The Old Dungeon Ghyll - ODG - Langdale

 Ah, the ODG - the classic climbers pub in the heart of Langdale in the Lake District. Not to be confused with the New Dungeon Ghyll down the road which is its polar opposite.

This has to be one of my favourite places on earth. When we're in there, we've either just set up camp at the local National Trust campsite and are excitedly preparing for the exploits ahead of us, or we've just returned from off the mountains. If it's the latter, there is no beer sweeter than one you truly deserve!

Great range of real ales here. Always a good mix of the light and refreshing and the heavy and strong. Old Peculiar is always on tap, and that's what I'll be having, thanks! If even that doesn't pack enough kick, Old Rosie scrumpy cider resides at the end of the bar and at 7.3%, should provide the required buzz.

Food is regarded as fuel rather than gastronomic delight. There's usually a hearty stew or chilli on, and it's good stuff after a day on the mountains. The 'fly pie' (currant slice) is well worth buying to stick in your backpack the next day.

Occasionally there's music, but there's always good crack in the evenings. Walkers and climbers are friendly folk, and it's rare to leave the pub without having a conversation with someone you've never met before.

Rare viewing of an empty stall.

The Fat Lamb Country Inn - Ravenstonedale

 We popped into the Fat Lamb for lunch while driving around the beautiful, but underrated Sedburgh\Kirby Stephen area just below the Lake District.

It was pretty quiet as it was mid-week and we were a little early, but we were glad that our bellies had forced a diversion into the Fat Lamb as it turned out to be a classic example of a proper old country inn. Just a small bar, but plenty of seating and no doubt a much bigger kitchen. Lots of old hunting ephemera on the walls,as well as the odd rams head, plus a lovely warm fire.

They have their own nature preserve too, which was bought when a large parcel of land behind the pub went on sale and they saved it from getting into the hands of the local shooting fraternity.

Our sausage baguettes were really good, but I feel a bit ashamed not to have gone for something a bit more interesting, as the menu was gratifyingly unusual. Good beer and very friendly staff too.