Experts at outdoor closing and equipment store, Millets, have shared their top walks in the U that can be finished in the pub — including white cliffs and dog-friendly routes
As we enter 2025 and the temperature drops, the temptation to stay inside may never be greater. However, there are amazing wintery walks all across the UK that end at the pub.
Experts at the outdoor clothing and equipment store, Millets, have compiled their top ‘pub walks’ in England to complete this winter. Looking at walks that are accessible, family-friendly, and have a pub on the route, the team have ranked the top walks by their ratings and number of reviews.
Natalie Byrne, author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets said: “As we are firmly in the winter season, many will be wanting to stay warm and cosy indoors. However, a walk is a great way to get all the family together and moving! To allow the whole family to get involved, it is a great idea to choose a route that is accessible to both wheelchairs and prams.
“It is also recommended that you check the difficulty of your walking route as well as the estimated time that it will take for the whole family to walk it. Of course, if you have any younger children or any slower walkers, allow for extra time to stop on your walk.
“Packing the correct equipment can make all the difference between a good walk and a difficult walk. I recommend a sturdy pair of walking boots that will support your ankles and be comfortable on longer walks. It is also a good idea to pack some waterproof clothing for the family.
“This is very important as the temperatures are much colder and the weather can change quickly. Make sure to bring layers and warm accessories, as no one wants to sit post-walk in the pub in wet clothes or feeling cold!”
Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular – Hampshire, West Sussex and East
The Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular have been named the best walk to take as a family this New Year.
Situated near Eastbourne, the 12.7km walk takes visitors past a series of chalk cliffs. The route varies between cliffside views and forest trails, and ramblers can visit a National Trust café along the way. For those fancying a pub lunch, you can also visit The Tiger Inn in East Dean, The Selsey Arms in West Dean or The Cuckmere Inn in Exceat. The walk takes around three hours and 32 minutes, and is about 12.7km.
Seaford to Eastbourne – South Downs National Park
Second place also goes to an Eastbourne walk. Seaford to Eastbourne is a route that is considered somewhat challenging, but with good weather, it will reward walkers with views of brilliant white cliffs, a carpet of green grass and stunning sights of the English Channel.
The walk takes you past beaches where you can swim, as well as past lighthouses and into Cuckmere Haven. The trail starts in the centre of Seaford where there are many pubs including Old Plough and The Wellington Pub and Bed & Breakfast, and ends in Eastbourne close to The London & County – JD Wetherspoon.
The walk takes around five-and-a-half hours, and is about 21.7km.
Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge – Peak District National Park
Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge take third place. The circular trail near Hope, Derbyshire offers panoramic views from the top of the Peaks and visits Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Mam Tor Hill Fort, Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill. The Castle and Ye Olde Nags Head in Castleton near Castleton Car Park are close by and are perfect for an end-of-walk snack or New Year tipple.
The round walk takes around three hours and 50 minutes and is 10.5km long.
Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular – New Forest National Park
Next is the Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, in the New Forest National Park. Despite being a slightly more challenging route, it is very popular for camping and mountain biking, as well as hiking. The trail starts in the village of Brockenhurst and takes you through rural countryside, forests and even redwoods and firs that were planted in the late 1850s to create Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for the nearby Rhinefield Arboretum.
Head to dog friendly pub, The Snake Catcher in Brockenhurst for a wide range of beers, ciders and ales. The walk takes around three hours and 36 minutes and is about 15.4km.
Buttermere Circular – Lake District National Park
On the shorter side, the Buttermere Circular in the Lake District National Park is popular for bird lovers, hikers and runners. Whilst exploring you are likely to encounter other people, and dogs on a lead, are welcome. On a clear day there are also some fantastic views of the landscape and sweeping mountains.
The area originally became famous in the early 1800s due to a landlord’s daughter who was attractive and known as the Maid of Buttermere. Numerous Lakeland poets mentioned her, including William Wordsworth in his poem Prelude. The walk is on the shorter side of this list, taking around one hour and 47 minutes, and is about 7.4km long.
Other walks with pubs en-route:
- Ambleside and Troutbeck Walk – Lake District National Park
The walk takes around four hours and 11 minutes and is about 12.2km.
- Whiteleaf and Chequers Circular – Chiltern Hills National Landscape (AONB)
The walk is around three hours and 10 minutes and is 11.3km.
- Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular – Lake District National Park
This walk takes two hours and 39 minutes, and is around 8km.
This walk takes just under three hours and is about 10.6km long.
- The Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular – West Yorkshire
This walk would last four hours and 14 minutes and is about 14.6km long.