A sad funeral saw us heading up north, so we decided to stay at the Buck Inn in Chopgate, Yorkshire moors at the head of Bilsdale, as we had heard about the German owner and his good food and German beer. It was the day before the funeral, and it had been our 30th wedding anniversary the day before so we paid the very reasonable rate to indulge ourselves. The weather was freezing cold and we were fed up. First stop was Helmsley, as it was on the way, a good sized little market town with lots of craft shops and eateries. And wonderful second hand shops. After lunch there, we headed up towards the Buck Inn travelling north of Helmsley through Bilsdale, a scenic area full of colour, wildlife and old farmhouses and rivers. We soon arrived at the Buck Inn in Chopgate. We were greeted by the two giant Schnouzers who were docile and friendly, and Wolfgangs wife who kindly made us a coffee and showed us to our room on the ground floor. It was spotless and comfortable and warm. We ordered an evening meal and Wolfgang engaged in friendly conversation, mainly with my husband who is also continental. The delicious meal was worth waiting for, Chicken Schnitzel and German noodles and salad. Very well presented and washed down with the beer, my husband thought he was in heaven and they brought him thin chips and mayonnaise. The hotel was quiet and relaxing as it was mid winter. Breakfast was tasty and the coffee was good. It gave us strength for the day ahead. I would like to go again in the summer when the heather is out, there are some smashing walks and Roseberry Topping is not that far away with its famous bluebell fields to admire.
