Opening Hours
A grim Friday at the edge of the Lake District. The planned six mile walk has to be halved. We will look for sanctuary in pubs. They must be open on a Friday.
Bessy Bank Lane, ever upwards, until we make the wrong decision to trust an ancient field system. Mrs M says it doesn't look that bad. Mud, ankle deep, rather than knee.
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| Mrs M and Ruby on the wily, windy moors |
We look at Spark Bridge from above.
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| Civilisation below |
Two pubs available.
The Royal Oak has only just reopened. With keenness that will probably wilt, they are currently open all day, every day. Even Mondays.
A very warm welcome, where Ruby the border terrier was offered free doggy ice-cream and I was asked to pay for the single casks available. Wainwright brewed in Burton-on-Trent, rather than the county where the mountains are.
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| The Royal Oak, Sparkbridge - Probably open |
Ever a competist, I consider the nearby Farmer's Arms from the comfort of the Oak's fire place. I cannot believe these hours are true.
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| Open No Hours |
So I phone up. No answer. Risking not having another Wainwright, I decide to walk the 1/4 mile and message Mrs M if I am successful. It is Friday early evening. I am bound to be successful. You would not believe the look of disdain the owner gave me when I found him in his car park. I said I couldn't believe his website opening hours were correct and thought I would check. In the rain.
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| The Farmers Arms |
Talking to locals, it appears as though the main building is now some sort of workshop, offering classes in pottery. The stables bar is the small building to the left. A review on pubsgalore seems to sum it up, rather enthusiastically;
Pubs are coming in all different sizes and shapes these days. But I still like mine open on weekends.
The pick of the bunch is the Red Lion which, rather incredibly, has been found by the local CAMRA. It's remote and serves a tiny hamlet of probably less than 100 souls but has made it into the 2025 guide.
Open every other day.
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| Winter has come |
We drank Bank Top Brewery Flat Cap in here on a couple of occasions. The best time was Friday just after opening time. Everyone in the village comes in to say hello. As they all recognised the dog we are sitting, we were soon involved in conversations. We had questions.... Has whoever lives in Bridgefield Farm House been checked on? We were worried her Xmas tree - with lights on - is still in the window in February. Apparently, the lady is a year round Christmas lover.
No music, standing room only, a landlord that keeps a tab on a piece of paper, dog, super friendly punters. Wonderful.
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| Red Lion By Night |
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| Red Lion by Day |
Walk Details
Distance - 4 Miles
Geocaches - 0
Walk Inspiration - Halved from Best Pub Walks in Lakeland
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