Mark Reid has produced another invaluable "Inn Way" guide, this time to Black Sheep Pubs. (For those not in the know, Black Sheep is a fine real ale brewed in the Yorkshire Dales). This book comprises 20 fine circular walks in the beautiful and often underrated Yorkshire Dales, calling at traditional pubs that serve Black Sheep's fine ales.
Detailed route descriptions are included, as are maps to guide you round the many picturesque areas--Swaledale, for example, famous for its sheep; Wensleydale, home of the popular cheese; Airedale, which named the terriers and, of course, Ribblesdale, home of the internationally renowned viaduct. Or, if you fancy something a little more adventurous, try the Three Peaks of Inglebrough, Penyghent and Wornside.
Though other areas covered may be less well known, the walks are all well explained and easily attainable. If you tried just one of the 25 walks each week, visiting the excellent pubs with their fine ale, this book could keep you happy for many a day!
Reid provides his usual meticulous composition of route descriptions, maps, details of local facilities and information on how to get there. In addition, there is a most interesting article on the history of the Black Sheep Brewery and, more importantly, "Tasting Notes" on the various Black Sheep Ales. The only way to test his conclusions, however, is to try them for yourself.
A worthy addition to any rambler's bookshelf, this book details walks that will take you through beautiful countryside, places of historical interest, expansive moorland, riverside strolls, 2,000-year-old fortifications and even the village of "Booze"--the village without a pub! Though the routes are varied, they will not leave you with sore feet, but beware the Black Sheep or you could easily end up with a sore head. --Ben Naylor
