We start by boarding the bus in the City Centre on High Street, and travel all the way to the terminus at Totley, which is in front of the first pub, the Cross Scythes. The Cross Scythes is a fairly large pub that has over the years been opened out by a series of refurbishments, however it still retains the leaded windows and many distinct drinking areas.

Next we cross over the main road to the Fleur de Lys, a large half timbered pub with reasonably priced real ales and an extensive pub food menu.

From here cross back over the main road, and head downhill along Hillfoot Road until you come across the Crown, an old country pub with a friendly atmosphere. The low ceilings and exposed stonework on the thick walls give a clue to the pub’s true age.

Continue down the hill a little and turn up Penny Lane where you will find a different Totley to the suburb you see at the bus terminus. This is the village area with the green where Cricket is played, also the Cricket Inn, which is now owned by Fabrice Limon, who also owns the Lions Lair in the City Centre. This country pub has two rooms, one has been turned very much into the Gastropub style with top class food, the other room is much more traditional where you can relax with a pint in front of the fire!

You can walk down the public footpath from here through to Totley Brook, where buses 97A and M17 stop. You may wish to use bus M17 for a short hop to visit the Devonshire Arms in Dore village or alternatively the Shepley Spitfire at Totley Rise. However on this occassion we will get the 97A bus to Millhouses for the Waggon & Horses.

The Waggon & Horses has recently been refurbished and offers a choice of well kept ales. A few minutes away is the Robin Hood, a comfortable Ember Inns pub. It has cosy alcoves, gas fires in every corner and unobtrusive background music, giving a really relaxed atmosphere!

The bus will now take you across town to Pitsmoor, you can enjoy a pint in the East House, before heading over the road for a curry to finish off with. On the way you will also pass various pubs on Abbeydale Rd and London Rd, these were covered in the route 293 crawl a few months back.

Bus information: 97/97A is operated by First - www.firstgroup.com and M17 is operated by Stagecoach - www.stagecoachbus.com. Bus information by phone: 01709 515151.