Our picks of the best Walking Pubs in the UK

The Tankerville Arms, Eglingham

Having an end goal in mind is always an excellent motivation for me, before I tie up the laces on my Quatro outdoor boots. That goal being the eventual arrival at a good local pub, preferably with an open fire and dog friendly.

There is nothing more rewarding on a cold winter’s day than entering into the warmth of a bustling bar, after 6 miles of walking in fresh air and viewing wonderful scenery, ordering half a pint of a local blonde ale and perusing a menu packed with local produce.

The Tankerville Arms, in Eglingham, Northumberland ticks every box. It is easily accessible from a number of good countryside walks and also only a short drive from the magnificent North Northumberland coastline. The smell of the open fire mixed with home cooked food, on its own provides a welcome. Mix it with the friendly atmosphere created largely by the locals occupying the bar space, other walkers and the attentive and hospitable bar staff, this is one of my favourite locations to re-hydrate and re-fuel. Loosen off my Quatros, as I have no intention of moving any further, the Cocker Spaniel is more than comfortable on the hearth and one of their 3 guest rooms has my name on it for the evening.

The Traveller’s Rest, Glenridding

Summer in the Lake District, a car full of waterproof outerwear and camping equipment and my 2 essentials for any walking and camping trip, my Grisport ‘Hurricane’ walking boots and a map with the local pub on it. Whatever the weather these boots will remain loyal in getting my feet under the table at the only pub in Glenridding, at the foot of ‘Hellvellyn’ and the shores of Ullswater, whether the walk has taken the less challenging route around the lake from Patterdale or Aira Force, or the more rigorous terrain up to the peak of ‘Hellvellyn’ or ‘Red Tarn’ the Traveller’s rest is aptly named and located in ideal distance from the end of your walk and the campsites that inhabit the area.

The Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld

Set in the stunning location of Threlkeld with views over the Hellvellyn range and only a short distance from Keswick, the Horse and Farrier is an ideal location to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Lake District as well as offering a number of opportunities to put on your Grisport ‘Peaklander’ walking boots and explore. There are walks from the doorstep of the Horse and Farrier and its sister inn the Salutation Inn up Blencathra, Skiddaw and also the Cumbrian Way. Both establishments are dog friendly in the bar areas and the ‘Sally’ offers dog friendly accommodation.

Twice Brewed, Military Road, Hexham

The Roman Wall invites all levels of walkers and hikers to visit it across its many and varied sections between Carlisle and the East Coast. A popular location for Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes and also for those looking to appreciate the serenity and beauty of Northumberland countryside, whether that be for a short walk or for the duration of walking the wall, Grisport will have a shoe or a boot that will ensure that your feet are not reminding you of the miles that you have walked, you will need to count the ‘Roman Mile’ forts for that.

Twice Brewed is located at the heart of the Roman Wall, it offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation, a modern yet traditional bar and restaurant located on one of the most spectacular parts of the wall, it is the ideal spot for an hour’s rest or an overnight stay.

The restaurant provides locally sourced produce and the vegetables are home grown, dogs are welcome in the bar area, and there is a beer garden located at the rear, which provides an unspoilt outdoor area to relax and enjoy a drink from the bar described as a Real Ale drinker’s dream.

The Derwent Walk Inn, Ebchester

Situated on the Derwent Walk next to the Ebchester Station approximately 7 miles from Gibside with breathtaking views over the Derwent Valley. This bar/restaurant offers a wide range of traditional pub food in a setting where you can sit and look out at the magnificent view from the conservatory or cosy up in the bar area with the open fire. Jennings Ales are served along with a good variety of draught and bottled lagers and ciders. The walk from Gibside is known well by the ‘hurricane’ walking boots that I wear in all seasons as the terrain can be unpredictable until crossing the threshold of the Inn, where familiarity is recognised by the Owner’s and a pint of ‘Cumberland’ is poured almost before I can utter the words. A bowl of water for the thirsty hound is provided without asking and the children are made to feel as welcome as we are.