CAMRA'S Peak District Pub Walks

This guide has 25 walks from 3.25 miles to 10 miles. 20 circular, 5 linear. I have a slight gripe with the discrepancy between the title of the book and the location of the walks. Out of the 25 routes, 9 are not in the Peak District National Park. The book should really be titled; Peak District and surrounding area Walks. The walks are spread throughout the national park (and surrounding areas) from Belper in the south to Holmfirth in the north. The most easterly walk is Bradfield Dale (near Sheffield) whilst Bollington (near Macclesfield) is the westerly limit. The walks are split into eight ‘Groups’ for instance the ‘Sheffield Group’ the ‘Derby Group’. Each group containing two to four walks. This is quite confusing, as there are no walks in either Sheffield or Derby. Castleton which is about 14 miles west of Sheffield is in the ‘Sheffield Group.’ Most people wouldn’t associate Castleton with Sheffield. In the introduction it says that this is done to make it easier for the walker who is staying for a weekend or more in those areas to do the walks within the group. That’s fair enough, but the titling of the groups in my opinion remains misleading. 

    Obviously being a CAMRA guide, the pubs along the routes have been selected on the criteria that they serve well-kept real ale(s) and also for their facilities. They have also been chosen to avoid the ‘gastro’ type of pub, in favour of ones that are still proper pubs. ie they welcome anyone who may only want a rest and a drink. A useful ‘pub information’ panel is provided for each walk giving opening hours, food serving times and contact details. The walks are well described and the colour mapping is by Ordnance Survey. There is interesting information provided about the pubs and the relevant villages etc. A list of walks, walk titles and distances at the front of the book would have been useful. The back of the book provides a bonus 3 cycle routes as well as an accommodation list, transport info. and an explanation of ‘beer styles’. Last, but not least, is a CAMRA membership application form. The book is attractively laid-out with ample use of colour photos and graphics. It will help provide you with some memorable days out, visiting some great pubs; both in the Peak and surrounding areas...