Best winter walker’s pubs in Britain
After a bracing winter hike, there can be no better reward than a pint in a cosy inn. Here is our pick of the best rambler's pubs for a winter warmer
Wrap up warm this winter and head for the hills, then end the day with food and drink by the fire at a cosy country pub.
From Cumbrian classics to Welsh watering holes, here’s our round-up of the UK’s best rural pubs for winter walkers.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale, Cumbria
The Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph, Norfolk
This recently refurbished pub in the centre of West Norfolk not far from King’s Lynn offers a fresh menu with a selection of cask ales. Call in after a day on the coast for a heart meal. www.theharearms.co.uk
Queen’s Arms pub and Hotel, Hawkshead, Cumbria
The Queen’s Arms pub has be offering refuge for winter walkers since the 17th century. With guest rooms, food and an open fire, it’s the perfect base for exploring the southern Lakes. queensheadhawkshead.co.uk
The Dolphin, Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire
Ye Dolphin is appropriately only 50 yards from the sea, and a real smugglers’ pub, with low ceilings, cosy open fires, real ales and a fish-dominated menu. And if you visit on a Friday night, you’re bound hear some sea shanties, as the Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Club meets here. whatpub.com/dolphin-robin-hoods-bay
Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale, Cumbria
Buried in the far reaches of one of the most remote valleys in Britain stands the warm and welcoming Wasdale Head Inn. Found nestled at the very end of the valley whose name it bears, this stunning little Lakeland outpost is well worth the pilgrimage. Enjoy a walk from the pub.
Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, North Yorkshire
Located on the highest point of the North York Moors National Park, this rural inn is a fitting refuge for a winter pint. www.lionblakey.co.uk
The Tors Inn, Belstone, Dartmoor
The Old Nags Head, Edale, Derbyshire
Built in 1577, the Old Nags Head sits at the start of the challenging Pennine Way, and there is plenty of great walking to be found in and around the area. The fires burn throughout winter, and to accompany the generously sized meals their rich and malty ‘1557’ ale is a winner. www.dorbiere.co.uk/the-old-nags-head
Cwellyn Arms, Gwynedd, Wales
For those exploring Snowdonia, this traditional Welsh pub sits at the foot of the areas great mountain. Amid such famed walking country, the Cwellyn Arms strives to provide just what tired ramblers need; great beers, simple, hearty food and log fires by which to warm cold and weary feet. snowdoninn.co.uk
The Royal Oak, Cardington, Church Stretton, Shropshire
Red Lion, Llanbedr, Monmouthshire
The Twice Brewed Inn, Northumberland
The Twice Brewed Inn is long, thin and welcoming. The menu features spicy burgers hewn from vast Northumbrian sausages, and the ales are drawn from the area’s countless microbreweries. As John Scott, of the Hadrian’s Wall Trust, once said, “the pubs around here know their audience – they lay on big fires, big meals and big beers”. That sums up the Twice Brewed perfectly. twicebrewedinn.co.uk
Square and Compass, Dorset
When the festivals are over and only the hardiest hikers tread the frozen turf of the South West Coast Path, there’s nowhere more inviting to hunker down than the Square and Compass.
Set on a hill in Worth Matravers, with views of the English Channel, this is a great way to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon. squareandcompasspub
Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills
This tradition pub overlooking the Isle of Portland in Dorset was originally built in the 13th century. It’s roaring winter fires make it an irresistible lure for wind-blown walkers. smugglersinnosmingtonmills.co.uk
Kings House Hotel, Highland
