8 Miles to the Pub: Rambling on from Derby to Malton

A story about three pensioners who finally caught up again after some fifty years and discovered that their curiosity and sense of adventure has not diminished – just got a bit creaky; which is why the walks were kept to a reasonable distance with a pub at the end as a reward – friendship has become more important than distance.

With a lead from Wainwright the Fell-Wanderer, and a few beers, it was decided to walk from Derby to Malton via Sheffield – through the places where they now live. This was a journey in a number of stages where individual strengths and weaknesses enlivened an adventure and when curiosity was still allowed to surface unselfconsciously. A relaxing and companionable walk spread over nearly three years taking in cultural attractions and a beer festival (twice). A time when they continued to learn and to conjecture about nature, the weather and why things are built that way.

They couldn’t decide whether this book was going to be a travelogue, a guide book, tourist information or an advert for the Yorkshire Wolds and North Derbyshire, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s about the importance of friendship, trust and sharing; perhaps inspiring other old friends to try something similar – it’s really worthwhile.