Ritson's Bar, Wasdale Head Inn, June 1998

A remote pub situated beyond the inland end of Wast Water in the western half of the Lake District. It's well worth mentioning the pub's setting as there are commanding views of both Great Gable and Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, which tower above the pub. Interestingly, Wast Water which lies to the west of the pub, just happens to be England's deepest lake. Clearly excellent walking can be had in the area allowing you to build up an appetite for the pub's excellent real ale and good value food.

The pub does get very busy at weekends but there is seating outside if you like cleaner air and there isn't any space in the pub's no-smoking snug.

They actually had a Cumbrian beer festival on while we were there in June 1998 so I'm not quite sure what their usual beers are. I guess they usually have Jennings, Yates and Theakston beers on offer with perhaps a guest or two. The beer is a little more expensive than you might expect but the views are good. During 2002 they opened up their own microbrewery, the Great Gable brewery, and their beers are now available at the bar.

Do watch out though, the pub is often shut during the Winter so ring before you roll up. They also offer catered and self-catered accommodation beside the inn.

Ian Ford and I enjoying a pint of Dent's award winning
T'Owd Tup before allegedly kicking a football the 5 miles
over the hill to Boot?!? Surely it can't be true, May 1999