The Peak District is known for its stunning scenery and epic walks, but if you fancy a day out in the Peaks with a difference, then why not try the Hope Valley Rail Ale Trail?
The premise is simple, hop on a train from Sheffield and head out to Edale, after grabbing a pint in the pub, you simply hop back on the train and get off at each station on the way back into Sheffield including stops at Hope, Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford. It’s a fantastic day out and a great way to see a different side of the Peak District.
The best thing about the ale trail, is that it’s near completely dog friendly. From the train, to the dog friendly Peak District pubs along the way.
The most important aspect of the Hope Valley Ale Trail is to plan ahead, it’s likely you won’t get to visit each pub on this list unless you’re a very efficient drinker. Planning accordingly will prevent you having to run for the train (trust me, I’ve done that before).
Find out more about the Hope Valley Rail Ale Trail below.
Getting started
At Sheffield train station, grab yourself an anytime day return to Edale, this usually costs just under £12. Dogs ride for free.
Hang around the station (or in the Sheffield tap next door) for your train to arrive. When it does, stay on the train enjoying the scenic route through the Peak District on your way to Edale. The official route starts at Chinley, but from experience it’s often better to start at Edale.
When you arrive at your stops, make a note of the time the train leaves. Use the Google Maps links for each pub to help direct you between each pub.
Edale
Edale is the start/end of the Pennine way, if you’ve ever climbed Kinder Scout then you’ll have visited this little village before. As you get off the train, follow the path for the exit and turn left at the road, next door to the train station you’ll find your first pub.
The train leaves Edale at 32 minutes past the hour (at the time of writing)
The Ramblers Inn
A stone built country pub that is a popular resting spot for hikers after they’ve tackled Kinder Scout. Expect a good range of ales and delicious food. The Rambler also has a sizeable beer garden for those warmer days to enjoy your pint with views of the Great Ridge and Mam Tor behind you.
Old Nag's Head
A little further up the road from the train station you’ll find the Old Nag’s Head. A quaint 16th century pub. Expect a refreshing pint and good choice of food.
Hope
When you arrive in Hope, you’ll have a 10/15 minute walk from the train station into the pretty village of Hope. Chances are you may have driven through Hope on the way through to the often busy Castleton, but Hope has plenty to offer its visitors.
From the train station head down the road and turn right at the end. Follow the road into the village. Bear in mind you’ll need to factor in this walk when heading back for the train.
The train leaves Hope at 38 minutes past the hour (at the time of writing)
Cheshire Cheese Inn
The Cheshire Cheese Inn is the furthest pub from the train station (roughly a 20 minute walk) but worth the visit. The pub dates back to the 1500s, expect good ales, and an uncomplicated but tasty menu. They have outdoor seating out back for those warmer days.
The Old Hall Hotel
A 16th century coaching inn directly in the centre of the village, the Old Hall Hotel is known for its regular beer festivals. The pub has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy your pint.
The Woodroffe Arms
A little further up the road from the Old Hall, you’ll find the Woodroffe Arms. A friendly, welcoming pub that is well priced with a slightly smaller range of beers than some of the other spots on the trail.
Bamford
Much like Hope, there is a walk from Bamford train station to reach the pub in the village. Bamford sits at the foot of Bamford Edge and the pub is a popular choice with walkers and locals alike.
In fact it’s maybe a 15-20 minute walk to the pub. When you leave the train station, turn right and follow the road up the hill. Don’t forget to factor in this walk when heading back to the train station.
The train leaves Bamford at 42 minutes past the hour (at the time of writing)
The Anglers Rest
The Anglers Rest is a community-owned pub that doubles up as a cafe. The pub looks fantastic with Bamford Edge looming in the background. There’s space to sit outside and a good range of beers available inside.
Hathersage
Hathersage is probably the busiest stop on the route, with plenty of dog friendly places in Hathersage for you to enjoy. A popular village for day trippers and walkers, there are also some wonderful pubs to enjoy on the rail ale trail.
The village is around a 7 minute walk from Hathersage train station. Head to the end of the road where it joins the main road, turn right and follow this road until you reach the village.
The train leaves Hathersage at 45 minutes past the hour (at the time of writing)
The Little John Hotel
As you approach Hathersage from the train station, the Little John is probably the first pub you will come across. A friendly pub with ample space indoors and a popular choice to catch the football on TV.
Postcode: S32 1DD
The Little John on Google Maps
Walking time to train station: 5 mins
The George Hotel
Found on the main street in Hathersage, this over 500 year old former coaching inn has long been a part of Hathersage. Dogs aren't permitted in the restaurant, but you can still enjoy some of their mouth-watering food in the bar and terrace areas.
Postcode: S32 1BB
The George Hotel on Google Maps
Walking time to train station: 6 mins
The Scotsmans Pack
Tucked away on school lane you'll find the Scotsmans Pack, the nearest pub to Stanage Edge and one of the better beer gardens in Hathersage. Expect tasty home-cooked food and a great range of beers to choose from.
Postcode: S32 IBZ
Scotsman’s Pack on Google Maps
Walking time to train station: 12 mins
Grindleford
A stop at Grindleford might depend on your company for the day, there really is only one place to visit here and it is actually a hotel, but a beautiful stop never the less. Grindleford is a pretty little village near to popular walking spot Padley Gorge.
As you leave the train station, turn right and head up the hill for a 10 minute walk to visit the drinking stop here.
The train leaves Grindleford at 49 minutes past the hour (at the time of writing)
The Maynard
The Maynard is a stunning hotel in Grindleford, but it also has a bar that is open to the public (and their dogs). You might be feeling a little drunk by this point of the trail, but be on your best behaviour. You'll find a bar with plenty of choice to choose from.
Postcode: S32 2HE
The Maynard on Google Maps
Walking time to train station: 10 mins
Back to Sheffield
When you hop back on the train, it’s back to Sheffield station. If you’ve got any space left inside of you, it’s worth visiting the Sheffield Tap or any of the other dog friendly pubs in Sheffield City Centre
However, the chances are that you and your dog have had enough by this point. We hope you enjoy your day on the Hope Valley line, and if you found this route useful, please consider sharing it with your friends.
Looking for more of the Peak District? Check out our Dog Friendly Peak District section.