Walked 4 miles of country lanes for a pint

Had the best night tonight I've had in ages. I love walking so decided to walk 4 miles along dark country lanes to the next village to an old thatched 16th century pub with a real open fire.

I never go because it's a 15min drive so can't drink but I've got so fed up with pubs around here being turned into gastro pubs which resemble a doctors waiting room with no atmosphere or character that we rarely go out here anymore.

I'm partial to a pint and a good walk so headed off down windy country lanes and soaked up the countryside. The smells the sights and the tranquility of being at one with the countryside as I put my best foot forward.

Eventually after an hour and a 15 minutes I arrived at the pub opposite the church and was greeted by a round of church bells. It was bell practice night. How quaint. Treated myself to a pint of real cider and in the corner I spotted a guitar and a bodhran. Turned out they had a folk jam night on and poetry recital. My God I was in heaven.

After about 3 pints sitting by the fire which in all honestly didn't need to be lit as it was a really mild evening (guess it just added to the atmosphere) and the old thatched pub with folk music, I decided to make my wibbley way home.

I don't know why but I just felt inclined to share this with you. I can't wait to do it again.

 

Anyone who passes jcn16 of the M6 should check out this great pub just 5 mins off the motorway.

 

I'm with you Wizard, I love proper country pubs We're a mile from the next village, which has 3 country pubs if varying quaintness. So come rain, shine or snow (we traipsed back one night in snow boots and 18" of snow!) we get easy access to them. No pubs in our, smaller village, which is a blessing in that we don't get the noise, or the temptation to be in them all the time

Btw, the picture links appear broken? :(

 

Nice that you did share it, Wizard. Glad you have found somewhere that you can relax in and enjoy your time in.

 

It's great in winter, the first time we're looking forward to it being winter! :lol:

 

I can see your pics ok Wizard, want me to put the post back?

 

Oh yes OK then ta!

Yes 'M' there seems to be less and less places to go out for a cosy pint these days. Around here it's either rough pubs full of idiots or foody restaurant type pubs where it's not really comfortable to go and sit if you're just having a drink. All open plan tiled floors are bare walls. I don't know what this modern trend is of ruining pubs and removing all character and atmosphere. Most of the nice old traditional pubs have been turned into places like this. It's sad.

Oh a real fire in winter. Can't beat it.