Do not stand in the middle, go to the right or to the left’. – John Lydon

Cracking quote from one of Musics Finest but just a question John, what happens when choosing your direction is the wrong direction  ??? Right when you should go left or in my case Left when when one should have gone right ??

Ok by now you will have realised that todays jaunt a la mutt was overshadowed by yet another navigational faux pas and a crucial left /right decision that somewhat cocked up a pleasant meander .Add to that an encounter with the Dog Owners from Hell and a miserable old fart that nearly caused World War Three on the Bus home and another day turns into an epic …

Anyway School Holidays ,and it has been fair to say motivation has been somewhat lacking on the blog front – best laid plans and all that , gone to pot in a week of soaring temperatures and a nation on social media being tormented by the doom mongers that predict any mutt seen out in public in daylight hours will immediately self combust in the heat . The then biblical like thunderstorms that didn’t really buck up my mojo but with the knowledge that my six weeks of freedom was gradually eroding away and to be honest having caught up with sleeping , drinking and everything watchable on Netflix it was time to hit the road .

Fair to say that the decision was met with the approval of the fluffy one – (who’s it has to be fair taken the metrological extremes in his stride in his own unflappable way – snoring gently on the sofa with his nose up his  arse till it was cool enough to saunter off to the local in the evening ) – chucking himself down the stairs in excitement  as soon as the boots and rucksack arrears from the cupboard to be dusted off ..

A reasonably simple wander through Thackley Woods twixt Bradford and Leeds with a short canal stretch and some ‘research’ on two new micros’s opened up at Greengates was the plan , something not too taxing in the summer sunshine . Route planned  ,destination read up on and an easy 45 two bus route from Chez Rach n Bruce took us to our start point 

The Woods (sometimes known as Buck Woods ) it has to be said are a cracking place for both dogs and people but , unless you are from the local area or done some research first you wouldn’t know that they are there with no signage off the main road . 

There are 45 hectares of woodland to explore , paths are many and varied 

Back from Baildon Bridge ,a ten minute stroll on the Canal out of Shipley took us to the Saltaire Brewery and its Brewery Tap, directly accessible straight off the towpath,, A decent outside space with benches and tables ideal for more temperate days , complements a no frills interior in the Tap itself again with 3 or 4 long tables and bench seating makes for a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation between drinkers  

 makes for a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation between drinkers….

 The usual initial enquiry about the their dog policy lead us to being directed towards two tins on the bar top ,Quality Street for human guests and treats for the canine variety- result !

Beers included a full range from the Brewery , some special one off brews ( I’m happy to be a Beverage Guinea Pig !) several guests and lots of different bottles . The Tap also includes a small shop selling Salts finest both in traditional glass and in DIY small kegs and appeared to be doing a roaring trade .

 Indeed our table companions were having a quick pit stop after travelling 20 miles to pick up supplies for replicating the Salts Brewery experience at home and we were introduced to Bonny their 8 month old border collie who took an immediate shine to F**wit . Unfortunately Bruce had his best old man head and was suitably unimpressed with the antics of a mere pup, happy to show his disapproval from the safety of my knee .

 One pint of blonde down and it was only right to try the seasonal ˜White Christmas and mighty fine it was , and make mental note to self to come back with transport for supplies when we are with transportation. 

one pint of blonde down and it was only right and proper  to try the seasonal ˜White Christmas’ and mighty fine it was …

 Bonny and her owners departed to return to Heckmondwike and were replaced by a couple of hardy walkers who had treked in from Leeds on the tow path and were staying in Bingley that night , Much fussing of Bruce and swapping of some to be pursued pub / walk recommendations followed before we went our separate ways conscious of the ever fading December light on the canal bank and the ever increasing chance of a watery end to our visit back in Shipley we made our way to the Fox , a single room micropub style place close to Shipley Station, with possibly the best website I’ve seen for a pub , their 360 degree online pub tour is just brilliant .

 We hadn’t even got our drinks before Bruce was accosted by a lad sat at the bar who to be fair had probably had just one over the edge .He’d just had his elderly Border T put to sleep in the last week and the hurt was obviously still there but he could see a lot of his beloved pooch in our little hooligan .When another lad came in with another terrier , we spent a happy half hour swapping stories of our own ‘little s**t ( it’s something that we’ve noticed frequently on our travels that us owners of our pugnacious little fluff balls tend to stick together ! )

 Not sure about the Christmas Tunes as background music in the Fox though the incomparable ˜Fairytale of New York ˜ did suit the beery cheery atmosphere on a cold December afternoon . Beers good , company ace in a pub that doesn’t  appear to take itself too seriously ,love the place and a great end to an unexpectedly fine afternoon out.

Get social-izing and give us a follow !