October's(!) Wander — Glossop

STOP PRESS: On the day itself, as we passed, mention was made of the (now defunct) Dinting Rail Centre, and here is a 10 minute film clip of the place when running. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iplS7vhnbmQ

Yes it is the October Wander, but because several pubs don't open on selected mid week days, this Wander has crept back in to September to catch enough open! It has also been put back slightly to allow for an option to take in the last pub which doesn't open till 5pm. This will potentially make it a five pub outing with a later return home. I will leave the decision to the Wanderers on the day.

Before even reaching our first pub we must doff our hats to a local big wig, Henry Howard, who financed the spur line from Dinting Viaduct to Howard Town, over his own land and at his own expense. He then sold it to the Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Railway (later Great Central). It cost him £15,244 10s 10d (equivalent to £1,900,000 in 2023), being formally opening on 30 June 1845. Were it not for him the line from the Great Central's main line to London (the abandoned Woodhead route) is unlikely to have been built and we would be walking the last mile or so.

We open this Wander at the ever reliable Wetherspoon's outlet in Glossop, the Smithy Fold. This is a conversion from former cotton mill, Bridge End Mill. Built in the 19th Century, with later alterations, but not enough to stop it being listed by High Peak Borough (entry number 1384302). The bridge the mill was named after was replaced (in a revised position) in 1837, so that gives a latest date for the mill's erection. Prior to becoming a pub parts of the building were used as a tourist information office. For more interesting 'Glossop' facts there is a facts page on the Wetherspoon's website here, but their interpretation of Glossop includes as far afield as Hayfield and Broadbottom!

On our way to the next outlet, which doesn't open until 2pm, we can linger while we travelling along the route of the actual Smithy Fold before reaching Bar 2 (or as I like to call it after its recent expansion in to the premise next door, Bar 2½!) Though the main bar of this micropub is snug, there is still room for six hand pulls with five ever changing beers typically from local breweries, with Bradwell Farmers Blonde being an almost permanent offering. Of note are the traditional pub games (cards, dominoes et cetera) and retro video games table are available. So I may at last achieve my ambition and see an outbreak of cribbage and 5s & 3s (don't panic, instructions and tutoring if required).

Dragging ourselves away, we only need to travel a hundred yards (sorry all you young 'uns who don't understand these archaic measurements) to arrive at the Norfolk Arms. "What a strange name" you may ask "we are miles [or kilometres, but that doesn't sound right!] from East Anglia!" The name alludes to that previous big wig, who was the 13th Duke of Norfolk and who helped promote Glossop from a tiny hamlet (see Old Glossop) to a thriving Victorian mill town. The Norfolk Arms is a large hotel built right next to the station, as Baldrick would say "What a cunning plan!" Now owned by Holts and still offering accommodation, so if you need a bed for the night…

A short stride away right next to the station is the Star Inn (funny there doesn't seem to be a Station or Railway pub in Glossop – I wonder if that is the Duke's influence). Not opening till 4pm, so don't rush here as you will only have to wait outside. The Star is the epitome of a Victorian ale house, with conversation predominating and featuring wood panelling and fitted seats. As you enter, the bar is on the right, with further rooms beyond. You will be greeted by three wickets featuring local(ish) breweries. For those finishing here, you can almost keep an eye out for the train pulling in to the station before scampering out to catch it [but I would advise leaving by the quarter hour]. Tip: If you miss the Manchester bound train ,catch the next Hadfield bound train and take the round trip – its warmer than sitting on the station.

For those taking up the option of the final outlet a 10 minute walk is required, but a (not always reliable) bus trip for four stops can be used. However the Globe Hotel is reached, this home brew pub is well worth the effort. Again a surfeit of wood panelling abounds along with an 'olde worlde' décor. Of note, along with its house beer, is the fully vegan menu, so should you require meat you will have to go hungry! There may be an option to visit this as our first pub, as it is currently (mid August) opening at noon, but conversation with bar staff say this isn't likely to last after the August Bank Holiday – we can check their Facebook page and act accordingly. Though called the Globe Hotel there is no accommodation, so whenever we visit it is still a 10 minute walk back to the station for the journey home.

Pst! There is also the option to jump train in Broadbottom and take in the Harwood Arms, but I'm not advocating anarchy nor debauchery.