The Best Post-Hike Pubs in England

by Sue Talbot

There’s no denying that I love visiting a traditional English pub after a long hike. Slipping off my backpack, kicking off my muddy boots and sinking into a comfy armchair by the fire with a pint of fruity cider is the ultimate reward. 

While there are so many wonderful pubs to choose from, I’ve managed to whittle them down to just a few of my favourite post-hike pubs that I highly recommend adding to your bucket list.

Mam Tor to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Peak District

Mam Tor is a classic Peak District walk that starts and ends in the picturesque village of Castleton. The views over the limestone valleys from the Great Ridge, Back Tor and the summit of Mam Tor are nothing short of spectacular. You can even venture into local caverns to discover the area’s subterranean wonders.

After a day of exploring, there’s always one place that seems to call my name: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn. This 17th-century coaching inn is the epitome of a traditional English pub and lies at the heart of the village. Stepping inside feels like walking back in time, greeted by low oak beams and a roaring fire. They take their Sunday roasts seriously here and pairing a hearty dinner with a pint while resting your weary legs is a rite of passage for any hiker in the area.

Wansfell to The Mortal Man, Lake District

The Lake District lays claim to some of the most inspiring (and leg-burning) terrain in the country. Naturally, the pubs here need to match the majesty of the surrounding fells. My absolute top pick after conquering the ridges of Wansfell and Wansfell Pike at Troutbeck is The Mortal Man. 

Perched on a hillside, this historic inn has one of the best beer gardens in the Lakes, with panoramic views you can enjoy with a drink in hand. Inside, there’s a real olde-worlde charm that harks back to the late 17th century.  It is a wonderful place where you can sample local cask ales with your dog at your feet — pure bliss!

The Cotswold Way to The Snowshill Arms, Cotswolds

There are few places as quintessentially English as the Cotswolds. After a long day walking among the gentle rolling hills, honey-coloured stone cottages and idyllic pastoral scenes, you’ll need a special pub that matches the area’s beauty. 

Snowshill Arms by Bex Walton. Shared, edited, under a Creative Commons licence.

Fortunately, the villages are primed for thirsty hikers. After a long stretch along the Cotswold Way, discovering a pub with a sun-dappled beer garden overlooking the hills is like arriving in paradise. The Snowshill Arms in Broadway is the perfect example. Inside is equally as charming as out, with a cosy wood burner and an open fire.

South West Coast Path to the Harbour Inn, Cornwall

Filled with coastal charm, the Harbour Inn at Padstow is a fabulous place to end an invigorating walk on Cornwall’s South West Coast Path.

Along the cliff-top trails, the wild Atlantic waves crash below and panoramic views stretch toward the horizon. There’s nothing quite like the bracing sea air to work up an appetite, and this Cornish fishing village certainly knows how to feed a hungry hiker.

Tucked into a beautiful cove, the Harbour Inn has a fantastic menu that showcases the freshest catch of the day, and the fish and chips really hit the spot.

The Thames Path to The Anchor, London

The Thames Path is one of my favourite riverside trails as there’s so much history and diverse scenery packed into the 185 miles. Along the South Bank section of the path, you’ll get to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Winchester Palace, Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe. 

Riverside Pub by Geoff Henson. Shared unedited under a Creative Commons licence.

There are plenty of pubs to choose from on the Thames Path, but The Anchor at Bankside is a must. Formerly the Anchor Brewery, the tavern dates back to Shakespearean times and was once the stomping ground for pirates and smugglers — you can really sense the history coursing through the walls. Now it’s a lively pub where you can tuck into hearty food and soak in the incredible views over the Thames.