A Tale of Three Pubs
Having met at the Spread Eagle at 9.30 a.m. as usual, we all piled into our cars for our destination; Aberford. We parked on Main Street near the sadly now closed Swan Hotel. We set off walking about 10.15 a.m. and retraced our steps a short way down the main street before taking a right turn into Parlington Lane, this is a broad bridleway through old woodland. Half way down the track we came to a dark tunnel. The story goes that it was built by the lord of the manor, possibly the Gascoigne family, so that from his grand house he would not have to see his workers and farm labourers as they made their way to work in the fields around his estate. We continued on Parlington Lane for about 3 miles through woods until we reached Garforth Golf Club, where we walked along side the course. We decided to have our coffee break on the footpath beside the golf course under the trees, a nice spot overlooking the greens. Very pleasant, until a wayward "wood" shot sent a golf ball into the vegetation beside where we were sitting. Not wanting to risk another poor golfer we quickly moved on. The walk continued over gently sloping fields for another mile or so until we reached the beautifully flower decorated Berwick-in-Elmet. The village has an ancient history and dates back to between 200-600 BC and as we were a bit early for lunch we decided to climb the Norman earthworks called Wendell Hill and Hall Tower Hill. |
When we came back down the hill the ladies went straight to the The Black Swan where our lunch was booked and to meet Phil and Joan (still recovering from her foot op). However, the male members of the group stopped at the Gascoigne Arms, Paul had spotted that it was a real ale pub and he wanted to get another stamp. We were forced to join him to check the quality of the beer. After a couple of pints we moved on to the Black Swan for lunch and to sample some of their beer.
After an excellent lunch the group discussed whether to take the longer route or to go for a shorter option. Don't know if it was anything to do with the liquid refreshment or not but the shorter version was agreed. From Berwick-in Elmet our route took us through the village until we came out into the country again, turning right across fields and woods, it was mostly downhill for 4 miles back to Aberford. As luck would have it the track bought us out in front of the Arabian Horse which was still open and Ian and John made a bee line for the bar so some of us were once again forced to join them. We got home about 5.0 o'clock after a very enjoyable day with good company. By Roger |