Few things capture the spirit of the Great British outdoors better than a long countryside walk through rolling hills, rounded off with an ice-cold pint in a local pub. And when it comes to the perfect pub, holidaymakers are looking for comforting classics – traditional food, cosy interiors and beer gardens with scenic views.In fact, according to new research commissioned by cottages.com, six in ten Brits believe that no UK getaway is complete without a cosy pub nearby. And rather than heading to Britain’s busiest beauty spots, a quarter of Britons actively seek out places that haven’t become overrun by visitors, while a further third consciously look for hidden gems when planning a UK break.It comes as cottages.com launches its new Pub Walk Collection, developed in partnership with broadcaster and countryside champion Clare Balding and walking charity The Ramblers.To make discovering some of the UK’s best walks and independent pubs in one trip all the easier, here are some of the very best hand-picked walking routes – with a welcoming, local pub right nearby. YOULGREAVE: LAND OF THE DRUIDS, PEAK DISTRICT Traditional cottages, narrow streets and hidden caves are on offer on this walk through the Peak District A homemade pie at the Flying Childers Inn is the real cherry on topStarting from Youlgreave Main Street, this is the perfect walk for anyone wanting to explore British history.On the way, you’ll pass stone circles, a hidden cave, a rock-carved playground, heather and limestone streams.The walk is around 8.9 miles long, taking around five hours – and be warned, rated ‘difficult’, this is far from a gentle stroll.But with the miles behind you, once you’re ready for a drink, head to The Flying Childers Inn, a historic village inn that’s exactly what you’d want from the Peak District – a fireplace, cosy vibes and a beer garden, not to mention homemade pies.THE COAST PATH & LARPOOL VIADUCT, YORKSHIRE Start of your journey in Whitby in Yorkshire, a classic seaside town with its classic 199 steps Esk Vaults is the ideal spot for a pizza or a craft beer, located in WhitbyYorkshire has long been a top destination for walkers, offering vast swathes of countryside to explore from the Dales to the Moors.This 6.9-mile easy route starts at East Cliff, Whitby, and takes you through beautiful scenery and the bustling town itself.You’ll also pass the impressive Larpool viaduct and walk through Whitby’s ancient town before a final climb up Whitby’s famous 199 steps. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Esk Vaults – tucked away down a narrow walkway in Whitby and perfect for craft beer lovers. WALLA CRAG AND DERWENTWATER, LAKE DISTRICT Keswick and Derwent Water are the locations visited in this next route Once you’re ready for a break, head to the Pocket in Keswick for a refreshing pint or soft drinkThis circular route offers spectacular views across Derwentwater, one of the Lake District’s most scenic spots – and that’s really saying something.Perfect for both people and dogs, this enjoyable trail offers the chance to take in views of the Lake District, with various dog-friendly cafés and picnic spots along the way. There’s even a boat trip available once you finish, as well as plenty of pubs.The top choice? Independent cafe-bar The Pocket, located in Keswick, has a rustic charm, sourdough pizzas and local beers on offer – perfect for refuelling.CASTLES AND KIPPERS, EMBLETON BAY, NORTHUMBERLAND Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the highlights of this next route The crab soup at the The Jolly Fisherman Inn should be on your listNorthumberland is England’s most sparsely populated county – and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing to hikers and walkers.The Castles and Kippers route is a circular trail from Craster to Low Newton by-the-Sea via Dunstanburgh Castle.Along this route, you can enjoy coastal paths, low cliffs, sandy beaches as well as Newton Pool Nature Reserve en route.And when you’re feeling thirsty, there’s no better place to stop than the Jolly Fisherman Inn in the quaint fishing village of Craster. Be sure to try the crab soup, too, for a suitably maritime-themed experience.WINTOUR’S LEAP, WALES The River Wye and Wintour’s Leap is one of Wales’ best walking trails Stop off for locally brewed ales and hot food at the Five Alls in ChepstowWales’s spectacular landscapes make it well worth a trip, and this 4.1-mile walk is a fantastic way to explore some of the sights. Taking around two hours to complete, the route is moderately challenging.Starting at Chepstow and looping through Lancaut and Wintour’s Leap viewpoint, the circular route takes in woodland paths, magnificent views, a Norman castle and riverside spots.With your legs suitably stretched, why not enjoy The Five Alls in Chepstow, which has stood tall for more than 170 years.KYNANCE COVE AND LIZARD POINT, CORNWALL The National Trust has described Kynance Cove as ‘one of the world’s most spectacular beaches’, making it a must-visit destination for avid walkersNext up is the famous Kynance Cove and Lizard Point walk in Cornwall, a 5.8-mile circular route that should take around two and a half hours to complete.Kynance Cove in Cornwall has even been dubbed ‘Britain’s answer to Moana’s Motunui’ by holiday home provider Sykes Cottages – and it’s easy to see why.Tucked away on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, this tidal cove boasts pristine white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic rock stacks and lush green surroundings.Once you’ve clocked up your miles, have a drink at The Witchball, the UK’s most southerly pub. With fresh seafood and a friendly setting, it’s perfect in the sunshine.MELROSE AND THE EILDON HILLS, SCOTTISH BORDERS Views in the Scottish Borders, and the three peaks of the Eildon Hills, make this route stand out Ship Inn in Melrose is great for unwinding after a long trekAscend the Eildon Hills, near Melrose, Scottish Borders, for sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, as far as the eye can see.This 5.1-mile route takes about four hours to complete and is estimated to be of moderate difficulty.You’ll pass historic landmarks such as Melrose Abbey and the Rhymer’s Stone on your way.Once in Melrose, check out the Ship Inn, known for its excellent pub food and an award-winning beer garden.FORT WILLIAM AND INVERLOCHY CASTLE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Find Inverlochy Castle’s ruins on this 3.6-mile walk, which begins at Fort William Ben Nevis Bar is an award-winning Highland pub with a terrace and impressive ‘Whisky Bible’ in the barThis circular walk from Fort William passes preserved castle ruins along the way.Taking less than two hours, and coming in at 3.6 miles, this route is ranked as an easy trail, making it a great choice for those after a more gentle stroll.As for Inverlochy, the historic 19th-century castle ruins offer sweeping views of Ben Nevis. Indeed, local hotel, the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, happened to be a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria. For food and drink, your best bet is the Ben Nevis Bar, which dates back to 1806.NORFOLK BROADS WATERWAYS AND WOODLANDS, NORFOLK Rounding out the list is the Norfolk Broads Waterways and Woodlands walkThe seven-mile route across the Norfolk Broads National Park offers gentle terrain, water views and rivers to explore.You’ll pass historic windmills too, as well as pretty woodlands.Your watering hole? The Lion Inn, a favourite among walkers in the area. Pub walk routes Peak DistrictBamford EdgeGoyt Valley Heritage WalkYoulgreave: Land of the DruidsYorkshire (Dales or Moors)Settle: to the top and roundRichmond and Easby AbbeyThe Coast Path & Larpool ViaductLake DistrictWalla Crag and DerwentwaterCockermouth to Papcastle and the River DerwentKendal to Sizergh CastleNorthumberlandCorbridge, Tyne River and hillsMorpeth and the River WansbeckCastles and Kippers, Embleton BayWales and Welsh BordersConwy Valley viewsWintour’s LeapMumbles and Langland Bay CornwallBoscastle DiscoveryLooe to Polperro and backKynance Cove and Lizard PointScottish BordersKelso Abbey and the TeviotMelrose and the Eildon HillsScottish HighlandsPitlochry, Killiecrankie and the River GarryFort William and Inverlochy CastleNorfolkAldborough Three ChurchesSalthouse and Cley MarchesNorfolk Broads Waterways and Woodlands Source: cottages.com <!- – ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/travel/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 – ->
Broadcaster Clare Balding said: ‘A proper pub walk is a much-loved British tradition. For me, the perfect route is four to six miles with dramatic scenery, ending at a great local pub. ‘It’s fantastic to see that our appetite for adventure has grown and we want to help people discover the lesser-known corners of the UK that make a staycation truly special. ‘Some of the most memorable parts of a break can come from taking a different turn, chatting to locals and discovering places which aren’t on every itinerary.’