Our top pick of the best countryside pub walks in the UK
There’s something truly special about wandering through the great British countryside. The steady crunch of gravel beneath your boots, the scent of wildflowers on the breeze and the joy of knowing there’s a cosy country pub waiting for you at the end.
Here at Chef & Brewer, we exist to bring the wonder of the countryside to your local pub. Be it a ramble along the coast or a loop through ancient woodland, we believe the journey is just as meaningful as the destination – and when that destination is a warm welcome, a delicious meal and a pint poured with care, well… that’s our idea of bliss.
So lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic for you and the pup, and set off on one of the best countryside pub walks, each paired with one of our cherished pubs.
The Alderley Edge Circular & the De Trafford Arms, Cheshire
Distance: 4.5 miles
Pace: A steady ramble with a few gentle climbs
Highlights: Castle Rock, Armada Beacon, sweeping views
Dog friendly: Absolutely
Stay the night? Yes – 34 cosy en suite rooms at the De Trafford Arms
Trail details: Alderley Edge Circular
There’s a story behind every step of the Alderley Edge Circular. It’s a well-loved loop with big skies and lovely views, perfect for a weekend amble with friends or a midweek reset with the dog.
Right in the heart of the village, the De Trafford Arms is everything a country pub should be. It’s full to the brim with charm, with oak beams, snug corners and a menu that does the classics proud. Come on in, muddy boots and all – we’re always ready with a warm smile and a cold drink.
Milton to Carvers Rocks & the Riverside, Tutbury
Distance: Around 6 miles
Pace: A rewarding walk with varied terrain
Highlights: Foremark Reservoir, wildlife at Carvers Rocks
Dog friendly: Waggy tails welcome
Stay the night? Yes – right here at the Riverside
Trail details: Milton to Carvers Rocks
If you’re on the hunt for great pub walks that take in a variety of landscapes, this one ticks every box. You’ll pass tranquil waters, rocky trails and rich woodland.
Set out from Milton and wind your way through Foremark Reservoir and the rugged beauty of Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve. This walk is a bit more of a leg-stretcher, but well worth it for the peaceful views and bursts of birdsong.
The reward? A table at the Riverside, our beautiful dog-friendly pub and hotel in Tutbury. A favourite among pubs for trekkers, expect hearty favourites, perfectly cooked, and rooms upstairs if you’re not quite ready to go home. It’s the kind of place where walkers become regulars, and Sunday lunches are legendary.
Hackfall Explorer & The Kings Head, Masham, North Yorkshire
Distance: Around 3 miles
Pace: Great for those who like a little adventure
Highlights: Castle, follies, waterfalls, hidden woodland glades
Dog friendly: You bet
Stay the night? Get some shut-eye in one of 27 en suite rooms
Trail details: Hackfall Explorer
One of our most picturesque pub walks – Hackfall Woods will undoubtedly delight. It’s a magical woodland walk, rich in history and natural beauty, where every turn reveals a secret pond or a gorgeous waterfall.
Just down the road in Masham, the Kings Head welcomes walkers with open arms. Settle in with a local ale and one of our seasonal specials. With its roots in Georgian hospitality, a lovely beer garden and a bar full of character, this is one of those pubs with walking routes that stays with you long after your boots are off.
Portishead Coastal Circular & the Royal Inn, Somerset
Distance: 4 miles
Pace: Easy-going, perfect for slow days
Highlights: Coastal views, Weston Big Wood, the marina
Dog friendly: Yes
Stay the night? Yes – the Royal Inn offers comfortable rooms
Trail details: Portishead Circular
If you like your walks with a pub and a sea view, this one’s for you. The Portishead Circular is a walk with sea spray in the air and history beneath your feet. Wander through the marina, dip into the woods and stroll past cliffside paths, all in one leisurely loop.
Perched above the estuary, the Royal Inn is just the spot to rest your feet. Whether you're stopping by for a sunset pint, a Sunday roast or planning to stay the night, this is a place to savour the moment. Oh, and the view from our terrace is something truly special.
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens & the Victoria, Anglesey
Distance: Wander as long as you like
Pace: Meandering and mindful
Highlights: Restored gardens, rare plants, hidden waterfalls
Dog friendly: Sadly, no pups allowed in the gardens but in parkland - yes
Stay the night? Yes – The Victoria is just around the corner
Trail details: Plas Cadnant Gardens Walk
Looking for a gentler kind of stroll? The Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens are a feast for the senses, especially in spring and summer. Discover leafy pathways, vibrant blooms and quiet moments that ground you in the now.
Afterwards, take a short walk to the Victoria, our elegant pub and hotel in Menai Bridge. Relax with a glass of wine by the window, or enjoy a meal made with care, as the light dances across the Menai Strait.
Wander further: walking inspiration from across the UK
If your boots are still itching for more adventure, here are a few more ideas to add to your walking wishlist:
- The Cotswold Way – chocolate-box villages and country pubs galore
- Hadrian’s Wall Path – history and horizon-spanning views
- South Downs Way – wildflowers, rolling hills, and coastal breezes
- The Dales Way – riverside rambles and Yorkshire charm
- The Ridgeway – one of Britain’s oldest roads, linking chalk hills and hillforts
You might even time your next trip with a walking festival, like the Isle of Wight Walking Festival or the Peak District’s National Park Walks, where pub stops are practically part of the programme.
A warm welcome, wherever you roam
It doesn’t matter if you're exploring somewhere new or revisiting an old favourite, there’s something special about stepping through the door of a proper pub after a countryside walk. The fire crackles. The food smells amazing. And the people smile like they’ve been waiting just for you.
Looking for even more pubs with walks? Use our pub finder to discover hidden gems just around the corner. We’ve proudly partnered with AllTrails to make planning your day out even easier. Find trail maps, difficulty ratings and tips from fellow walkers for all our pub walks.
At Chef & Brewer, we’re proud to cherish the countryside and the people who walk it. Wherever your journey takes you, you’ll find a pub that feels like home – rich with history, toasty and warm, and always ready with a proper pint and a place to put your feet up.