The Best Pub Walks in the UK: Scenic Trails Ending with a Pint and a Stay
Short Break | Walking | Posted 2025.09.30
10 of the best pub walks in the UK
There are few things more British than lacing up your walking boots, heading out on a trail, and rounding off the day with a pint in a cosy pub. Better still, when the pub has rooms upstairs, there’s no rush to get home — you can simply settle in, enjoy a hearty meal, and make a night of it. From dramatic clifftops to rolling countryside and historic cityscapes, here are 10 of the best pub walks in the UK, each paired with a characterful Stay in a Pub member pub where you can eat, drink, and stay the night.
1. Seven Sisters Circular Walk, Sussex
Duration: 3–4 hours
The iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters are among the most quintessentially English sights. Starting at Birling Gap, this circular route takes in sweeping sea views, rolling downland, and the winding River Cuckmere before looping back via Friston and East Dean.
Where to stay: The Pilot Inn, East Dean — an award-winning pub nestled at the foot of the breathtaking South Downs National Park. Other nearby options include The Lamb Inn and The Tiger Inn.
2. Thames Path: Battersea Park to Kew Gardens, London
Duration: 3 hours
You don’t need to leave the capital for a scenic stroll. This stretch of the Thames Path follows the riverbank from Battersea Park to Kew Gardens, passing cricket pitches, rowing clubs, and leafy parks before finishing in one of London’s greenest quarters.
Where to stay: Coach & Horses, Richmond and Kew Gardens Hotel are both excellent choices, offering stylish rooms and a metropolitan pub menu.
3. Blakeney Point Wildlife Walk, Norfolk
Duration: 3 hours
On the north Norfolk coast, this shingle shoreline walk rewards patient walkers with sightings of Britain’s largest seal colony. Starting from the National Trust car park at Cley, the route heads west along the beach before looping through grassy dunes and the Old Lifeboat House.
Where to stay: The Manor, Blakeney, The White Horse, Blakeney, or The Wiveton Bell — all known for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable rooms.
4. Cheddar Gorge Loop, Somerset
Duration: 3 hours
England’s largest gorge offers spectacular views over the Somerset Levels. This National Trust loop starts from Cheddar village, climbing up both the northern and southern clifftops for a breathtaking circuit.
Where to stay: The Sidcot Arms, Winscombe, The Woodborough Inn, or The Swan, Wedmore — all within easy reach and offering stylish rooms with hearty West Country hospitality.
5. Port Eynon to Oxwich, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Duration: 3–4 hours
The Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this coastal walk showcases why. The route from Port Eynon to Oxwich meanders through a nature reserve, passing castle ruins and sweeping bays.
Where to stay: Stay at The Oyster House is situated in idyllic Mumbles on the breathtaking coastline of Swansea Bay, on the cusp of the Gower Peninsula.
6. Bourton-on-the-Water & Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds
Duration: 4 hours
This Cotswolds loop follows the River Windrush past honey-stone cottages, historic dovecotes, and postcard-perfect villages. Highlights include the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.
Where to stay: The Old Manse Hotel, Bourton-on-the-Water — a charming riverside pub with rooms in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages.
7. Bamburgh Castle to Waren Mill, Northumberland
Duration: 2–3 hours
This Northumberland walk combines history and scenery, starting beneath Bamburgh’s imposing Norman castle before following the coast past Budle Bay and into Waren Mill. On the return, detour to the Grace Darling Museum for a slice of local heritage.
Where to stay: The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses or The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses — both historic inns full of character, with hearty Northumberland fare and sea views.
8. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Duration: 2 hours
Rising dramatically above Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat offers a rewarding climb with panoramic city views. Starting near Holyrood Palace, the path leads to the summit before zig-zagging back down. For a unique detour, head to Duddingston village at the base.
Where to stay: For a boutique vibe nearby, check into BrewDog Doghouse or Black Ivy in central Edinburgh or The Melville Inn, Lasswade.
9. Malham Cove & Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales
Duration: 4 hours
This classic Dales walk takes in two spectacular limestone formations: the cliff face of Malham Cove and the dramatic gorge of Gordale Scar. The circular route offers sweeping views and a true sense of Yorkshire’s wild beauty.
Where to stay: The Lister Arms, Malham — a much-loved walkers’ pub with roaring fires, hearty local food, and cosy rooms.
10. Loch Lomond & The West Highland Way, Scotland
Duration: 3–4 hours (sectional)
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance path, but even short sections near Loch Lomond make for memorable day walks. From Balmaha, climb Conic Hill for stunning views across the loch and islands.
Where to stay: The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha — a welcoming inn with comfortable rooms, hearty Scottish dishes, and unbeatable views of Loch Lomond.
Conclusion
From the clifftops of Sussex to the highlands of Scotland, these walks prove that the best routes often end with a welcoming pub. With Stay in a Pub, you can extend your adventure, swap muddy boots for a fireside pint, and wake up refreshed for another day outdoors. Explore more pubs with rooms across the UK and discover real places, real people, and real stays.