Before I move into the big city, and in response to unprecedented demand, here’s a picture of my breakfast at the Old Town Hall in Innerleithen. Of course, ruined by the full Scottish breakfast that followed it, but such is life. No pain, no gain. I needed a long walk to burn off the calories… Continue reading THE WATER OF LEITH
Author: retiredmartin
Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.
NBSS 3.5 BEER IN SCOTLAND. IN SCOTLAND !
My 25 December lunch comprised 3 pints and an (out-of-date) packet of crisps, so the second post from Innerleithen may not be my best. But this Monday evening was; from the welcome from Pam (who I keep calling Pat) at the Old Town Hall to the mint with the curry. It’s just a shame the… Continue reading NBSS 3.5 BEER IN SCOTLAND. IN SCOTLAND !
CHRISTMAS IN THE TRAQUAIR
He’s been ! Yes, Retired Martin has delivered a new post for your 25 December, another day that will be exactly as good as you make it. Today I shall mostly be driving home from the in-laws in Tunbridge Wells after “doing my duty”. If you can see a good pub stop on either of… Continue reading CHRISTMAS IN THE TRAQUAIR
THE HORSESHOE
My first base in Scotland on the Birthday Tickathon was Innerleithen, with a secret “v” in the pronunciation of course. This affluent looking Borders town on the southern tip of the Pencuiks gave me easy access to three (3) Guide ticks, about as good value as I’ll get anywhere at this stage in GBG completion.… Continue reading THE HORSESHOE
THE HOME OF JIM CLARK AND THE MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS
“Booking is strongly advised, even if just going for a drink” says What Pub of the Allanton Inn, in the eponymous one street just outside Duns in the vast wilderness of the eastern Scottish Borders. So I phoned ahead, and asked if they could squeeze me in for a half, preferably next to a plant… Continue reading THE HOME OF JIM CLARK AND THE MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS
TWICE OVER THE TWEED
Only a fourth visit to Berwick, and a flying one this time to tick a first new entry since Leicester won the league and I had to endure their defining win at City in the Barrels. Despite sticking the Barrels in my Top 100 it’s dropped out the Guide, replaced by a couple of micros.… Continue reading TWICE OVER THE TWEED
THE VENERABLE BEADNELL
Mrs RM, James and I are off to see the parents/in-laws and other family members I can’t remember cause I don’t do family trees. James asked if I’m up to date with the blog, which is the equivalent to asking about the weather in our family. Well, I’m delighted to say I’m now up to… Continue reading THE VENERABLE BEADNELL
RAVISHING RIVINGTON RESERVOIR
Yesterday I managed to see a fair bit of Ayrshire and the Rosneath peninsula on my birthday (22/12), but us tickers are often treated to unexpected beauty in our pursuit of tisks. To soften the disappointment of my birthday having ended (extend it NOW !) I bring you TWO (2) ticks five minutes walk apart… Continue reading RAVISHING RIVINGTON RESERVOIR
WESTHOUGHTON DINGBATS
I survived my birthday (22/12) but now I need to catch up on the posts, starting with a penultimate G-Manc tick in Westhoughton, the over-performing and fast-growing town betwixt Bolton and Wigan. Bolton claims it, but it always feels very Wigan to me with its Beer Schools and Provenances and Brewery Taps, though the first… Continue reading WESTHOUGHTON DINGBATS
57 UP
As I come towards the end of my 57th birthday, another great one, I thought you’d like to see the highlights package before I get down to doing the detailed posts. A day of ticks, ferries, Transvision Vamp, Scotch pies, and pouring rain. Starting in Bearsden north of Glasgow I’ve travelled to the lovely town… Continue reading 57 UP
retiredmartin 