BPW24: Thornbridge Brewery via the Monsal Trail (Sat 12:00)
12 people attending
13 places left
This event is part of the Outdoorlads 2024 *BIG Peaky Weekender* and participation is intended for those attending the weekend event.
Visit to Thornbridge Brewery Tap*
Join us on a visit to the Thornbridge Brewery Tap, which is located just outside the town of Bakewell and not too far from Thornbridge Outdoors. We'll be walking to the brewery by the shortest route which is along the Monsal Trail and a length of cross-country path to bring us into Bakewell. It will be the same route back, in reverse. So, it’s a circular walk of around 6 miles / 9.5 kilometres, with 75 metres of ascent.
Thornbridge Brewery began back in 2005, in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall. Their first brew was Lord Marples, a 4% classic bitter, which has become a core Thornbridge beer. Next, they brewed something a little different - an IPA which packed a punch in terms of both flavour and 5.9% ABV. Jaipur, an IPA packed with American hops, quickly gained many awards and national recognition. Demand outstripped supply and created the need for a new brewery.
In 2009, a brand new state-of-the-art brewery was built at Riverside on the outskirts of Bakewell to enable Thornbridge to meet demand and develop the range of beers. Brewing still takes place using the original brew kit which is now in the new Taproom at Riverside. This allows experiments with new brews and adds capacity to the newer brew lines. The Taproom, with bar, pizza kitchen and retail shop, opened in 2019.
You might be interested in joining the 'Thornbridge Experience' at 14:30 - an introduction to the brewery and a look at how its beers are brewed. This lasts 45 mins and includes a tutored tasting of 6 third of a pints of their most popular beers. Tickets (limited availability) cost £18 and can be booked here.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
*Non-alcoholic drinks are available at the Thornbridge Brewery Tap. OutdoorLads promotes responsible drinking of alcohol. See drinkaware for information and advice.
Photo credits: photos are by the event leader, with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
For this event, outdoor trainers or lightweight boots will be adequate. Bring a small rucksack with waterproof jacket/trousers, food, snacks and water or other (non-alcoholic) fluid to maintain your hydration. Depending on the weather, you may require sun cream, sun glasses and a sun hat. The standard ODL kit list is as follows:
Boots: your most important piece of kit: waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Recommend that you brunch before this event. You may want to bring a packed lunch, snacks and some water or other fluid to drink along the way. Depending on the weather and how much alcohol you consume, you should take care to stay well hydrated!
Handmade pizza can be purchased in the Thornbridge Brewery Tap - cost £11-13.
Note that the tap room and shop are card transactions only.