20 of the best country pubs for winter walks
Not far from Leeds Castle on the Greensand Way, this traditional pub has been run by the same family since 1958. Sip a pint as you admire panoramic views of the Weald of Kent from the hop-covered terrace or sink into one of the leather sofas by the fire [Photo: The Pepper Box Inn]
Pop in for lunch at this recently refurbished 17th century country pub, which blends plenty of original features and antique furniture with contemporary armchairs, lamps and cushions. Choose from the a la carte menu and Sunday roast, made from locally-sourced ingredients. [Photo: The Vicarage]
A prime stop-off for canals, this 17th-century Cotswold inn is also brilliantly-placed for walks along the Thames Path and is less than ten minutes from the hamlet of Bampton, where Downton Abbey scenes were filmed. Inside are heavy beams, woodburners and a restaurant serving dishes from sweet and sour mackerel to guinea fowl. [Photo: Instagram / vickellis]
Warm up by the fire with a hot chocolate in this homely, family-friendly pub, located close to some brilliant walks on the Pennine Hills. There's cut-above pub grub, such as duck and pork pâté with caramelised onion marmalade, plus six cask ales and a range of wines available by the glass. [Photo: Facebook / Stubbing Wharf]
Sitting happily on the water's edge, this revamped coastal pub has a great dining room overlooking the harbour, serving everything from pickled mackerel to slow cooked pork shoulder. The decor is rustic chic, with pared back wooden floors, leather armchairs and colourful cushions, ideal after a walk along the bay. [Photo: Star & Garter]
There are coastal walks aplenty in this area of outstanding natural beauty - and this gem is set right by the shore, meaning its seafrood is as fresh as it gets. The pub is at the start of a beautiful six-mile walk to Craster, said to be the spiritual home of kippers, which also takes in the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. [Photo: Instagram / ruth1987]
How about tucking into a gourmet meal after your winter walk? This 200-year-old pub in the Chew Valley has had a Michelin star since 2011 and serves delicacies such as pork and apple terrine with smoked eel. Its surrounded with flat trails teeming with birds, ideal for twitchers. [Photo: Instagram / theponyandtrap]
A haven for mountain walkers, this whitewashed inn offers spectacular views of Loch Harport and the surrounding Cuillin Hills. It sits peacefully in the hamlet of Carbost, which is home to the Talisker single-malt distillery - so you should sample a dram or two at the bar. [Photo: Facebook / The Old Inn, Carbost, Isle of Skye]
Set in a picturesque village, this 14th century, thatched cider house is backed by rolling hills laced with walking trails. You're also not far from the Jurassic Coast with its clifftop walks. The menu includes Branscombe crab ploughmans and St Austell Ale battered fish. [Photo: Instagram / littlecourtcottages]
Surrounded by beautiful forest and rolling countryside, this 18th century pub has been lovingly restored, while retaining original features such as old carved wooden benches with high backs. The homely, open kitchen has a wood-fired rotisserie and options include English corn on the cob and stuffed pig's trotter. [Photo: The Mash Inn]
There's a great 6km loop walk right next to this Cotswolds pub. Warm yourself up afterwards by one of its open log fires, or sit down for a meal in its elegant restaurant which overlooks the village green. Dishes include honey-glazed ham, duck eggs and chips and duck liver parfait. [Photo: The Howard Arms]
The River Dee flows right past this rustic stone pub, which is located in Wales' adventure heartland. After a day exploring the surrounding mountains on foot, head inside where you'll discover a jumble of old beams and a water wheel turning slowly behind the bar. [Photo: Instagram / dean.colclough]
A warm welcome awaits inside this 16th-century pub on a hilltop with views of the Sussex countryside. The High Weald Trail — a 90-mile route through an area of outstanding natural beauty from Horsham to Rye — is on the doorstep and the pub even provides OS maps for walkers. [Photo: Facebook / The Cat Inn]
A walk from Portrush to Bushmills takes in beaches, cliffs and castles - and ends at this quaint inn with candles aflicker and cosy peat fires. Settle into one of its nooks and crannies with a pint of the locally brewed Bushmill's malt. [Photo: Instagram / bushmillsinn]
Set beside the Union Canal in the village of Ratho, seven miles from Edinburgh, this 18th century pub was originally a farm building, but was converted to service the navvies building the canal. The restaurant and bar are cosy with roaring fires and mismatched tables, while Scottish brews include Trade Winds from Cairngorm Brewery. [Photo: Instagram / doyleaj]
Exposed beams, open log fires and leather chesterfield sofas welcome you in here after a morning's traipse through the surrounding Test Valley. Dishes include pub classics such as prawn cocktail and pies, as well as trout from the nearby River Test. [Photo: The Bear & Ragged Staff]
The writer Thomas Hardy used to drink in this 16th century coaching inn, which is referred to in Tess of the D’Urbervilles as "The Sow & Acorn". With its stone walls, old beams, flagstone floors and open fires, little has changed from the writer's era. [Photo: The Acorn Inn]
This whitewashed, Tudor-era pub sits against a gorgeous backdrop of the Lakeland fells - with plenty of walks on its doorstep. Inside you'll find exposed oak beams and log fires, as well beers from the Cumbrian Legendary Ales and good local dishes such as Cumbrian ham and leek pudding. [Photo: Instagram / sharoncarter214]
Explore the Yorkshire dales before refuelling at this lovely stone pub, which is tucked into the fell above the river Wharfe. Look out for the "cruck barn" at the back, built by the owner using traditional materials and the first in the dale for 400 years. [Photo: Instagram / yorkstriketours]
If you're hiking in the Scottish Highlands, don't miss this award-winning pub, known for the quality of its local dishes, such as Isle of Lewis black pudding and venison pastrami. The 300-year-old main bar hosts regular entertainment and you're spoilt for choice with mountain views. [Photo: Instagram / glencoe_clachaig]
Open fires, good food and decent beer on tap - there's nothing quite like a cosy pub after a long walk in the country. With the Christmas season fast approaching, many of us will be pulling on our boots and enjoying the countryside in its winter glory. From Cornwall to Cumbria, here are 20 of the best UK pubs close to walking routes that would all make perfect pit stops.