BOOTboys

GLW2209 : A Night At The Queen's Head

Sunday 6th March 2022

Thanks to the BOOTboys, I had a very generous voucher to spend at a Hotel in the Individual Inns group. After perusing the brochure we decided to put it to good use at the Queen’s Head Hotel at Troutbeck.

Our adventure began on the Sunday morning. It was a beautiful day. The long distance views were as spectacular as ever as we drove along Moorhowe Road- the quiet back way to Troutbeck.

First, before checking in, we had decided to walk around Brothers Water. After the exhilarating drive over the Kirkstone Pass, we parked at Cow Bridge and walked south along this small lake to the far end.

It was glorious.

To reach the east side we turned at Hartsop Hall .....

.....then passed through the rather impressive Sykeside camp site to find the path heading north. The map gives a misleading impression of it being a gentle stroll alongside the lake. Actually it is rather undulating with some tricky short sections but you do get a great view back over to Dovedale.

Eventually it emerges onto the main road but crossing over takes you on to a bridle path that leads to the south side of the ancient hamlet, Hartsop. Having explored the village, we returned to Cow Bridge.

It was still not time for checking in so we decided to drive the length of Ullswater to Pooley Bridge, passing over the new bridge before entering the village. In contrast to what we had previously seen, it was absolutely heaving with visitors. We didn’t stop; we drove back along the lake and over the pass to the Queen’s Head Inn.

This had been devastated by a fire several years ago and long remained unrestored whilst legal activity took place surrounding suspected arson.

Subsequently it was acquired by Stockport’s Robinson Breweries and what a fabulous job they have made of restoring it. Nothing flashy, kept true to its traditional style but with high quality finishing throughout.

Our bedroom was small but had a good view over to Yoke and Ill Bell, shining in the evening sunshine.

Dinner was at a cosy table by the fire in the four-poster bar. I had an excellent beef and ale pie whilst Margaret enjoyed her lamb hotpot. This was followed by a delicious Bakewell Tart with two spoons plus a jug of cream for Margaret and a scoop of ice cream for me. I can only sum this up as being the top end of pub grub.

Monday 7th March 2022

Breakfast was just as good.

We had decided to have a short walk around the village before setting off home- we couldn’t leave it too late as we were on Ellie duty in the mid-afternoon.

It wasn't as bright a day as Sunday but still good for walking.

Somehow we found ourselves going rather further than anticipated, walking down to the Church....

..... then back up to the village and its ancient houses.

Next, we walked up Robin Lane as far as the Pillar- a viewing point for Victorian visitors brought their by horse and carriage.

No such visitors today, just a rather perplexed man who wanted to get to Troutbeck but insisted that he should head in the opposite direction. Eventually he saw sense.

We took the footpath that heads down to Holbeck Lane- a path I don’t recall ever using before. I certainly hadn’t been to Martin’s Wood.

Once at Holbeck Lane we turned left back towards Troutbeck. The National Trust’s old Town End house was closed but that didn’t stop us having a good look round its garden.....

..... and the bank barn opposite.

A mile further, after passing many interesting ancient properties, quirky painted pebbles and other wonders, we were back at the Queen’s Head where we couldn’t resist calling in again, this time just for a coffee.

The hotel is so comfortable and interesting, the food so good and the staff so friendly that we are minded to stay there again later in the year, especially as we now have a “10% off” voucher.

It has been a memorable couple of days. Thank you BOOTboys for making it possible for us.

Don, Monday 7th March 2022