Peak & Northern Footpaths Society (est.1894)

My Favourite Pub (well, one of them)

Ken Brockway (Footpath Inspector)

This article is from Signpost 53, February 2017

Why is it that the best pubs have the worst footpath links? At first glance, Kirk Ireton is surrounded by a good network of paths but to the West, Carsington Reservoir soon diverts us onto the popular perimeter path. Looking east things are better - the Ecclesbourne valley offers some excellent walking on underused paths. Trains follow the river between Wirksworth and Duffield, but connections from Manchester are poor on this heritage line. Buses from Derby every hour offer the best access to this unspoilt neck of our wood.

Plan your walk with care because the Barley Mow in Kirk Ireton has traditional opening hours. The solid front door may give the appearance that it’s closed but check the snick to make sure. External signage is minimal on the front of this solid grit stone Jacobean building. Inside, the wooden settles and slate tables add charm to the beamed ceiling, cast iron range and quarry floor.

Now the important bit - no smell of chips here, little in the way of food, but you won’t starve. The beer, all real ale, is direct from barrels behind the small serving hatch. Sourced from local small breweries, ale aficionados won’t be disappointed. The landlady has run the pub since 1976, now assisted by her daughter

Should you require other provisions, a community shop operates from the former stables next door.


Next: In memory: Jose Sutton

Page title:My Favourite Pub (well, one of them)
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