Choosing our pub for E could almost be likened to a mini-version of our D for Devonshire experience.
Like anyone who knows their Derbyshire history, it didn’t take us long to think of E for the Eyre family, followed by at least a couple of Eyre Arms pubs.
But, oh dear, a Groundhog Day feeling began to descend over us as we swiftly discovered that the Eyre Arms at Calver Sough crossroads is now known as The Calver Arms and the other Eyre Arms we were thinking of near Hassop was unfortunately not offering suitable opening times for us.
So vaguely hoping for an “Eagle” of some kind we were surfing ( not literally of course) along the Hope Valley when suddenly up popped the Eccentric Ale House at Castleton. “Thought we knew all the pubs in Castleton but never heard of this one,” was the verdict, but off we went.
Situated on How Lane, The Eccentric Ale House turns out to be none other than The Peak Hotel….and yes, particularly since it’s directly across the road from the bus station, we have been in here before a time or two whilst waiting for a 272 after a day’s walk.
Never mind, that doesn’t make it any the less interesting for our mid-walk stop today, especially as we’re now wondering more than ever what’s so eccentric about this Ale House.
Well, leaving aside the obvious jibe that the most eccentric thing in the place today could be the two of us, the interior is actually quite unusually decked out with all manner of things hanging from the ceilings and walls.
As with many of the older pubs we’ve visited there are a number of connected areas that were presumably once separate rooms.
We seem to be in the Sports corner and I am particularly taken with a pair of very old looking leather football boots which are certainly a far cry from my grandson’s Nikes.
In another area there are farm implements hanging from the ceiling, reminiscent of The Anchor and perhaps providing a clue that this is indeed, another of the several Peak District pubs currently managed by Atlantik Inns.
And, on a decidedly more eccentric note there are a few skeletons around the place too.
Thankfully the beers are not in the least eccentric (unless you indulge in a play on words and include the Old Peculier?)
I have a lovely glass of Theakstons Best Bitter but there are plenty of other great options to choose from and a variety of lagers too.
The menu is possibly eccentric….
I go for a chicken fajita toasted sandwich which I’ve certainly never come across before and Jan goes for a Smothered PFC, no less.
Both are very tasty and good value for money.
Despite the skeletons it’s certainly not eccentric as in creepy; there’s a friendly atmosphere and, unlike some of our lunch stops, we are not the only ones in the place.
So all in all we feel it’s a good choice and there’s a very good chance we’ll come again especially due to the proximity of the bus station.
Today though we are only part way through our walk so, once refreshed, we head out into the drizzle and prepare to continue on our way to Foolow ( which also has a lovely pub, The Bull’s Head, but that sadly doesn’t begin with an E.)
Today’s Walk & Transport Information
Today we started walking from Hope Station.
We caught the 272 but obviously another option would be the Hope Valley train.
We returned from Foolow courtesy of the 65. The 257 also stops here.
The walk begins by crossing the rail line via the footbridge at the station and continuing onto the footpath which heads gently uphill before joining Aston Lane. Turning left along the lane the route then takes a right onto the Fairfield Farm footpath which is followed to Kilnhill Bridge. Crossing the Hope/Edale road the way continues directly opposite heading along the valley side below Lose Hill towards Castleton. Near the recreation ground just before Castleton, make sure to turn right along Dirty Lane which then becomes a path and leads over Odin Sitch to Odin Mine. We wanted to revisit this spot and investigate the caves as on our previous trip here everything was totally waterlogged following weeks of rain.
Whether or not you decide to explore, return either along the road or footpath ( or a combination of the two) to take refreshment at The Eccentric Ale House in Castleton.
Following this, the path up Cave Dale leads off the village green area behind the church. On reaching the path junction after the head of the dale cross straight over the cart track but take the path to the left of the Limestone Way in order to head over Bradwell Moor.
Once over the moor, on reaching Forest Lane, turn left downhill and at the next junction turn right and then left to continue descending through the village of Little Hucklow.
At the bottom of the hill, cross directly over the main road and follow the rough track uphill into Great Hucklow. Turn left through the village, first right past the bus stop and then left onto the path below the chapel. On joining a lane turn left and then right before taking the path across the fields to Foolow which leads off to the left of an old barn.
The bus stops outside the Bull’s Head pub.
Use the link below to access the full route with details of elevation and distance. Download the free Footpath app in order to follow the route showing your location at all times for a hassle free walk.
For old school navigators, go prepared with both an OS Dark Peak and Light Peak leisure map (and be prepared to briefly use both sides of the Light Peak map.)
https://footpathapp.com/routes/5E253D82-B1EC-41D5-AD69-223C277C9309?units=metric
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