Dedicated as I am to bringing you the best in cows from around the country and sampling the offerings from various hostelries in my pursuit (I know it's a sacrifice I undertake on your behalf!) I make mention of a recent visit to the Ribble Valley in my home county of Lancashire. I realise that Lancashire does suffer from an image problem of cobble sets whippets and flat caps and as with most myths that isn't always the whole truth. When the sun shines it can be quite lovely and of course, the high rainfall (shattering another myth that we all have webbed feet) does make lush pasture and in turn lots of cows.
Armed with a recommended walk from the local newspaper kept for such a purpose, I set off following the route which quickly gained in height what it lost in way markers and my self congratulations on remembering the binoculars was short lived as I realised I should have brought the OS map and a compass.
The walk was to pass the magnificent Inn at Whitewell (www.innatwhitewell.com)which is an inn dating back from the 1300’s and is among my favourites especially in its choice to source it ingredients locally. (Jim Beams slow roasted Gloucester Old Spot belly pork is terrific.) Frustratingly, I could see the distinctive pub in the distance on the far banks of the River Hodder.
So near, so far and I have to confess I just couldn't find the route from the paper which was surprisingly optimistic inviting the readers to negotiate a descent through moorland bogs and streams. Not to be outdone, four hours later and discovering I just don't have the legs for mountaineering I returned to the car and completed the route by road. What? what? - I wasn't missing the opportunity for a swift shandy and I imagine Mrs Magellan would have said the same to Ferdinand if he had set sail in the wrong direction!
The views from the pub are spectacular and after having eaten there are few times I can definitely recommend the food and especially the thoughtful addition of the Beano comic on the reading table in the bar!
