THE PACK HORSE, HEBDEN BRIDGE

In August last year the door of this historic pub slammed shut and the ‘for sale’ boards went up. Those of us who had spent a significant part of our lives warming our toes in front of the fire, pint in hand waiting patiently for our Sunday dinner to come through were gutted. It seemed like the end of days.

Then a miracle happened; a chum sent me the news that Terry Somerville, formerly of the Cross in Heptonstall had taken the lease and reopened. Last week I walked in and had a little weep – of joy. There are no plans to change anything; the flags, the faded upholstery, the swirly carpets. If you like your pubs Farrow & Balled with a soft jazz soundtrack this place is not for you.

But it is one of those inns you fantasise about half way round your walk; wouldn’t it be great to stumble on an old whitewashed pub with roaring fires and a plate full of hearty food? Pennine Way walkers and Mary Townley Loop horse riders have long been making a pit stop at the Pack Horse (or the Ridge, as it’s locally known) but you don’t have to be a longdistance enthusiast to enjoy this 17th century former farmhouse has to offer.

There’s a good choice of beers from the off: White Rat from Ossett Brewery, Black Sheep, Castle Rock Harvest Pale from Nottingham Brewery and nettle Thrasher from Elland.

It’s standard pub grub of course, which is precisely what you need after a yomp over the moors and round the reservoirs; roast lamb and mint sauce, traybake steak pie, hotpot, gammon & eggs – all terrific value for money.

■ The Pack Horse, Widdop Road, Widdop, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7AT T: 01422 842803.