Didn't we have a Lovely Day the Day we went to …….Derbyshire

It was Sunday 10^th September. It was a lovely sunny Sunday too. The coach was boarded at Humberstone Gate at 10.30 prompt and we were all on our way for what turned out to be a glorious day out. Our aim was to visit a selection of pubs in the Derbyshire countryside. This we did and, in addition, enjoyed views over the stunning countryside as we traveled around and enjoyed a convivial atmosphere on the coach. Perhaps the sunshine had put us all in a good mood. Perhaps we were just happy to be out on a Sunday. This was the first time we had had a trip out on a Sunday and I think it was a great success.

Our first port of call was The Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton. You had to be there to believe this place. It was superb! We arrived at 11.55 and all piled into the first room we saw after getting through the open front door. We could easily have helped ourselves to the beer as there was no one in sight and no response to our calls. At 12 noon we were joined by a lady who served us all from the cask (no hand pumps here!). There was no rush in the proceedings, the beer was glorious and the pub was out of this world. Unspoilt by the 21^st century, it was like taking a trip back in time to a very nice time of ease, comfort, peace and good old fashioned hospitality. There was room following on from room and enough space for all of us to sit and relax, and drink! What an oasis in today’s busy world. We had made this our first call as it is only open from noon until 2pm and very pleasant to be there it was.

Our tour continued on to other pubs. Over hill and dale we travelled, calling at the Black Horse at Hulland Ward where we were greeted well and some enjoyed hot beef sandwiches along with a pint of something nice. Some went to another pub in Hulland Ward too, The Nags Head. I didn’t go and was pleased I had stayed at the Black Horse because it sounded the better of the two establishments. Onwards further we went to the Anchor at Oakerthorpe, and The Old Oak Inn at Horsley Woodhouse. All of the pubs we visited are in the Good Beer Guide and all were worth a visit, but none could hope to match the Barley Mow. It was very pleasant to sit in the garden at each with a nice pint and taking advantage of the sunshine with good company and pleasant surroundings. We had enough time to relax at each pub and in no way was the day ever hurried.I can only say well done to Keith Satterly for organizing another great trip. It cannot be easy to be organizer, map reader, master of ceremonies, money collector and ultimately responsible for the whole day. Many thanks for taking the time and trouble on our behalf Keith. I think the Sunday outing worked very well and we were not late home, arriving back in Leicester about 8pm.

Many thanks must also go to our driver, Dennis Wilkins. His good humour and driving, coupled with his willingness to take the coach to places where coaches seldom go make our trips a bit of an adventure.

I can only encourage more people to try and take advantage of the trips when they are advertised. The average cost is about £10 for each trip and a good day out can be assured. Believe me, I have been on a few! The next one is on Saturday November 11^th to Stalybridge and Stockport.

Sue Wilkins.
 

This page last updated: April 15, 2011

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