1. The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is one of the most iconic walks in England, stretching 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. But don’t worry, you don’t need to walk the entire route to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The section between the villages of Painswick and Slad is a particular favorite, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and quintessential English countryside. And when you reach the village of Slad, make sure to stop in at The Woolpack Inn for a traditional pub lunch and a pint.
2. The South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is another national trail that offers stunning scenery and plenty of pub options along the way. Starting in Winchester and ending in Eastbourne, this 100-mile walk in the best of the South Downs National Park, from rolling hills to hidden valleys and coastal cliffs. One of the best pub stops along the way is The Bull Inn in the village of Ditchling, which offers a warm welcome, delicious food, and local beer.
3. The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is renowned for its rugged and dramatic landscapes, which make for rewarding walking routes. And with hundreds of pubs scattered throughout the area, you’ll never be far from a cozy spot to rest your legs. The 10-mile circular walk from Malham to Gordale Scar takes in some of the park’s highlights, including Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss, before finishing up at The Buck Inn, where you can enjoy a well-deserved pint of local ale.
4. The Suffolk Coast Path
If you’re looking for a coastal walk with plenty of pub stops, the Suffolk Coast Path is the one for you. This 60-mile route runs from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, taking in sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and heathland. One of the highlights is the section from Southwold to Walberswick, which offers some of the most stunning views of the Suffolk coast. And when you reach Walberswick, make sure to stop in at The Anchor Inn for some delicious seafood and a pint of Adnams ale.
5. The West Highland Way
For those looking for a more challenging walk, the West Highland Way offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. This 96-mile trail starts in Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, and finishes in Fort William, taking in some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the Buachaille Etive Mor. And after a few days of hard walking, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the Clachaig Inn, which serves up great food and local beer in a traditional Scottish setting.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the best pub walks in the UK, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered. So, grab your walking boots, head out into the countryside, and explore some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer. And don’t forget to stop in at a pub along the way – after all, it’s a British tradition!