Travel towards Denton's Crown Point from Stockport is less than ideal to arrive as the doors are opening at our first destination. The ideal bus (direct) arrives at around half-past the hour, hence either hanging around for 30 minutes, or loose valuable drinking time. The solution for those not perambulatory challenged is to catch the 11:30am bus to Two Trees Lane. If we are lucky and our bus is on time and the 202 running a couple of minutes late we will swap transportation. If not it is a 15 minute walk to the pub.

Our first pint will be partaken in the newest bar in Denton (based upon its opening, but as it is located in a former bar there may be newer licensed premises), namely Percy's. The new owner has 6 years experience as a bar manager at the Silly Country in Droylsden under his belt, so expect something similar [but sadly no quirky map of Denton painted on the walls!]. Three cask ales grace the bar, one bitter and two pales, one under 4% ABV, the other over. A CAMRA discount scheme is in operation and, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there is 50p off all the cask beers and bag in box ciders — though whether both apply simultaneously we will have to see.

We now cross the road and catch one of the frequent 201 busses towards Hyde. The downside is, they often bunch together resulting in three buses within five minutes. We will need to keep an eye on their progress via bustimes.org. Just after crossing the River Tame, it is eyes right to spy out the White Gates [obvious by its glorious external tiling]. This is one of the original pubs bought, way back in 1978, by CAMRA. Yes, CAMRA used to own pubs! In its day (and that includes your authors youth) you could get beers from that great Stockport brewery, Pollards of Reddish Vale. Read about the brewery's closure here at https://greatermanchester.camra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/WD79.pdf.

Back to the drinking, and now for something old, the White Lion in Hyde's Market Square. Not sure when it was originally built, but the extensive tiling was as a result of a remodelling by Kay’s Atlas Brewery in 1906. This resulted, in 1929, in it passing to Robinsons who, though they sold it on, are still represented upon the bar, along with Taylor's Landlord. Well known for its extensive traditional pub food menu but be warned, a local has warned us to select the smaller portions unless, if the generous portion is selected, a few days fasting post meal are contemplated. Now there is a challenge! The pub's interior is a one star entry on CAMRA's national historic interest listing.

Dragging ourselves away, we travel around one hundred yards down the street to the Queens, or as it was known in the early 1900’s, The Pineapple. Before those of you in the punctuation mafia hound the author, the sign board displays several royal heads, so it is (assumed to be) a plural. Now operated by Joseph Holt (the company, not the landlord's name!) so bitter and usually mild will be on offer, often backed up by one of their Chorlton Brewery beers. As with many Holt's pubs, this is more of a community centre than a bar, with the friendly locals passing the time of day before making their way to their next activity. After the demise of the local Wetherspoon outlet, the Queens seems to have taken on that mantel (but without the bespoke carpeting).

We now have another short walk and, passing the Morrisons supermarket, we arrive at the Sportsman. This could lay claim to being among the oldest and newest pubs in Hyde! "How does it achieve that?" you cry. I think its historic credentials can't be in doubt once you see it, however it closed down and re-opened all within the span of a week back in January. The owner planned to retire and sell the Sportsman on for other use, that is until a local solicitor's firm stepped in and took on the mantel. So does that merit calling it the newest pub in Hyde? The beers on offer are from Rossendale, with Sunshine, Pitch Porter and Floral Dance being guaranteed, with other Rossendale beers also being available. Much of the Victorian ambiance and fittings are retained, resulting in the interior being another one star entry on CAMRA's national historic interest listing. Food is available most days, including at times Cuban Tapas and Sunday roasts, but unfortunately there is no food on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Retracing our steps back towards the bus station we now meet what most people would call the newest pub in Hyde, Jack's Bar. This mart, cosy and friendly micropub still has enough room for three changing cask beers, often sourced regionally. The interior is decked out with comfortable seating creating a light, fresh and modern look, and feeling like you are in the licensee's front room. Inviting though this sounds, don't rush to get there early as it only opens at 4pm. Once ensconced in the comfy chairs may mean motivation to moe on to our final destination may be lacking, especially as this will take the wander a little after the usual ending time, but...

Passing the bus station (whimps can peel off here for the 330 bus back to Stockport) and progressing a little back towards Denton brings us to the Cheshire Ring. Avoiding travelling in the rush hour is my best argument for visiting, but the six real ales (and up to three draught ciders) make a good secondary argument. Previously a Beartown Brewery owned pub, their beers are still available, but backed up by others from around the region. Though these days the name is obvious, being alongside the Peak Forest Canal, which forms part of the Cheshire Ring, what was it called before this moniker was attained by the canal? Much of the interior looks original, but isn't (for who knows what reason) on CAMRA's national historic interest listing. Warning: only coin of the realm is acceptable here, so no paying by mobile phone, smart watch or card, and the challenge "Show us your money." can often be heard.

After what, hopefully, has been a pleasant day out, Stopfordians need to make their way back to the bus station, thence to catch the 330 bus towards home. For some Mancunians, however, the 201 towards the city centre, or even the train from Hyde Central, may be a better bet.