Birchover for the Druid; then via Stanton Stone Circles to the Flying Childers at Stanton in Peak; followed by the Grouse & Claret at Rowsley. Bus back to Bakewell for Joiners Arms and/or bus back to Sheffield.

Sat 17 Jun – Coal Aston to Dronfield

11:56 44 bus from Flat Street to Coal Aston for c12:30 arrival. Royal Oak will be our first call, then SCW to the Gate at Troway; Then onto the Traveller’s Rest at Apperknowle and the Miners Arms at Hundall; and onwards to the pubs of Dronfield.

Jul (TBA) – Wortley Beer Festival (probably)

Bus to Deepcar, King & Miller, for 12:15; walk up to Wortley. Bus back to Sheffield.

Sat 26 Aug – Hope Valley Beer Festival

Taking in the festival at the Old Hall Hotel in Hope.

Sep (TBA) – Cordwell Valley

Including visiting Tickled Trout in Barlow, Royal Oak in Millthorpe and Angel at Holmesfield returning via Totley.

Oct (TBA)

We may have a late RambAle in October, but we’re waiting for the football fixture lists and dates of local beer festivals to come out so we can fit our walks around them and some of these walks may have to be amended to suit the situation.

PLEASE NOTE: All bus, tram and train times are subject to change and last minute cancellation. Please check before setting off

We aim to provide a series of walks which we hope people won’t find either too long or too strenuous
and most will feature a number of pubs and drop-out points where people can leave and make their own way back, by bus or train, to Sheffield if they don’t fancy doing the whole walk or want to stay for another drink in a particular pub. These will also provide joining points for any latecomers.

Most timings and fares will be given in the walk’s listing. Any additions or amendments will also be published in new leaflets, future editions of Beer Matters or on the branch website, or by contacting the RambAles coordinator on 07842 530128 or rambale@sheffield.camra.org.uk who can also be contacted if you need any more information on any of these walks.

Everyone is welcome to join us on any of these walks but they are advised to come suitably equipped for the day’s walking, which may be rough, wet and muddy in places. You should also come prepared for the possibility of changeable and inclement weather. In most cases you will also need to bring (or be able to buy) sufficient food and drink for yourself for the day.

Malcolm & Jenny

Our last RambAle of the year took place in late September: nine used the Huddersfield train from Sheffield, two took a double-bus route from Hoyland and one took the scenic route from Stocksbridge on the 3-times daily 23 Millhouse Green flyer.

After meeting on platform two, and admiring the 1912 Art Deco masterpiece which is the Penistone Paramount, our first stop was in the well-stocked Penistone Tap & Brewhouse. This was the original home of the Woodland Brewery (formally Whitefaced Brewery, named after a local breed of sheep). The brewery has recently moved to a larger local site.

We then utilised the Trans-Pennine Trail, originally part of the, Sheffield-Manchester, Woodhead Railway line, progressing to GBG-serial entry, the multiple award-winning and hardly-changed Huntsman in Thurlstone. The pub lived up to its billing, providing the usual six, well-kept, cask beers. The choice included Abbeydale, Acorn and Salamander.

Our next stop was the nearby Crystal Palace, since May 2021, the home, and only regular outlet, for Kibble Brewery. Four of their beers, all named after major coal seams, were available: Barnsley Bed Bitter (4.2%), Colliers Monday (5.8%), Kent Thin Pale (4.2%) and Kent Thin Pale: Strawberry (4.2%). In addition, Head Brewer, Alasdair Twist, provided a brewery tour and an entertaining series of anecdotes. The 2.5 Bbl. brewery is located in a former stable block in the car park. A kibble is a big bucket used in pit shafts: the owner felt that the mash tun (from the now-closed Hamelsworde brewery) looks like a kibble. There is also a smaller pilot plant which is used for one-off specials.

We then returned to Penistone via Stottercliffe Road, paying a return visit to the, now busy, Penistone Tap & Brewhouse before catching our return transport.

An excellent afternoon in the late September sunshine.

We were finally able to do our Redmires RambAle at our third attempt back in March. However, our first pub, the Shiny Sheff, had no cask ales on following a recent reopening under new management. (Hopefully that is no longer the case.) We left and carried on with our walk up to the dams and then down to the Three Merry Lads, followed by a visit to the Sportsman Inn.

April saw us out in the Peak District, although our first intended pub the Fox House, was then closed for refurbishment. However, a short walk through the Longshaw estate soon brought us to the Grouse for some refreshment. From there we dropped down through Hay Wood to Grindleford Station, passing the busy café there and having our sandwiches outside the Padley Chapel. We were surprised to see a couple of deer calmly grazing in the field next to us. We then followed the Derwent riverside path to Hathersage finishing with a drink at the Little John Inn.

For our May walk we took the 65 bus out to Great Hucklow, starting with a drink at the Queen Anne pub there. One of the few to have draught Bass on the bar, along with another beer on rotation. A short walk from there took us to the Blind Bull in Little Hucklow. A good choice of draught ales in this Inn which dates back to the 12th Century but which had a recent renovation following some years of closure. It was certainly proving popular with locals when we were there.

From there we traversed a number of fields (and stiles) to get to Bradwell. We went in the Bowling Green there, although we also found some friends had gone to the Shoulder of Mutton. We all found our way back home via the 272 bus service.

Our most recent outing has been to join the Dronfield One Valley Extra Beer Festival starting with a 43 bus ride to the Drone Valley Brewery in Unstone. They had extended their bar to have a full range of their beers on (see pic). Not everyone was happy with having to drink them from squashy plastic ‘glasses’, nor the pricing (an across the range £4 a pint) but there were no complaints about the quality. Food was also available and entertainment was promised later in the day.

We decided to make our way up the hill to the Miners Arms at Hundall, which was its usual busy self, both inside and out in the garden where a second bar had been set up, along with a stage and another food stall.

Our third call was to the Travellers Rest at Apperknowle, where beer in glass glasses was available and taken with our sandwiches. We possibly spent too long there as by the time we got to Troway for a visit to the Gate Inn there we found it closed. We followed field paths from there towards Coal Aston, ending our walk there when a 44 bus appeared.

So an eventful year so far with some new faces joining the regulars.

We’ll be having another walk in June when we shall go from Malin Bridge up to the Wisewood Inn for their Loxley Beer festival. In July we shall be walking from Deepcar to the Wortley Beer Festival and in August a shortish walk from Castleton to Hope for the Bank Holiday Beer Festival at the Old Hall Hotel.

More details in the diary section in Beer Matters or on the website

Join us for rambling and ale!

Due to lockdowns and ongoing Covid restrictions we were only able to do four RambAles last year, but that was still four more than we expected and the previous year. We’re pleased to say that all of them proved enjoyable and it was great to get out and enjoy visiting many of our local pubs again for a drink whilst enjoying a not too strenuous walk with friends.

We shall be visiting more of them through the next few months and also going further afield to some of the many local villages in the easily reached surrounding countryside which have great pubs in them too – all worth visiting. Many of them are within walking distance and we shall have the back up of the city’s public transport system to help get us there and back.

Sheffield has many great pubs and green spaces within, and around, its boundaries. Now they are open again it’s time for us to get our boots on and make the most of them – do join us!

We already have a number of ideas for more RambAles in September and October but we’re waiting for the football fixture lists and dates of local beer festivals to come out so we can fit our walks around them.

We aim to provide a series of walks which we hope people won’t find either too long or too strenuous and most will feature a number of pubs and drop-out points where people can leave and make their own way back by bus or train to Sheffield if they don’t fancy doing the whole walk or want to stay for another drink in a particular pub. These will also provide joining points for any latecomers. Most timings and fares will be given in the walks listing. Any additions or amendments will also be published in new leaflets, future editions of Beer Matters and the branch website. Contact the RambAle coordinator on 07842 530 128 or rambale@sheffield.camra.org.uk if you need more information on any of these walks.

Everyone is welcome to join us but please come suitably equipped for changeable and inclement weather and walking conditions which may be rough, wet and muddy in places. In most cases you will also need to bring (or be able to buy) sufficient food and drink.

PLEASE NOTE: bus, tram and train times are subject to change and last minute cancellation. Please check before setting off.

Malcolm & Jenny