Walk to the pub - Hayfield Circular
Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Hayfield Circular
PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing
The Sportsman Inn
Sportsman
Located in a beautiful setting and surrounded by delightful countryside, the Sportsman Inn, a Thwaites-owned pub, has in its time welcomed many a weary rambler in need of refreshment and an escape from the elements. A cosy fire in winter, plus popular home-cooked food with friendly and welcoming staff, ensure you will leave contented, whatever the weather. A good selection of Thwaites cask beers is available too. On my last visit these were Amber, Gold, IPA and Original. The pub is open from noon to 11pm Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
Bus Information
This walk starts and finishes at Hayfield Bus Station. The 358 bus runs from Stockport through Offerton, Marple and New Mills before it reaches Hayfield. The journey is a delight in itself with some spectacular views in places, especially from the top deck! The service runs hourly and late into the evening. For full timetable information visit www.stagecoachbus.com.
The Walk
This is a moderate three-mile circular walk with one fairly steep climb. There may be some spots of mud in wet weather. The OS map is OL1 The Peak District (OS app also available).
The bus stops outside the public toilets. From here we need to walk to the village centre. Cross the bypass at the pedestrian lights and then walk along the lane with the church on your left. Turn right at the end and walk up the hill of the main street. At the top of the street take the first road to the left and then left again. Carry on along this road for half a mile. The road becomes a track close to the river and then forks at a stone wall. Take the fork to the right and through a gate. Ignoring a steep path to the right, continue along the main path for another half mile as it gradually climbs past the campsite and through woodland – and then enjoy some great hill views. The path will briefly split in two before joining up again. When climbing becomes easier, carry straight on through a gate and to a lovely stone bench – with the climbing done for the day, this is the perfect place for a well-deserved rest!
Continue along the narrow path until it joins a tarmac track. Take a sharp left here. Then go through two large gates and down the road which bends left and follows a stream. After the road bends to the left again (passing Bowden packhorse bridge on your right) our route continues through the campsite entrance road to the left passing some public toilets (the car park opposite marks the start of the famous Mass Trespass of 1932). Continue along the campsite road which then becomes a path, keeping the river on your right until you reach a row of pretty cottages on your left. Cross the river by the footbridge opposite and climb up to the road above to the Sportsman Inn opposite.
There are two alternative routes for returning to Hayfield. The traffic-free option is to retrace your steps back down the path, over the footbridge and then right along the same path as before. Another option is to turn right out of the pub and walk back into the village along the road for great views of the surrounding hills.
Hayfield
Royal
This picturesque village is a joy to explore, with old-world charm in spades. Small independent shops, cafes and a great traditional chippy, as well as an abundance of characterful stone cottages, ensure that visitors will want to return again and again, like I do. The charm also extends to the three excellent walker-friendly pubs that are along the main street. All are open all day every day, except for the Pack Horse which is closed on Mondays.
The Royal Hotel is well known for its excellent cask beer, having been in the Good Beer Guide for many years. It is popular with walkers, having its own Ramblers Bar – good food is also available. The cask beers were from Happy Valley, Peak Ales, Howard Town and Fiddlers Green when I last visited.
With a traditional and cosy interior, the Marston’s-owned George Hotel is also regularly featured in the Good Beer Guide. On my last visit, cask beers from Banks’s, Ringwood and Marston’s were available as well as a real cider. Food is also a speciality.
Recently refurbished with a contemporary yet traditional style, the Pack Horse specialises in food but cask beer is also well represented. These were from Mobberley Brewhouse, Big Smoke and Rooster’s when I last visited.