The Packhorse Inn located in the tiny, picturesque Village of Little Longstone in Derbyshire's Peak District National Park is just about the most traditional Country Pub that you are ever likely to find.
It occupies a position on the only Road that passes through this Village and the sign outside says "Real Log Fires and Real Home Cooked Food." A further sign nearer to the entrance advises that "Muddy Boots and Dogs are always welcome here." I was nearing the end of a ten mile walk along the Monsal Trail, one of the finest footpaths in this beautiful part of Northern England. How could I resist such an invitation?
Little Longstone sits high on the top of a plateau called Longstone Edge at 1,350 feet above Sea Level. These Moors are criss-crossed with dozens of old Packhorse trade routes and there are many fascinating tales associated with these routes.
This building was originally built in the late sixteenth century and began its life as two lead miner's cottages, the Packhorse Inn was converted into a Country Inn in 1787, but unlike many other Packhorse and Stagecoach Inns of its kind this place has retained it's original name for over 200 years.
From the outside this place looks very old, but also very warm and inviting. The outer walls are covered in dense Ivy but beneath this the original stones of the building's construction can be clearly seen. There is no large Beer Garden outside, the truth is the Inn backs directly onto privately owned land so there is no room for one, but there are a few tables positioned on the pavement in front of the building. As the weather was fine when I visited all of these tables were occupied.
On the outside of the building there is also a small Garden and Terrace, large enough to seat around a dozen people.
I found the Packhorse Inn to be charming, cosy and unspoilt. I did not manage to find a seat outside but I sat on a low wall in front of the Pub, as did others, and enjoyed my drink.
Looking out across the breathtaking views of the open moorland it is easy to get carried away and imagine the fully laden Packhorses trudging across these routes towards Manchester, Derby and the Midlands.
One of the most famous outlaws of this area in the late seventeenth century was a man known as Black Harry, who robbed the Packhorses and Stagecoaches on these Moors. Just outside the Village there is a Lane that bears his name. It is known as Black Harry's Gate.
The Packhorse Inn has a good reputation as a Real Ale Pub and it is mentioned in the AA Good Beer Guide, The Which Guide and the Good Beer Guide. It is also a previous winner of CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Month Award. There were several hand-pulled Real Ales available when I visited including Peak Ales and Abbot Ale.
I did not actually sample either the Real Ales or the Home Cooked Food but I can confirm that the Food looked lovely and smelled delicious. I saw traditional Home Made Pie, Lasagne and Fish and Chips all being served up on large, over flowing plates. I did originally intend to eat but the place was so busy that I could not get a table so I changed my mind.
Most visitors to this area will come by Car as it is a little bit remote. It is however accessible by Public Transport. The 218 Bus runs from Sheffield City Centre to Buxton, via Bakewell and Ashford under Water. From Ashford Little Longstone is about a two mile walk. There is however a local Bus service that runs from Ashford to Monsal Head and goes directly pass the Packhorse Inn.
By Car, Little Longtone is a small Village situated five miles to the North West of the popular Peak District Town of Bakewell, along the A6 towards Buxton. Leave the A6 at Ashford in the Water, and follow the signs to Monsal Head which is along the B6465.
Pack Horse Inn Little Longstone Little Longstone Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1NN
Telephone - 01629 640471
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