96. Gradbach and Danebridge 3rd February 2015

Thick snow in the fields but the roads were clear as we parked in the small carpark near Gradbach Mill. We had parked here before but this time no trouble finding a space, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday snow! Large ice splurges on the road made walking tentative. Heading towards the scout buildings and following the track down to the river Dane. The river was quite fast flowing with stepping stones to tempt us over…crossing without incident. The trail took us north west then south west following  the river to Danebridge and the Ship Inn for a pint of stout and a sherry. Very nice little pub, themed with ropes and shiplike artifacts. We had the place to ourselves as you might imagine on a Tuesday lunchtime which left us free to take some daft photos without fear of any dreaded raised eyebrows. Up the road a little way climbing the steps on the right to a path heading north east to Allgreave and the Rose and Crown. Interesting pub and a very friendly landlady introducing us to another couple who had travelled from Sussex. I fancied a hot toddy which worked out well as she was boiling water anyway for Julie’s cup of tea. Comfy and relaxed in the sumptuous settee we could have stayed longer and the offer of spotted dick and flirt pie.. did tempt us but we had to move on and besides the smell of food was making our mouths water for the ham and cheese sandwiches packed away in the rucksack which we devoured not too far along the road with our feet hanging over a wall. Not much further  west along the road around Burnt Cliff Top then a drop down to Gradbach Mill which was closed due to extensive renovations. Up the lane and back to the carpark.