The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge

‘Food served all day’ – words to warm the cockles of any hungry hiker who finds themself 1,300 feet up on bleak old Blakey Ridge, high above the spectacular Rosedale and Farndale valleys. And they really mean all day too, from noon until 10pm, which makes the Lion an absolute winner on any big day out tramping around the wilder corners of the North York Moors. We’re talking an old-school menu of steaks, ham and eggs, pub curry, veggie lasagne, fried fish, meat pie and the like, all dished up with an eye on the outdoorsy clientele, hence served with proper homemade chips or rice “or both”. Summer days and Sunday lunches see the car park fill up, and the pub’s often packed at meal times, though exhausted Coast-to-Coast walkers pretty much drop by at any time – cosy nooks in front of warming fires, real ales and candlelit dining areas soon revive the spirits. There are B&B rooms, all on the simple side but comfortable enough and accompanied by the sort of breakfast that Desperate Dan would approve of. If it snows overnight don’t be surprised if your country mini-break turns into a lengthy lock-in – the high moorland road outside is one of the most exposed in England, and the next nearest places are six miles in either direction.