Catching the 09.23 train to Chesterfield, we caught the Red Arrow, arriving in Ripley for 10.55. First stop was the G B G listed Pear Tree , where we had time for a half of Kimberley Mild, 3.1% and £1.82 a pint.

On next to Selston in Nottinghamshire on the service 90, the driver here confirming that our ticket was valid. We got off in Selston at a stop half an hour’s walk from the pub, the Horse and Jockey on Church Lane. It turns out the bus actually passes the bottom of Church lane, where the pub is, later on going towards Pinxton, and the landlord confirmed that if anyone is waiting around outside he will open early.

The Horse and Jockey is a previous CAMRA award winner, recently refurbished sensitively to retain its character, and serves six beers, two on gravity. We tried Rudgate Ruby Mild, 4.4% and £2.20 a pint, and Bass, the same price. We followed this with Landlord, 4.3%, on gravity, and Caledonian 6 Nations, 4.2%. All pints were the same price.

After jumping back on the number 90 we discovered that I had miscalculated, and we were going to miss our Red Arrow into Derby, but the driver noted our concerns, and put his foot down, making the connection with only seconds to spare. Soon we were on the X38 to Burton on Trent, where the driver kindly dropped us off near the Old Cottage tavern, The Old Cottage Brewery tap, in Burton. Here we tried Old Cottage Rebellion, 3.8% and £1.80 a pint, and Oak Stout, 4.7% at £1.90.

Round the corner next to the Oak and Ivy, near the town hall, where we had a good pint of St Austell Tribute at 4.2%, and £2.30 a pint. Finally in Burton, following extensive directions, we visited the Coopers Tavern, which has a number of beers on Hand pump and gravity in the cosy back bar. We had a pint of Castle Rock Harvest Pale, 3.8% and £1.90 a pint, and also H a d r i a n / B o r d e r Jetsam, 4.8% at £2.30.

Running late, a kindly Trent Barton driver enabled us to catch the V3 to Derby, on the way to which we stopped at the Brick makers in Newton Solney. No guest beer here, just excellent Bass and Pedigree. Pints of both were tried, the Bass was £2.15 a pint and in top condition. Back out for the V3 into Derby, where we headed for the Crompton Tavern, tucked away in a back street. We didn’t try the Thornbridge Hall brewery beer, but instead opted for a pint of the Derby Brewing Company Corker at 4.6% and £2.30. This had a nice hoppy flavour, and tasted far better to me than the brewers previous offerings at Brunswick Brewery.

From here, we walked over Derwent Bridge to the Exeter Arms, Exeter Place, an interesting back street pub near the river. Here we tried the St Austell Tribute again, which was in good nick and cost £2.40 a pint.

Finally, it was short walk along the river to The Smithfield. Our last pint of the night was disappointing, and we both had the same thing. The Enville White was certainly not off, but the beer wasn’t what I was expecting, and I couldn’t really warm to the bizarre weetabix flavours. This was a surprise from a brewery that usually produces fine beers.

Our train home was at 22.42, getting us home in time for the last buses from town. Altogether we tried 14 different beers in 9 pubs, and got great value for money from our £12.00 Derbyshire Wayfarer, which covers two adults travel.

For more information about Derbyshire Wayfarer tickets and bus timetables in the Derbyshire area, visit Derbyshire County Council’s public transport website - www.derbysbus.net. Train information can be obtained from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or on the web at www.nationalrail.co.uk.