Conclude your latest ramble in the English countryside with a well-earned pint at the pub on these top scenic pub walks.

England's Best Pub Walks

by Sue Talbot

Celebrated for its olde-world villages where time stands still, lush countryside criss-crossed by stone walls and, most importantly, good old traditional pubs, England is brimming with quintessential charm and beautiful landscapes.

A wooden fingerpost in the foreground points out Olaf's Church, Burnthwaite and Styhead. Beyond the sign and a loose-stacked stone wall, a pub nestles at the crux of several green hills, with the bulk of a Lakeland fell rising in the far distance.

So, what could be better than enjoying all the country has to offer with scenic pub walks that end with your favourite tipple?

As this is amongst my favourite pastimes, I’ve tried to narrow down the selection of pub walks to just a few of the best, in my opinion.

Walk: Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, Peak District

Pub: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Castleton

A hiker couple pose on the Great Ridge Walk, with the ridge itself in the background.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese by Adam Bruderer. A close-up of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, an old black and white timbered coaching inn wreathed with colourful flowers and signs in ye olde English script. The close-up is of the door and a sign saying muddy boots are welcome.

Right: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn by Adam Bruderer. Shared resized under a Creative Commons licence.

Nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the walk from Mam Tor to the Great Ridge in Castleton is one of the most popular routes in the area, owing to its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Park at the Castleton Visitor Centre in the heart of the village and head towards the track that leads up to Lose Hill. As you make your way along the Great Ridge and Back Tor, you’ll enjoy almighty views that stretch right across the valley. Culminating at the summit of Mam Tor, this walk steers you above some of the park’s most beautiful scenery. On a clear day, it makes a great sunset walk.

Returning along the otherworldly Winnats Pass, reward your efforts back in Castleton at the 17th-century Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn at the heart of the village with a local ale or some homemade pub grub.

Walk: Buttermere Circular, Lake District

Pub: Walkers Bar, The Bridge Hotel

A wooden fence trails down into the water of Buttermere, with lakeland fells standing on the far shore.

Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, by Andrew Bowden. At the end of a drive, framed by the fells, stands a large white-timbered hotel built from grey stone.

Right: Bridge Hotel, Buttermere by Andrew Bowden. Shared resized under a Creative Commons licence.

Beginning in the village of Buttermere, this circular walk follows a waterside trail that snakes its way among some of the most iconic fells in the Lake District, including Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks, Robinson and Red Pike. Along the 7km route, you’ll come across lots of idyllic spots hidden among the woodland, where you can go for a paddle or even brave a swim. Keep an eye open for the local wildlife and cascading waterfalls, such as Sour Milk Gill, and walk past the sentinel pines and through the famous tunnel.

At the end of the walk, the Walkers Bar, with its beamed ceiling and exposed brickwork, is waiting to refuel you with its selection of Cumbrian cask beers and mouthwatering dishes. Dog owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are just as welcome here as your muddy boots.

Walk: Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold

Pub: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter

In Bourton-on-the-Water, a low three-arched bridge crosses the shallow waters of the river running through town.

The scenery that greets you on a walk between Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold really is something else and gives you a glimpse into rural England’s ancient landscapes. Passing through the prettiest of villages, dotted with thatched, honey-hued cottages and rolling hills, this route is a feast for the eyes. Explore archaeological sites and follow the River Eye for a little while, before continuing through open farmland where cattle graze.

If you can resist other pubs along the way, you’ll be glad you saved yourself for the fabulous food at The Slaughters Country Inn. Although the interiors are full of character, on a sunny day it’s great to sit outside and soak up the views of the river and old mill.

Wastwater Shore, Lake District

Pub: The Strands Inn & Brewery, Nether Wasdale

The lakeland fells stand over the clear water of Wastwater tarn.

For a more rugged and remote pub walk, Wasdale plays host to the tallest mountain, deepest lake and smallest church in England, making it a spectacular area to explore. Set off from Nether Wasdale and walk for about 20 minutes to the lake. From here, you can walk along Wastwater Shore and immerse yourself in the untamed and wildly beautiful scenery, made up of the famous screes and imposing fell peaks that form mesmerising reflections on the water.

Return to Nether Wasdale to enjoy the warm hospitality, peaceful setting and local ales, such as Errmmm, which are made at the on-site brewery. The food here is homemade and showcases the finest Lakeland produce, giving you a great excuse to linger longer.

Sue Talbot

Adventure Travel Blogger

Sue Talbot is an adventure travel blogger and iPhone photographer who’s often found hiking up the Lakeland fells or swimming in fairy pools. Her outdoor adventures and photographs can be found on her blog, Lifehop, and also her Lake District Lovers Facebook page.