I caught the 9.30 train to New Mills and was soon on the 60, Gritstone Rambler, admiring the views around Kettleshulme and Rainow in the bright sunshine.

I arrived in Macclesfield with time to spare before midday, but took a long route to The Railway View on Byrons Lane. I opted for a sandwich washed down with a pint of Holdens Frail Rib, 4.3 % and £2.00 per pint. This was an excellent and all too brief starter, so I went back to try half of George Wright’s Sunstroke (?) at 4.2 and Titanic Triple Screw at 4.5%, all £2.00.

Back into sunny Macclesfield and onto the 60 to Whaley Bridge, and The Shepherds Arms. This GBG regular is a traditional Marston’s pub with an impressive vault or bar on the right. I had a pint of Adnams Broadside, £2.25 a pint; it tasted fine but was soon replaced with Spitfire, which I also tried, a half costing £1.15. Having headed for a bake in the garden I finished off on a last pint of Marstons Ashes Ale, 4.1% and £2.25.

Back onto the 60 and to Kettleshulme, visiting the White Swan, a pub now owned by a community consortium, temporarily run by John the Swan, a popular former landlord. I had two pints here, Marstons Bitter at £2.15 - which was a replacement for the Hanby Rainbow chaser, and the excellent Hanby all seasons, 4.2% and £2.15 a pint.

I also visited the Bulls Head, a free house serving four real ales. I chose Weetwood Oast House Gold, 5% and £2.15 a pint. I caught the 60 back to New Mils, where I opted for the Royal Oak on Market Street, where I had half of the Robinsons Hatters Mild at 85p. I also tried half an Old Tom at £1.80, but unfortunately it wasn’t ready, and the landlord took it off and swapped it for a pint of Robin bitter, 4.5%.

Out to the bus station next for the X67, and the Red Lion, Litton. Here I had a very good pint of Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, 4.3% and £2.10 a pint.

Catching the 65 my final stop was The Maynard Arms, Grindleford for a pint of Peak Ales Best Bitter, 4.2%, and, I’m sorry to say, I forget the price of this last one.

I was intending to catch the 19.30 First service 240 from Bakewell, but it never arrived, though a completely empty 240 did go past with its lights off. The bus eventually turned up around 20.50.

If you fancy using the Gritstone rambler Service it appears to be intended to run all year round, but as usual, check before you make definite plans. My Derbyshire Wayfarer cost me £7.50, and I managed to try 13 beers in 7 pubs.

Wee Beefy

* Information about Derbyshire Wayfarer tickets and bus timtetables can be found online at www.derbysbus.net. Train timetable can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk