The last few months have been a bit of a revelation in terms of rediscovering my own country.
Given my obsession with visiting every inch of the Navigator map over many years, it may seem unlikely I’d find anything new, but two months ago I hadn’t seen Bowes, or Loftus, or Cardigan. Or High Force waterfall.
Odd that, since my trips to find pubs closed around Barnard Castle and Middleton in Teesdale have become annual events. And I love this bit of Durham.
But despite there being a yo-yo GBG entry on the doorstep (taking your £1.50 entry fee), this was my first visit to our version of Victoria Falls (I’ve had keg Castle beer there).
Not as impressive then as it is after this week’s downpour, I guess, but still a place to contemplate life. Or something.
As ever, it looks betting on the official retiredmartin video.
High Force Hotel is one of the poshest places I’ve come across in the Guide.
Everyone is wearing tweed and a tie, even the girls, and I wonder for a moment if I’ve turned up at a private event and will get kicked out before getting my half.
“Are you one of the Raby staff ?” I was asked.
Duncan would have put on a posh Scottish accent and winged it. I owned that I wasn’t.
Still took my money, but didn’t ask if I was dining.
Only two beers, albeit boths with daft names. The Mithril Silverstone was (unexpectedly) good, a 3.5 sherbert of a beer.
I hid in the middle section of the pub, beautifully designed to recreate a rural Welsh boozer, and ignored the stares.
retiredmartin 
I’ve lived in County Durham since 2011 and still haven’t visited High Force. But now I’ve seen your video there’s no need to, thanks for saving me the trip!!
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Have you stood behind the waterfall(s) at Ystradfellte, Martin?
That’s one for your list if not.
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Etu,
I’ve not been to Ystradfellte but friends that have say it is pronounced ExtraFilthy.
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And I thought “High Force” meant I would read about your beer being served through a tight sparkler.
I’ve not seen Mithril Flower Power before. Only Whim Flower Power which Dick and Dave might be on in the Wilkes Head two months from now.
Is that brown and white floor covering a by-product of their beef casserole ?
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two months… Who is counting?
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Reminder to book my night in Leek…
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I am liking the look of Leek more and more.
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So am I. Earl Grey was great but that’s the only new pub I’ve been to there in several years.
Don’t forget the macaroons I blogged about 😏
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The Earl Grey should suit Dick and Dave to a tee but the Wilkes Head is my favourite.
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My friend Luke liked the look of Leek.
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It looks fantastic from my current location in a dry cask area! A Whim sounds good right about now.
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Green Man is gonna have a run on rooms!
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Dick,
Hartington Bitter and the seasonal Black Christmas are my two favourite Whim beers.
The Wilkes Head is a Proper Pub.
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I vaguely remember High Force beers, can’t remember much about them though.
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That’s usually a good sign, Scott.
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Always good to ignore the stares! What a great waterfall…some of those northern outposts are gorgeous
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