The Pub Walker

My Top 10 Presents for Pub-Walkers

2011-12-18T09:02:00.005Z

What Pub Walkers Want for Christmas - My Top 10 List

Looking for last minute gift ideas for your pub-walking friends or partner? Well, one of the things I love about pub walks is that they combine so many different interests into a single hobby. Clearly we all enjoy a good walk and a good pub but for most of us there is so much more to it than that.

It's true the walk may simply be some exercise ahead of a calorific indulgence; more likely though it reflects a love of fresh air and the outdoors with a real interest in nature in all its forms and seasonal variations. Likewise, the desire to help preserve our precious pub tradition is often linked to a deep-seated passion for other aspects of our national heritage.

So, all that gives a good variety of things to choose from when buying Christmas presents for pub walkers: from real ale to Ramblers membership, natural history books to National Trust membership, OS Getamap to good pub guides!

If you'd like to see my Top 10 list of gift ideas for pub walkers for 2011 then here it is. Perhaps if you share the list, your friends may take the hint and buy one of these for you too! You may have other ideas in which case then please add a comment and share - we'd all love to see them too :-)

1. Ordnance Survey Getamap Service
This is a great new service from Ordnance Survey which earns my top slot for pub walkers. It gives online access to all OS Landranger and OS Explorer maps and allows you to plot, save and share your walking routes. By paying an annual subscription of £19.99, you also get to print unlimited A4 maps, and add waypoint photos, customised route styling and use a full screen view of the map window. Even better, it is linked to the Good Pub Guide, so perfect for creating your own favourite pub walks!
Click on Ordnance Survey Getamap for more information.

2. National Trust Gift Membership
Did you know the National Trust owns or manages 38 pubs and inns? Of course they are better known for their commitment to the preservation of our coast, countryside and historic buildings, with their extensive tracts of land offering great walks and spectacular scenery. Right now, Gift Membership offers 25% off the normal price plus an extra free gift of a pair of National Trust binoculars, making it our favourite Christmas present!
For more details go to National Trust Gift Membership, click 'Join Online' and then select 'A gift for someone else'. Costs start as low as £17.63 for someone up to age 25.

3. Good Pub Guide, Good Beer Guide or AA Pub Guide
Although the Good Pub Guide may historically have been the most popular pub-goers bible, its independent status is now being debated since starting to charge pubs for entry for 2012. So this year why not try the Good Beer Guide instead which also gives general comments on the pubs beyond the quality of the real ale on offer. It too is densely packed with information in text form so if you prefer something easier on the eye (albeit covering fewer pubs) then the AA Pub Guide has many colour photos and feels better quality for a book to enjoy browsing. All are updated annually.
You can buy any of these from Amazon.co.uk via The Pub Walker's On-Line Store which showcases Amazon products of interest to pub walkers.

4. Walking Socks
OK, I know that socks as a present for a man are the butt of many jokes but forget the stereotype as a pair of really good quality walking socks make a great gift for him or her! Cold feet can be a misery and this present could make a real difference to your walking companions in terms of both comfort and warmth.
To see a good selection try the Cotswold Outdoor site.

5. Bottled Real Ale
Much as we must use our pubs, or lose them, there are evenings at home when a glass of bottled real ale really hits the spot. If a pub walking friend lives some distance away then why not surprise them and arrange to have a few bottles delivered to their door by such companies as Ales by Mail.

6. Compass!
If you do your pub walks with someone who does not have a compass than you should get them one, seriously. Apart from just being able to check it occasionally to ensure they are heading in the right direction and avoid retracing steps, it may open up a whole new world to them of exploring new routes (and pubs).
Click on Compasses at Amazon.co.uk for the ideal stocking-filler as they have a wide range starting from less than £2.

7. Yaktrax Walker
This is a great new product for anyone who wants to still get out and enjoy walking when there is ice and compacted snow around. A simple and lightweight accessory that fits over boots, shoes or trainers, it provides extra grip and makes the perfect winter gift for pub walkers as well as keen joggers, commuters, outdoor workers, dog owners, the elderly and indeed anyone who has to or wants to walk on icy pavements. What's more it uses coils rather than spikes so cannot damage the pavement, or you!
Click on Yaktrax to find out more.

8. Garmin GPS for Walkers
Much as I am a fan of the traditional OS map and would always carry one, there is no doubt that a handheld Garmin device adds a new dimension to your walking experience - record your routes and share them with friends or publish online; and upload your own routes or those of others to the device before you set off. There can be many other features depending upon which model you choose and in fact there are some great offers in the run up to Christmas.
Click on Garmin devices for some of the best offers I could find.

9. Gamma Head Torch
I have to admit my walks often take somewhat longer than I expect, sometimes even arriving at pubs after food has stopped being served - at lunchtime that is! And with darkness descending earlier every day almost until Christmas and cutting short our walking time, I think this powerful head torch is a great idea. Voted best value head torch in Trail magazine, the Gamma head torch also has numerous positive user reviews on-line. At £12.50 it is definitely on my list.
To buy this, go to Alpkit Gamma head torch.

10. ??? What do you suggest?
No-one wants a Top 9 list so can you help make it a Top 10? If you have a suggestion for my final last minute gift idea for Pub Walkers then please add a comment below and share it with us all!

As many people know, our website http://www.myfavouritepubwalks.com/ uses free pub walk downloads and links to promote the best of our pub heritage to a hungry and thirsty walking community. Some of the links above are affiliate links which pay a % commission which help to pay for the costs of running the site. So if you like any of the ideas and want to help us support our community pubs then please do click through using the links above. Either way, we hope you find the gift ideas of interest and a help if you are buying for someone who shares our passion for pub walks.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my pub walking friends!

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Autumn - A Time for Pub Walks

2011-11-15T18:00:00.000Z

Autumn - A Time for Pub Walks

Autumn is well and truly upon us and there is nothing better than getting outside on a pub walk to enjoy the simple pleasures we all associate with the season – the explosions of colour, kicking through the fallen leaves, foraging for fungi and, for so many of us, combining this with a stop at a favourite pub!

According to recent research by The National Trust, more than 32 million people plan to head outdoors to enjoy an autumn family walk with over 16 million saying it’s the season’s beautiful colours that makes autumn walking so special. They don’t say how many of those plan to include a pub somewhere along the way but most of the walkers I know will certainly choose to - so this must surely run into many millions too!

So, time to don the walking boots and warmer clothes and go for a pub walk, savour the season and help our best pubs to thrive. And in case you need any inspiration, I have highlighted a few of my Autumn favourites below.

If you have any favourite of your own then I do hope you will share them by adding a comment too.

1. Winchester Pub Walk – Inspired by Keat’s To Autumn

Let’s start with a pub walk with a special link to the season. Keats enjoyed a daily walk though Winchester’s Cathedral Close and water meadows to St Cross. He was so inspired by the natural beauty of Winchester that, on Sunday 19 September 1819, he penned his ode To Autumn on his return. I can’t say whether he also frequented any of the selection of pubs along the route but there is no reaon why we cannot stop at one to raise a glass to his celebration of this season! (2 hr – 4m)
Route and Pub Details

2. Malham Pub Walk - Janet’s Fosse and Gordale Scar

Woodland and waterfalls give us the best of both worlds with Autumn as we get the combination of beautiful foliage and the sight and sound of rushing water as the increased rainfall gives for a greater spectacle. Here of course you have the added dimension of the views from the top of Malham Cove too. Couple that with a choice of pubs serving excellent food, well, don’t let me keep you!
Route and Pub Details

3. Pub Walk on Halkyn Mountain - Flintshire

The Blue Bell Inn stands high on Halkyn Mountain with impressive 70 mile views over the surrounding countryside. Take your pick of a choice of walks to navigate yourself or join one of the pub’s regular free guided walks before returning for refreshments at this award-winning hostelry.
Route and Pub Details

4. Pub Walk around Woodchester Park - Gloucestershire

This is a beautiful, pleasant pub walk around the Woodchester Estate (National Trust land) through woods, past lily pad filled lakes and an impressive, abandoned gothic mansion. The Rose and Crown accepts dogs inside and out and serves food all day. Previously a gem but I understand it is now under new management so any feedback welcomed.
Route and Pub Details

For some more ideas click on Autumn Pub Walks and if you have two minutes to spare, I'd love to hear what are your favourites too - please just add a comment below and share.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

A Pub Walk by Any Other Name

2011-10-24T07:08:00.000+01:00

A Pub Walk by Any Other Name...

I have been having a little fun on Twitter this week. Although I talk with a passion about "Pub Walks", one of my followers light-heartedly referred to these as "Boots 'n' Beer". So I thought I would invite the twittersphere to be creative and suggest other alternative names for this very British pastime.

One or two suggestions sound more like pub crawls but for me the walk and pub are of equal importance - you have to earn the indulgence after all in order to fully appreciate it! Anyway, I thought I would share the list here and please feel free to comment and let us know your favourites or any additional suggestions:

In no particular order:

Boots 'n' Beer
Peaks 'n' Pints
Ale Trails
Wine & Wanderings
Tarns & Mist (cockney)
Hikes 'n' Hooch
Hop 'n' Trail
Inn ways
Beery Bimble
Inns and outdoors
Beer Bound
BeeRamble or BeerAmble or even beeRAmble
Pub Potters
Hostelry Hikes
Maps 'n' Taps
Cask Walks
A Bar Too Far
A Snug Fit
Trip To The Bar
A Walk On The Mild Side
Get Fitter With Bitter
The Pub Trudge
The Green Green Glass Of Foam
Pale Ale Snail Trail
A Guiness When You Finish
Ales & Ambulations
Summits and Slurps

To find some great pubs with walks from their doors, click on favourite pub walks.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

The George Inn, Middlezoy, Somerset - A Traditional Village Pub

2011-10-08T09:05:00.016+01:00

The George Inn, Middlezoy, Somerset - A Traditional Village Pub

We all know traditional village pubs that have closed down after ceasing to be viable for all sorts of well-publicised reasons (the smoking ban, cheap supermarket booze, change in social habits, etc.). The trend has been dramatic and whilst some no doubt deserved to go after losing touch with their customers' needs, others were real gems and represent a loss to our cultural history.

But there are still plenty of welcoming locals out there and last night I rediscovered an old favourite! The George Inn in the village of Middlezoy near Bridgwater, Somerset, is one such and what a pleasure it was to enter and be greeted like an old friend (the landlord certainly would not have remembered me!)

The food is good quality and simple but not gastropub which is fine with me. The fish pie and chicken korma were both delicious in good-sized servings that left little room for desert

Regularly featured in The Good Beer Guide, they offer a range of lighter beers ("couldn't give the darker beers away!") and I had an excellent Yellow Hammer brewed by O'Hanlon's of Devon which was a new discovery for me and certainly one I would repeat. We did find the red wines somewhat rough around the edges though but for me, at least, the atmosphere, food and beer made up for that.

This morning the sun has come out so a great day for a pub walk and for one from the pub door you can click on The George Inn, Middlezoy. If you are further afield, why not seek out other great pubs with walks from their doors - just click on favourite pub walks.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Top 10 Pub Walks of 2010

2011-01-30T09:42:00.009Z

Top 10 Pub Walks of 2010

I have just been browsing the most popular pub walks on www.myfavouritepubwalks.com and thought you may be interested to hear which were the Top 10 Pub Walks of 2010. I enjoy top 10 lists generally because they usually not only contain some entries that are very familiar but also some unknown ones that challenge and inspire me to try something new. Never a bad thing! I hope this one does the same for you.

One of my personal favourites in the top 10 is The Axe and Compass in Hemingford Abbots, Cambridgeshire. This is a charming 15th Century thatched pub which invariably produces great food and we've therefore returned several times.

Another is The Drift Inn near Beaulieu where the walk takes in some parts of the beautiful New Forest where sometimes you may not see another soul on your travels.

You may know and prefer others on the list of course.

You can view the full list and download the route details by clicking on Top 10 Pub Walks of 2010.

I do hope you enjoy this selection and as always it would be great to hear any feedback. All the pub walks have the facility for you to add comments or star ratings so that you can share your experiences with others too. Or if you'd like to suggest any other favourites then please do just add a comment to this post.

Happy Pub Walking!

The Pub Walker
The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com
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This Week - Selkirk Arms Pub Walk around Buckland Glen

2011-01-10T23:34:00.007Z

This Week - Selkirk Arms Pub Walk around Buckland Glen, Dumfriesshire

This circular pub walk really does offer everything from coast and riverside to woodland and glen. It includes views over to St Mary's Isle and Ross Island at the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay as well as excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities from its varied habitats.

The pub walk starts and finishes at the Harbour Square car park which is close to The Selkirk Arms. The AA Pub Guide describes this as a traditional white-painted pub... beautiful garden. Dogs allowed.

To get the route details of this pub walk and others from their doors, click on favourite pub walks.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Mummers on the Piste

2010-12-19T23:45:00.001Z

Mummers on the Piste

Well, kind of...

As a local tradition, this Mummers Play marks the start of Christmas for many us and it was performed earlier today in a snowy rural lane in Otterbourne near Winchester. The last Sunday before Christmas each year, the cast act out the tale of King George, the Turkish Knight and Old Father Christmas in their costumes made from wallpaper streamers. The story remains the same but the words are adapted each year to add a topical flavour and some humour that encourages the crowd to heckle good-naturedly. Finished off with a mince pie, mulled wine and a folk rendition of "Tthe Holly and the Ivy".

It's quirky, English ecccentricity at its best and a family tradition that was resurrected 35 years ago after a gap of some 50 years. Let's hope it keeps going another 35 years!

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Top 10 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Pub Walkers

2010-12-05T08:28:00.033Z

What Pub Walkers Want for Christmas - My Top 10 List

One of the things I love about pub walks is that they combine so many different interests into a single hobby. Clearly we all enjoy a good walk and a good pub but for most of us there is so much more to it than that.

It's true the walk may simply be some exercise ahead of a calorific indulgence; more likely though it reflects a love of fresh air and the outdoors with a real interest in nature in all its forms and seasonal variations. Likewise, the desire to help preserve our precious pub tradition is often linked to a deep-seated passion for other aspects of our national heritage.

So, all that gives a good variety of things to choose from when buying Christmas presents for pub walkers; from real ale to Ramblers membership, natural history books to National Trust membership, good pub guides to GPS.

If you'd like to see my Top 10 list of gift ideas for pub walkers then here they are. If you have other ideas of your own then please add a comment and share - we'd all love to see them too :-)

1. National Trust Gift Membership

Did you know the National Trust owns or manages 38 pubs and inns? Of course they are better known for their commitment to the preservation of our coast, countryside and historic buildings, with their extensive tracts of land offering great walks and spectacular scenery. Right now, Gift Membership offers 25% off the normal price plus an extra free gift of a pair of National Trust binoculars, making it our favourite Christmas present!
For more details go to National Trust Gift Membership, click 'Join Online' and then select 'A gift for someone else'. Costs starts as low as £16.50 for someone up to age 25.

2. Good Pub Guide, Good Beer Guide or AA Pub Guide

Although the Good Pub Guide may be the most popular pub-goers bible, the Good Beer Guide does also give general comments on the pubs beyond the quality of the real ale on offer. Both are densely packed with information in text form so if you prefer something easier on the eye (albeit covering fewer pubs) then the AA Pub Guide has many colour photos and feels better quality for a book to browse. All are updated annually.
You can buy any of these from Amazon.co.uk via The Pub Walker's On-Line Store which highlights Amazon products of interest to pub walkers.

3. Walking Socks

OK, I know that socks as a present for a man are the butt of many jokes but how about a pair of really good quality walking socks for him or her? Cold feet feet can be a misery and this present could make a real difference to your walking companions in terms of both comfort and warmth.
To see a good selection try the Cotswold Outdoor site.

4. Compass!

If you do your pub walks with someone who does not have a compass than you should get them one, seriously. Apart from just being able to check it occasionally to ensure they are heading in the right direction and avoid retracing steps, it may open up a whole new world to them of exploring new routes (and pubs).
Click on Compasses at Amazon.co.uk for a wide range starting at less than £2.

5. Bottled Real Ale

Much as we must use our pubs, or lose them, there are evenings at home when a glass of bottled real ale really hits the spot. If a pub walking friend lives a distance away then you can even arrange to have a few bottles delivered to their door by such companies as Ales by Mail.

6. OS Maps

If your pub-walking partners always follow the same handful of routes to their favourite watering holes then why not open their eyes to all the other options with a large scale Ordnance Survey map of the area. I recommend the 1:25,000 OS Leisure / Exporer map series which will show them all the alternative footpaths and bridleways they could use. You can even get laminated ones that will survive unexpected showers and offer much greater durabilility.
Again its hard to beat Amazon.co.uk for price via The Pub Walker's On-Line Store.

7. CAMRA Membership

For the real ale enthusiast, membership of the Campaign for Real Ale makes a great present. The £20 cost includes £20 of money off vouchers at Wetherspoon pubs - they may not be traditional pubs but they do know how to serve real ale. Pay by DD and you get an extra 3 monhts free (15 months for the price of 12) as well as another £2 off the usual price. They have various gift offers too with membership such as the one that also includes the Good Beer Guide.
Click on CAMRA Membership or CAMRA Gift Membership for more details on their site.

8. Timpson's England

This is one of my all time favourite travel books and a must for anyone with a passion for this country and things unusual or eccentric. It can supplement a walk with fascinating information on "... creepy castles and curious churches, stones with a story and roadside surprises, trees full of history and pubs full of spirits..."
Click on Timpson's England: A Look Beyond the Obvious for more information.

9. Gamma Head Torch

I have to admit my walks often take somewhat longer than I expect, sometimes even arriving at pubs after food has stopped being served - at lunchtime that is! And with darkness descending early this time of year and cutting short our walking time, I think this powerful head torch is a great idea. Voted best value head torch in Trail magazine, the Gamma head torch also has numerous positive user reviews on-line. At £12.50 its definitely on my list.
To buy this, go to Alpkit Gamma head torch.

10. ??? What do you suggest?

No-one wants a Top 9 list so can you help make it a Top 10? If you have a suggestion for my final last minute gift idea for Pub Walkers then please add a comment below and share it with us all!

As many people know, our website www.MyFavouritePubWalks.com uses free pub walk links and downloads to promote the best of our pub heritage to a hungry and thirsty walking community. Some of the links above are affiliate links which pay a % commission which help to pay for the costs of running the site. So if you like any of the ideas and want to help us support our community pubs then please do click through using the links above. Either way, we hope you find the gift ideas of interest and a help if you are buying for someone who shares our passion for pub walks. Thank you.

To find some great pubs with walks from their doors, just click on favourite pub walks.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

The end of the Good Pub Guide as we know it?

2010-10-30T08:40:00.005+01:00

The End of the Good Pub Guide as we know it?

According to The Publican yesterday, pubs are set to be charged up to £200 for the privilege of appearing in the Good Pub Guide from next year.

Fiona Stapley, who has edited the book for 27 years, said the charges will be introduced for the 2012 edition. Fees will be either £99 or £199, depending on the size of the outlet.

Pretty shocking news for a guide that proclaims its independence. This must surely have the potential to undermine its integrity. If a significant number of pubs decline to pay up, will the guide become a slimmed down version of its former self? Or will it relax its standards in an attempt to maintain its current coverage?

Even if it maintains its standards for inclusion, discrimination on the basis of willingness to pay will introduce a perception of bias which can only hurt its sales as we all know from a customer relations perspective, perception is reality.

If the publishers need to increase revenue then in my view a better approach would be to offer pubs the option of upgrading the size of the entry for a price or even allowing them to pay for advertising on some colour pages, but let's leave the basic entry free and the integrity of the guide intact.

Sorry GPG, this is altogether a disappointing decision for both pubs and pub-goers and threatens your long-standing and well-deserved reputation as the pub-goers bible. Listen to your loyal customers and publicans and think again.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

New Tesco Food Magazine Features MyFavouritePubWalks.com

2010-10-24T09:43:00.023+01:00

www.MyFavouritePubWalks.com in New Tesco Food Magazine

If you have seen the newly launched Tesco Food magazine, then I do hope you noticed us on page 11. Their editor asked us to suggest three of our favourite walks to pubs and you can see the ones we chose in the extract below.

(click image to enlarge)

All those really get my gastric juices flowing and I hope they do the same for you. The detailed route directions can be found by clicking on the names of the pubs below:

PLOUGH AND HARROW, Monknash, Glamorgan
JOLLY FARMER, Cookham Dean, Berkshire
BELL INN, St Cross, Winchester, Hampshire

If you see us appearing in any other publications then please do tell us. We discovered by accident that we had been mentioned recently in the BII Business (the magazine of the British Institute of Innkeeping) and have now started gathering together the ones we know about which also includes the Ramblers' Walk magazine and The Publican trade magazine . If you are interested in seeing these then just click on Press and Media Coverage page.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Spectacular Pub Walk Around Malhamdale

2010-10-13T12:30:00.004+01:00

Spectacular Pub Walk Around Malhamdale

This is our favourite walk around Malhamdale. Starting off in Malham itself, the walk begins with a traditional Yorkshire backdrop of stone walls and gently rolling hills.

Easy going for a while but as you approach the sheer face of Malham Cove, you start to appreciate the scale of the climb ahead of you. It's manageable though, but probably best not to count all those steps as you go (was it 400?). Climbing up the left hand side of the cliff face, on reaching the top you have to turn around and take in the view from here!

We took a brief rest here before proceeding across the limestone pavement and down into the valley to Gordale Bridge. It is definitely worth the short linear detour from here to the impressive Gordale Scar gorge and waterfall. Somehow it seems irresistible for people to remove their boots and socks and dip their toes into the cooling water.

From Gordale Bridge, the return route takes you through very different scenery, leaving the open moorland behind as you discover the hidden Janet's Foss. This is a complete contrast to what you have seen before, under heavy deciduous woodland whose canopy seems to hold in the humidity created by the waterfall and pool.

On leaving the woodland behind and emerging once more into open country, the late afternoon light created a striking image of these cows with their black and white colouring creating a stong contrast against the rich green of the pasture and grey/blue of the sky.

From here we touched the Pennine Way for just a short stretch and with the light fading we continued on our way back to Malham.

Now here there is a choice of two pubs, neither at the budget end of the spectrum but fairly priced for the good quality food they both offer. This time we visited the creeper-covered Lister Arms which has plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the green and I thoroughly enjoyed my Steak and Thwaites Nutty Black Ale Pie.

Next time I shall try The Buck Inn which offers award-winning sausages and their 'Malham and Masham pie' and, better still, all their dishes come with vegetables included - not always the case with the Lister Arms!

To download the walking leaflet for this and other pub walks in the area, simply go to Malhamdale pub walks.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Atmospheric Walk around Corfe Castle

2010-09-21T19:12:00.000+01:00

Corfe Castle - A Favourite Walk with The National Trust

You cannot miss Corfe Castle. It towers over the A351 from Wareham to Swanage and commands your attention. Personally it is one of my favourite National Trust properties and a day off work yesterday saw us enjoying an easy walk around one of the most evocative castles of England.

It was late in the afternoon and the sun was low in the sky. The light conditions somehow seemed to make the place very atmospheric from moment we entered the outer bailey and stared up at the imposing remains of the keep.

Passing through the south-west gateway, we turned to climb up to the towering keep itself and then passed a series of openings in the walls which framed the views over the hills beyond.

Out into the tower area of the ruins and the views open up some more again.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we turned away from the keep and started the short descent back through the baileys and out into the attractive village of Corfe itself. We did not have time to stop for longer that day but there is a good choice of pubs to try in the village and I'll shortly be adding details of these to myfavouritepubwalks.com.

I have been a member of the National Trust for over 20 years now and never tire of exploring places like this. If you are interested in joining too, take a look at the National Trust Special Offer which gives new members three months free plus a free pair of National Trust binoculars - perfect for the views from Corfe Castle!

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Red Lion, Gilmorton, Leicestershire, is Looking for a Pub Walk

2010-07-18T09:02:00.005+01:00

Red Lion, Gilmorton, Leicestershire, is Looking for a Pub Walk

Another pub is reaching out to walkers and asking them to help in creating a new pub walk from their door. In return there is a £50 voucher on offer for spending in the pub which will be given to the best one submitted.

The Red Lion in the village of Gilmorton, Leicestershire has a regularly changing menu and at least 4 cask ales at all times. They use eggs from their own chickens, herbs from the garden and make their own bread and flavoured ice creams. They take using local produce to the next level by offering a barter system for home grown produce so much of their fruit and veg is grown in the village!

So why not explore the countryside around the Red Lion and then enter your pub walk for a chance to win the £50 voucher? For more details on how to enter go to Red Lion Pub Walks or take at the other pub walk competitions currently running.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

The Inspiration for MyFavouritePubWalks.com - Guest Post on WalkTalkTours Blog

2010-07-09T06:57:00.004+01:00

The Inspiration for MyFavouritePubWalks.com - My Guest Post on WalkTalkTours Blog

I was recently invited to write a guest post on the WalkTalkTours Blog, talking about my passion for pub walks, what inspired me to create MyFavouritePubWalks.com and my vision for the site's future. To read it please click on guest post.

Not long ago I discovered WalkTalkTours on Twitter who, as their name suggests, have audio walking tours that you can download for your MP3 player. These include narrative on interesting and historical features which you can listen to as you follow their walking routes. Great idea!

I will be reviewing one of their audio tours in a later post but for now I invite you to read my guest post, and from there you can click through and take a look at their site for yourself.

The Pub Walker

The official blog of MyFavouritePubWalks.com

A Pub Walk from The Globe Inn by the Grand Union Canal

2010-07-07T07:56:00.005+01:00

A Pub Walk from The Globe Inn by the Grand Union Canal

Well, wasn't last Sunday a fantastic day for a pub walk! When the heat is on, I’m always torn between a waterside walk where the mere presence of the water seems to cool the air; and a woodland walk where the shade brings more immediate and tangible relief.

We had found a walking route on-line that seemed to combine the best of both with woodland, wonderful views and then a return along the Grand Union Canal towpath. And to finish off there was The Globe Inn, featuring in the AA Pub Guide and situated right on the towpath itself, near Linslade, Bedfordshire.

The Globe is tucked away from the road but clearly has a loyal following of people using the towpath. It was busy but there was still plenty of seating, not only by the towpath, but also in the beer garden by the play area and inside too. And being right by the canal, most people sat outside to enjoy the constant activity and wildlife of the waterside.

One of us had the impressive House Deli-board which, as you can see, was beautifully presented.

We would have liked a little more variety on the salad front, rather than the preponderance of different green leaves, but in fairness we got what it said on the menu and it did not disappoint.

The other two in our party had the butternut squash, spinach, lentil and spicy coconut curry with lemon & parsley basmati and wild rice. It was not huge but it was a mild and delicious blend of flavours, as good as the menu description had suggested. And just as a bonus to refresh, the Greene King XX mild was on special offer at £2 per pint which tasted particularly good after the walk.

So the three of us came away with a few pence change from £30 (excluding tip) which was a very pleasant surprise with three of us eating!

I shall have to make a few changes to the walking route before sharing it at www.myfavouritepubwalks.com as there was rather too much road walking from the railway station and the wonderful views are now no more – the walk must have been written a good few years ago as the view was meant to be from a hilltop over young trees and yes, you guessed, the trees grrew!

In the meantime, if you would like any other suggestions, you can click on waterside pub walks for others that include some cooling water along the way.

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Why I Love Walking in The New Forest

2010-06-26T00:29:00.032+01:00

Why I Love Walking in The New Forest

After a long week with too many hours spent in an office, it was glorious to set out for the New Forest last night. A beautiful, balmy evening with nature that refreshed my soul.

Low sun, clear sky, close to a full moon. Barely another soul seen and, even then, only from a distance.

The New Forest is on our doorstep but I never tire of the sense of wilderness that can still be experienced there when one steps away from the main paths.

We started out with a search for some orchids my wife had stumbled upon a couple of days before.

Close to the path, a friend had drawn her attention to them and we had been keen to

return and try to capture their delicate beauty in a photograph.

There were a few dozen of them and they clustered in a shallow dip amongst the ferns and grasses.

Just a few paces away from this small area there were none to be found at all which made the discovery all the more special.

We walked through deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and glades with the setting sun creating sharp contrasts of light and shade.

We looked out over open heathland and areas of lawn, and climbed to viewpoints, regularly catching fleeting views of deer along the way.

We stood and stared and just soaked up the natural, peaceful, surroundings.

The New Forest has a character all of its own, whether you think of the free-roaming horses, ponies, donkeys and pigs, or its unbeatable blend of landscapes and numerous habitat types.

It remains in many ways wild but surprisingly accessible to all. It is criss-crossed with cycle paths and popular riding country but we saw evidence of neither as we ventured away from the more touristy areas.

And this is its appeal - it can be whatever you want it to be and it can offer something to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

I find the New Forest can always surprise and enthral and it offers a brief and welcome escape from life's pressures. It is my favourite walking area and I am privileged to live only a stone's throw away.

Not last night but, of course, sometimes we combine our walks with a pub stop and the New Forest has its fair share of those too.

If you would like any suggestions for a pub walk, you can find a few by clicking on New Forest pub walks, and we'd always like to hear of your favourites too.

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Poet in a Pub?

2010-05-30T11:00:00.003+01:00

Poet in a Pub?

I do love to hear of pubs finding novel ways to attract new customers. How about the idea of “Poet in the Pub” being tried in a number of Hampshire pubs?

According to the Hampshire Chronicle, The Three Horseshoes at Bighton near Alresford will host comedy ‘stand-up’ Elvis McGonagall on Wednesday June 2nd.

Customers are invited to write a short poem or limerick on the back of special Poet in the Pub beer mats and then Elvis will read these out before sharing a selection of his own unique poetry.

The theme is the village you live or drink in so it also helps to reinforce the message that the pub sits at the heart of the local community.

The idea comes from the Hampshire County Council’s rural arts scheme, known as Hog the Limelight, who usually bring their events to village halls. When they approached local landlords about using pubs instead they were met with an enthusiastic response.

The innovative pubs taking part are: (sorry you've already missed the first one!)

Wednesday 26 May 2010
The Cricketers Arms
Tangley, Andover SP11 OSH
tel 01264 730283

Wednesday 2 June 2010
Three Horseshoes
Bighton, Alresford SO24 9RE
tel 01962 732859

Wednesday 9 June 2010
Horse and Groom,
Woodgreen, Fordingbridge SP6 2AS
tel 01725 510739

You can either pick up a beer mat from one of the pubs or download a copy by clicking on Poet in a Pub beer mat.

Any pubs out there with other innovative ways of attracting new customers or bring back existing ones more frequently. Of course my favourite, easy and effective method is the one you'll find at www.myfavouritepubwalks.com/publicans.

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Walkers – A Menace or Meal Ticket for Publicans?

2010-04-11T08:54:00.004+01:00

Walkers – A Menace or Meal Ticket for Publicans?

Publicans seem to give walkers a very mixed reception. Some welcome them with open arms with a “Walkers’ Special” on the menu, whilst others curse them for clogging up their car parks over lunchtime and then disappearing for a few hours simply to call in for one quick drink on their return.

So how do you turn a menace into a meal ticket?

Some thoughts:

- There are 8 million regular walkers in England along, that’s 8 million people working up a hunger and a thirst each month, every month. (Source – Sport England survey)

- Walking is Britain’s most popular outdoor activity. Generally, people on higher incomes participate more in recreational walking than people on lower incomes. (Source – The Ramblers)

- 891 million day trips for leisure in Great Britain in 1998 included a ‘walk, hill walk or ramble’. This is 15% of the total of all leisure day trips. The figures are old but the popularity of walking is even higher today. (Source – The Ramblers)

- Increasing numbers of young people are giving up the stuffy atmosphere of the gym (saving a fortune on their memberships) and getting out into the countryside for their exercise instead. (Source – The Ramblers)

- Ever increasing numbers of older people join walking groups too and we all hear constantly about the power of the “grey pound”.

Need I say more? This is a huge market and many like nothing more than to finish their walk at a traditional pub. Certainly that is my experience from the many walkers I know.

So my advice is seize the opportunity and get a pub walk written down that leads those hungry and thirsty walkers straight to your door, rather than someone else’s. Have copies available in the bar to take away, send it to your local paper and get it on the internet! When people enjoy a walk and are welcomed at the pub, they do it again and again and what’s more they tell their friends.

If you think your car park is being abused by walkers, rather than turn them away with a rude notice, think about what you can do to get them through the door instead, even it its just making sure you have a copy of the menu and the specials board outside (many pubs still don’t).

Finally, why not even offer a free meal to the walker that produces the best walk from your pub? And again tell your local paper. You could be surprised at how this takes off!

For more information on attracting walkers to your pub, visit www.myfavouritepubwalks.com/publicans.

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A Budget for Pub Walkers after all?

2010-03-26T08:05:00.001Z

Enjoy a Pub Walk along our Waterways

As our waterways are synonymous with pubs and walking, its great to see that there was something positive in the budget for us "pub walkers" after all. The government plans to mutualise British Waterways in England and Wales, giving the waterways’ users and the communities that live alongside a greater say in how they are managed. It is also expected to reduce the long-term public liability by transferring responsibility for waterways maintenance to possibly a charitable trust.

Much less publicised than some of the other budget statements such as the hikes on alcohol duty, this at least is something a little creative, protecting a national asset while reducing the ongoing costs borne by the taxpayer. And the real benefit of course is that this can secure this national treasure for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. A true win win!

For more details, read Government to mutualise British Waterways on the Waterscape site.

Or if like me you just want to get out there and experience our waterways then click on waterside pub walks.

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Share a Pub Walk to Win Granola Bars

2010-03-14T08:16:00.008Z

Share a Pub Walk to Win Granola Bars

If you have a favourite pub walk you would like to share then now would be a great time to do it. Our friends at Dorset Cereals have offered us some of their delicious granola bars as prizes to promote the launch of their new chocolate granola recipes.

PRIZE: A pack of each of their cereal bars, in a Jute bag, with a couple of Dorset Cereals mugs!

As these make perfect snacks to take on our walks, we have decided to give the prize to someone chosen at random from those who send us a pub walk between now and the end of April 2010.

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, you can either:
(a) click on submit a pub walk to enter one you have written yourself, or
(b) use our contact us page to send us a link to an existing on-line pub walk with your comments about why it is one of your favourites. (This has to be a different pub walk from those already featured on www.myfavouritepubwalks.com).

Sorry, the competition is only open to people in the UK).

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Publicans - How to make your customers thirsty for National Cask Ale Week

2010-03-08T07:49:00.001Z

Publicans - How to make your customers thirsty for National Cask Ale Week

National Cask Ale Week is a great marketing opportunity for publicans and if you want to maximise your customer spend then why not ensure that they arrive extra thirsty?

How? Show them a pub walk that leads them straight to your door!

An interesting fact - there are 8 million regular walkers in England alone (according to a Sport England survey) and the ones I know usually look for a walk that offers a great pub en route. That's up to 8 million people working up an appetite and thirst each month, and you can get a share of their business if you show them you welcome walkers and that there is at least one interesting walk nearby.

If you are interested in this market then do take a look at yesterday's post:
5 Ways to Get a Pub Walk for Your Pub

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Publicans - 5 Ways to Get a Pub Walk for Your Pub

2010-03-07T10:25:00.003Z

Publicans - 5 Ways to Get a Pub Walk for Your Pub

It's official. Walking is the most popular recreational activity with over 8 million of us walking at least once a month, according to a Sport England survey. That's 8 million people out there every month, looking for somewhere to walk and, if they are all like my walking friends, often somewhere to stop for refreshment. That's a huge opportunity for pubs that welcome walkers - 8 million people working up a thirst and an appetite. Every month.

So why not tap into that market by showing them an exciting walk featuring your own pub? Here are some ideas for how to get a pub walk and lead them to your door:

1. Run a competition, offering a prize to the customer producing the best walk from your pub. This is a perfect way to engage with your customers and get them talking about your pub. See Running a pub walk competition for more information.

2. Search on-line for walking leaflets - type in "(your town/village) walking leaflet" or "(your town/village) walks" and you'll probably be amazed at how many walking routes are available free on-line. Check them out to see if one passes your pub door. Try also your local library and Tourist Information which are both likely to have a selection too.

3. Contact your local Ramblers groups and walking clubs - they may already have a suitable walk which they would allow you to use as long as you give credit for its source.

4. Check pub walk books - if your pub is included, dont be afraid to advertise "as featured in My Area's Best Pub Walks book" in your pub to encourage customers to return another day to do the walk. Have a copy of the book available but do not give out photocopies of the pages as this would infringe copyright.

5. Write your own pub walk is the other obvious way if you enjoy walking yourself.

Any of these can help you get new customers and increase their spend. Whichever route you follow, its worth reading the marketing steps under Running a pub walk competition as some of these can be applied to the other methods too.

Finally, if you create or find a pub walk, do please share it with us at www.myfavouritepubwalks.com so we can help you spread the word.

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Latest Pub Walk... via River Whitewater and Greywell Moors to The Fox and Goose, Greywell, Hampshire.

2010-02-17T07:45:00.000Z

Latest Pub Walk... via River Whitewater and Greywell Moors to The Fox and Goose, Greywell, Hampshire.

This circular pub walk from the Fox and Goose in Greywell is one of a series produced by the pub itself which is demonstrating a keen interest in catering for walkers.

Located a stones throw away from the Basingstoke Canal and River Whitewater, perfect if you enjoy riverside walks, this 16th century inn prides itself on its mostly traditional English fayre with the emphasis very much on home-made dishes.

As a Hampshire lad myself, this is a pub walk I am aiming to try out very soon so if you beat me to it, please add a comment to say what you thought..

To download full details of the route click on Fox and Goose pub walk.

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Pub Walk Video from The White Lion Inn, Patterdale, in The Lake District

2010-02-14T09:58:00.006Z

Pub Walk Video from The White Lion Inn, Patterdale, in The Lake District.

Another great video from Walks around Britain, this time offering you a pub walk from Patterdale in the Lake District and a choice of refreshment stops. It includes some spectacular views over Ullswater and a running commentary of what you'll see along the route. Watch it and get a real sense of the breathtaking scenery you will experience on this pub walk.

The walks starts close to the Patterdale Hotel with also The White Lion Inn close by. For more details of the pubs on this walk go to Patterdale pub walks

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Snowdrop Valley Pub Walk at Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, until 21st February 2010

2010-02-12T06:55:00.007Z

Snowdrop Valley Pub Walk at Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, until 21st February 2010

Snowdrops are a welcome sight for walkers in the depths of winter with their splashes of white on what can be an otherwise dull canvas. Although there is always plenty to see in our countryside, parks and gardens, somehow I find that snowdrops refresh the senses and remind me that all the seasons have their own unique pleasures.

A great way to see this is to try this Snowdrop Valley pub walk from the Rest and Be Thankful Inn at Wheddon Cross on the edge of Exmoor. From here you can enjoy a one and a half hour walk taking in this hidden valley at the very time that snowdrops are at their best.

So if you are in the Exmoor area, grab your walking boots and check out the details of the Snowdrop Valley pub walk.

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RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results

2010-02-01T18:56:00.003Z

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Many regular walkers also enjoy observing the wildlife all around them as part of what makes up their all round outdoor experience. Certainly that is the case for me and I’m sure I was among many thousands of other regular walkers taking part over the weekend in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

Having put out my mixed seeds and my diced past-their-best plums and pears, I sat back with a tray of tea for the allotted 1 hour. After a slow start, activity in the garden picked up and I was thrilled to see not only the usual visitors but also my first sighting of a firecrest and only the second of a nuthatch.

I’m sure these less common visitors to my garden have been here before so the real pleasure came from just taking the time out to relax and quietly observe what is undoubtedly going on around me all the time.

Next week back to the pub walks of course but with a renewed enthusiasm for taking in all that the natural world has to offer the keen observer.

For anyone interested, my full birdwatch results submitted to the RSPB were:

Jackdaw (3)
Great Tit (2)
Blue Tit (2)
Robin (2)
Magpie (2)
Wood Pigeon (2)
Firecrest (1)
Nuthcatch (1)
Blackbird (1)
Collared Dove (1)

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Great Video of a Pub Walk from Fox House Inn, Longshaw, South Yorks

2010-01-29T06:40:00.012Z

Great Video of a Pub Walk from Fox House Inn, Longshaw, South Yorks.

There is no better way to get a flavour of a pub walk than by seeing it on a short video so how about this one from Walks around Britain?

The circular walk only takes about an hour but includes a climb with a fantastic view as you can tell. And the commentory is good too.

Of course for our purposes we would have liked more than the fleeting mention of the Fox House Inn at the start but you cant have everything and, hey, that's why you need to visit MyFavouritePubWalks.com too :-)

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Win a Meal for 2 at the Kings Head Hotel, Ross on Wye

2010-01-20T20:54:00.000Z

Win a Meal for 2 at the Kings Head Hotel, Ross on Wye

The Kings Head Hotel is showing how walker-friendly it is by offering a prize of a meal for 2 to the person with the best pub walk leading to its door.

It has a picturesque location in the market town of Ross-on-Wye which has streets full of character and plenty of excellent walking opportunites in the area. Dating back to the 14th century, it retains many of its original features like oak beams and a large stone fireplace.

The hotel offers a great base for exploring The Wye Valley, Black Mountains, Tintern Abbey and Symonds Yat, the hotel is within a 40 minute drive of Cardiff and Cheltenham. Goodrich Castle, The Forest of Dean and The Welsh Marches are also easily accessible for day trips.

For more details, go to the Kings Head Hotel pub walk competition.

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National Winter Ales Festival 20 - 23 January 2010

2010-01-18T08:23:00.001Z

National Winter Ales Festival - 20th to 23rd January 2010

Oh how I wish I could make it this year!

Over 200 beers to choose from, including foreign beers, cider and perries for those who find these appealing. Not for me, to be honest, I prefer something rich and dark and full of flavour... but each to his own.

This year, CAMRA say it is moving to a "larger, more palatial venue" at the Sheridan Suite, Oldham Road, Manchester. Combine that with the fact that there is no children's area this year suggests a lot more space for the beers themselves!

Go to CAMRA's website for more information.

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Slug and Lettuce: 50% off all food in January 2010

2010-01-18T06:36:00.003Z

Slug and Lettuce: 50% off all food in January 2010

If you fancy a good-value meal out in January you could do a lot worse than finishing your next walk at a Slug and Lettuce. Just download a voucher to get 50% of all food until the end of this month - what's more there is no limit to how many vouchers you can download.

We recently had a fascinating walk around historic Winchester, and finished at the Slug and lettuce which is within sight of the cathedral across the park.

To download your voucher, visit Slug and Lettuce 50% offer and for other pub walks around Winchester go to Hampshire pub walks.

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Saving our Rural Phone Boxes - Council Vetos BT Plans to Scrap "Icons of England"

2010-01-03T12:46:00.000Z

Saving our Rural Phone Boxes - Council Vetos BT Plans to Scrap "Icons of England"

BT may be on a mission to scrap all their uneconomic public phone boxes but thankfully local councils have a right of veto and are using it.

So I say well done to Winchester City Council which, according to this week's Hampshire Chroncicle, has just used its veto to preserve 37 of the 44 boxes threatened by BT. The reasons are mainly the poor level of mobile phone covereage or that they are in a key location for emergency calls.

This also follows a previous campaign in 2008 when residents convinced Winchester City Council to save 41 out of 43 blacklisted boxes.

Many of these boxes are our beloved red kiosks that are a part of our national heritage and promoted by Bill Bryon in the Campaign to Protect Rural England's fantastic and heart-warming book Icons of England ... so I have to say the romantic in me wants these to be preserved for posterity even if they are uneconomic.

BT does allow council's to "Adopt a Kiosk" (for £1 I think) with the wordings removed if they still want to save a kiosk for aesthetic or historic reasons butcannot justify the veto. Hopefully this will save even more and keep this dramatic element of our rural landscapes.

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Country Pub of the Year Awards - I always knew Hampshire pubs were the best!

2009-10-28T20:03:00.001Z

Country Pub of the Year Awards - I always knew Hampshire pubs were the best!

OK, maybe not all Hampshire pubs are better than all others but the best are no doubt up there with the best nationally. This is confirmed by the fact that they feature as two of the only five short-listed pubs in the Country Life magazine sponsored Country Pub of the Year Awards run in association with Waitrose.

The Thomas Lord at West Meon is set in the picturesque Meon Valley while The Peat Spade is in Longstock, near Stockbridge, near to the Longstock Water Gardens and overlooking the River Test.

Now I’m looking for pub walks for each of these as their locations are both perfect for a Sunday stroll. I hope to add them to this blog shortly and they will be included on the website under Hampshire Pub Walks. Suggestions welcome as always!

The other three contenders are The Pigs at Edgefield in Norfolk, The Mason’s Arms, Cartwell Fell, Cumbria, and The King’s Head Inn in Laxfield, Suffolk. I have many other Suffolk Pub Walks but not one for The King’s Head yet but now working on that one too!

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Pub Walk via a Reservoir to The Castle Inn of Chiddingstone, Kent

2009-10-09T08:11:00.001+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... via a Reservoir to The Castle Inn of Chiddingstone, Kent

Another circular walk from the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, this time to Bough Beech Reservoir with fine views of the countryside as well as of Chiddingstone Castle and St Mary's Church. Return to the Castle Inn for your refreshment and you won't be disappointed.

The Castle Inn, which is also owned by the National Trust, features in The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide and has a wine list of over 150 to choose from. More up my street though, it has a selection of real ales with the most popular being Larkins which is brewed in the village.

To download full details of the route click on Castle Inn - Pub Walk 3.

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Walking near Lulworth Cove, Dorset? Visit The Castle Inn’s Beer and Cider Festival

2009-09-26T07:24:00.000+01:00

This Week ... Walking near Lulworth Cove, Dorset? Visit The Castle Inn’s Beer and Cider Festival

Lulworth Cove is iconic. It is a breath-taking sight from the land, the sea and even the air with its beautiful symmetry and curves being captured in innumerable photographs. Walkers simply have to change down a gear to enjoy the spectacular scenery as they travel this section of the South West Coast Path.

This weekend only, in return for the minor detour to West Lulworth, walkers can enjoy a special treat if they stop by at the Castle Inn, as it is hosting its very first Beer and Cider Festival from 25th to 27th September.

If only I could be there too! Still, as the Castle Inn features in both The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide, this is a pub walk worth doing any time of year.

For information on walks around Lulworth, click on Castle Inn pub walks and if you just want details on their Beer and Cider Festival then go to the Castle Inn’s website.

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A Walk to a New Forest Beer Festival at the Beaulieu Road Inn, Hampshire

2009-09-24T06:12:00.011+01:00

This Week ... A New Forest walk to The Beaulieu Road Inn Beer Festival, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The New Forest has to be one of the very best walking areas in the country and the Beaulieu Road Inn sits right at its heart, surrounded by the open heathland.

I have just seen that the Beaulieu Road Inn is running a beer festival this weekend so this is a perfect time to repeat one of my all time favourite pub walks and finish with a pint of real ale. The easy circular pub walk takes you through a beautiful part of the New Forest, across some of its famous lawns and through mixed woodland with some great views across forest and moorland. There is always plenty of wildlife to see and the chances of glimpsing deer and even buzzards is good. And of course the infamous New Forest ponies are everywhere!

The Beaulieu Road Inn is running its beer festival from Friday 25th to Saturday 27th September and is offering 25 real ales, bottled lagers and ciders to accompany its home-cooked food created from locally sourced produce. Although it is a popular place, away from the inn you may often see no other walkers on this route.

To download full details click on The Beaulieu Road Inn pub walk.

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Town and country pub walks around historic Malpas, Cheshire

2009-09-20T09:32:00.008+01:00

This Week ... Town and country pub walks around historic Malpas, Cheshire

If you like to read a little background history while you enjoy your pub walk, why not try a walk from one of the pubs in Malpas, Cheshire.

You can choose from The Crown Inn, The Vaults Inn or The Red Lion and from a selection of walks with a short town trail around historic Malpas, or venture across surrounding fields or perhaps the short hill climb to take in views over the town.

Click on Malpas pub walks to see your list of options and to download the free leaflet produced by Chester City Council. Full directions, map and historical anecdotes included!

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Choice of 12 Pubs for all tastes on the Dawlish Ale Trail, Devon

2009-09-11T00:20:00.000+01:00

This Week ... The Dawlish Ale Trail on the Devon Coast

Despite what people may think, I'm no fan of pub crawls. Taking a walk is the first pleasure and then a pub stop, just one ideally towards the end, is the icing on the cake.

So when I saw the Dawlish Ale Trail was a walk linking 12 pubs, this felt like a pub crawl to me and I almost ignored it. But then I looked more closely and found that nearly half this one hour walk is along the "Brook", running through the centre of the village of Dawlish and abundant with waterfowl. Suddenly this started to seem more appealing.

In fact, this gives a great variety of pubs to choose from and, though I would choose the more traditional ones like The Swan Inn who sent me the trail or maybe The Marine Tavern, others I guess may go for something rather different like The Teignmouth Inn with its Sky screen sports!

So this pub walk has something for everyone and is in fact easily extendable to include longer walks along the Devon coast.

Click on Dawlish Ale Trail to see the full list of pubs on the walk and then click through to the route map itself.

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Amazing Views on this Pub Walk to The Royal Oak, Church Stretton, Shropshire

2009-08-19T10:03:00.008+01:00

This Week ... Amazing Views on this Pub Walk to The Royal Oak, Church Stretton, Shropshire

Located in the beautiful surroundings of the Shropshire Hills, The Royal Oak is an ancient, circa 15th Century free house and one the UK's oldest pubs. It is located in the beautiful conservation village of Cardington, near Church Stretton, nestling in lovely countryside close to the South Shropshire hills.

The walk to the top of Caer Caradoc Hill offers a magnificent panorama over the Shropshire Hills including the Lawley and the Wrekin.

On reaching the Royal Oak, why not try their infamous ‘Fidget Pie’, a Shropshire recipe of gammon, apples and cider that has been handed down from landlord to landlord and was eaten here by Prince Edward around 20 years ago.

Rest assured there is no piped music, TV or games machines here.

Click on Royal Oak pub walk to download full details of the walk.

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The best pub walks can be town walks - The Cottage Inn, Bristol

2009-08-10T06:15:00.000+01:00

This Week ... A town walk to The Cottage Inn, Bristol

We get used to the idea of the best pub walks being those that take us away from populated areas and out into rural surroundings where we can start to feel at one with nature. There is something special about escaping from the cities and savouring the sense of freedom that this can inspire.

But some of the best pub walks can also be town walks where the route can reflect a fascinating mix of historic buildings, famous landmarks, rivers, parks and more. Take today's pub walk to The Cottage Inn, for example, which includes views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a National Trust trail, woodlands and refreshments at a riverside pub that also features in The Good Pub Guide. Now that sounds a great mix!

To download full details click on The Cottage Inn in Bristol, Avon.

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A circular pub walk to The Cutter Inn, taking in the Cathedral city of Ely, Cambs.

2009-07-31T21:21:00.006+01:00

This Week ... A circular pub walk to The Cutter Inn, Ely, Cambs.

A circular walk around Ely, taking in the cathedral, a stretch of the River Great Ouse and offering a choice of pubs and award-winning tea rooms. The Cutter Inn has an unbeatable riverside location and is in The Good Pub Guide.

This is a gentle stroll along the river bank and then through light woodland back to Ely which should leave you plenty of time to enjoy the second smallest city in England. The cathedral which dominates Ely even offers tours up the Octagon which is definitely worth the climb, finishing with you actually standing on the lead roof!

The Cutter Inn offers baguettes in the bar or a full menu in the adjacent dining room. Our recommendation if it is a fine summer's day is to settle for the bar menu and relax on the terrace overlooking the River Great Ouse and gaze at the wildlife, narrowboats and leisure cruisers. Certainly earns its Lucky Dip entry in The Good Pub Guide.

So on our next hot Summer's day why not download and enjoy this Cutter Inn Walk.

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Want to support our best pubs? Let's walk the talk!

2009-07-28T08:05:00.003+01:00

Want to support our best pubs? Let's walk the talk!

The press is currently filled with news of the demise of the great British pub. But is it really all doom and gloom?

We hear that the rate of pub closures has risen to 52 per week, up one third on just 6 months ago. In the same week CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) forces an investigation by The Office of Fair Trading into the crippling effect on tied pubs of high rents and beer prices charged by the monopolistic pub companies.

But there continues to be more positive anecdotal news of individual pubs adapting to the changing needs of the customers with more locally sourced food, special offers and entertainment (not just Sky Sports!). Some of the pubs I “follow” on Twitter are even now reporting record takings.

Not every pub can survive (and we all have stories of pubs that shouldn’t!) but there are many living on the brink of closure that it would be a tragedy to lose not just for their local communities but also for all of us who treasure their existence.

So what can we do? Well my aim throughout this summer is to support at least one pub each week (after a walk of course), sample their menu and if I’m impressed I’ll then spread the word by letting people know on MyFavouritePubWalks.com, this blog and Twitter for all who may be interested.

If you love our pub heritage too and like to include refreshment stops on your walks, I encourage you to join me and do the same to help our best pubs through this recession… and enjoy the exercise at the same time of course!

Please do share details of any gems you find on the way by commenting on www.myfavouritepubwalks.com, http://thepubwalker.blogspot.com or http://twitter.com/pubwalker as we’d all love to hear your experiences. And if you need inspiration for a pub walk to try then you can find it by following any of those links too.

Finally, why not even submit a pub walk for everyone to download?

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Panoramic Views on this Pub Walk to the White Lion in Arreton, Newport, Isle of Wight

2009-07-16T08:32:00.001+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... with panoramic views to the White Lion in Arreton, Newport, Isle of Wight

Tihs circular walk has some fantastic panoramic views and includes a traditional country pub.

Although fairly easy, this pub walk does include a few stiles and a short steep uphill climb near the finish.

The White Lion is a traditional country pub with an extensive home-cooked menu, daily specials and Sunday roast. It also offers a large range of cask beers and is open all day.

Download full route details for the walk at Punch Bowl Inn Walk.

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Pub Walk to The Castle Inn within the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, Kent

2009-07-09T08:11:00.006+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... to The Castle Inn owned by the National Trust in Chiddingstone, Kent

A longer circular walk from The Castle Inn which nestles in the pretty village of Chiddingstone (owned by the National Trust) which is one of the prettiest villages in Kent. This route takes in Penshurst Park with woodland and riverside stretches and some views. Although the route is up to 8 miles, there are shorter break points from about two and a half miles onwards.

The Castle Inn, which is also owned by the National Trust, features in The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide and has a wine list of over 150 to choose from. More up my street though, it has a selection of real ales with the most popular being Larkins which is brewed in the village.

To download full details of the route click on Castle Inn - Pub Walk 4.

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Another Competition - Find the Best Pub Walk to The Bear Inn at Stock, Essex

2009-07-07T06:34:00.005+01:00

Another Competition - The best pub walk to The Bear Inn at Stock, Essex

As more pub landlords are looking to show that walkers are welcome, The Bear Inn is offering a £30 voucher for food or drink in return for the best walk to their door.

The Bear Inn is now under new ownership and Richard and Brenda extend a warm welcome having tirelessly refurbished the pub. They wish to bring back some of the values that made The Bear a thriving local meeting place whilst continuing to provide some great food which has in the last few years won The Bear awards including an AA rosette for 2005/2006 for outstanding cuisine and two Michelin knife and forks for 2006).

For full details of how to enter just click on Bear Inn - Pub Walk Competition.

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Best Pub Walk to The Bear at Home in North Moreton, Oxfordshire

2009-07-06T23:20:00.002+01:00

This Week... The best pub walk to The Bear at Home in North Moreton, Oxfordshire

Here's your chance to win a 3 course meal for 2 at a 500 year old country pub in the beautiful south Oxfordshire village of North Moreton. The landlord is so keen to welcome walkers at his pub that he is offering this prize to the person sending us the best walk featuring his pub!

The Bear at Home serve real ales & home cooked food daily (no food Sunday evening) and makes both dogs and children welcome!

For full details of how to enter just click on Bear at Home - Pub Walk Competition.

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Riverside Pub Walk to The Weir Hotel, Walton on Thames

2009-06-30T21:39:00.007+01:00

This Week ... A walk along the Thames towpath to The Weir, Walton on Thames, Surrey

This is a picturesque riverside walk along the Thames to Hampton Court Palace and back to the Weir Hotel. The route has many points of interest to enjoy along the way, as well as the usual birds and other wildlife that you expect along our waterways.

The Weir Hotel is a Victorian pub which has retained all of it's charm, with nooks and crannies for indoor dining but if the weather is good opt for the alfresco dining on the riverfront with stunning views over the weir and seating for 400.

So on our next hot Summer's day why not download and enjoy this Weir Riverside Pub Walk.

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All Pub Walks Now Free

2009-06-20T08:18:00.002+01:00

This Week Onwards... No need to pay for any pub walks!

Some exciting news! I have decided that from today all the pub walks will be free to download from MyFavouritePubWalks.com! So that means you no longer have to submit a pub walk before you get free access to all the others. And with Fathers’ Day this weekend, you can give the old boy some exercise as well as some real ale without it costing a penny extra!

Of course, with all the pub walks now free, I am hoping visitor numbers to the site will increase, more people will hit those “tell a friend” buttons and word will spread that we can all help our best pubs to survive and thrive by sharing pub walks and leading hungry and thirsty customers straight to their doors - for the mutual benefit of walkers and publicans alike.

It looks like the weather may be kind to some of us this weekend so I hope you get out and about and, even better, find a nice pub to enjoy for Fathers’ Day. With all the pub walks now free, you can give the old man some exercise as well as some real ale!

Happy pub walking!

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Pub Walks to The Guardian and Observer Summer Pubs

2009-06-14T09:36:00.009+01:00

This Week's Pub Walks... Summer Pubs featured in The Guardian and Observer

Free with this weekend's Guardian and Observer is a 2-part guide to Summer Pubs and here a a few Summer pub walks to download that will lead you straight to a selection of them.

The Summer Pubs guide gathers 200 of our best pubs that offer an outdoor experience to remember this summer whether its due to great beer gardens, exceptional views, siting on a ramblers route or simply awesome location.

Some of these pubs I have personally walked to already but there is a superb list of new ones here too that I cannot wait to try for myself. I am striving to get at least one pub walk for each of these pubs so if you'd like to help please click here to add a Summer pub walk.

In the meantime, you can download full route details of the ones I have so far at walks to Summer pubs here.

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Dorset Pub Walk to Another Three Horseshoes Inn at Powerstock

2009-06-12T06:11:00.001+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... to another Three Horseshoes, this time in Powerstock, Dorset

Circular pub walk through remote countryside, with charming local views followed by a deeper and even less spoilt valley beyond West Milton. This is from a different Three Horseshoes Inn which also appears in both The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide.

The Three Horseshoes Inn is a Victorian inn is set in the picturesque village of Powerstock which has a beautiful Norman church and is surrounded by excellent Dorset walking country. It prides itself on its use of fresh, local produce, some of which comes from its own vegetable garden.

Dogs are welcome in the guest rooms and the bar.

The walk takes you through a nameless valley which has a charm that lies largely in its natural state: hedgerows are retained, the rough grassland is too steep for ploughing and gorse thrives; there is a profusion of wild flowers in spring and early summer and Fallow deer are often seen in the winter.

Paths are not visible all the way, but route finding is reasonably easy.

West Milton church tower stands by itself at the edge of a field, looking over to Eggardon Hill, capped by one of England’s most impressively sited ancient hill-forts. The church was demolished in the 1840’s, its stone used for building Powerstock school (the building with Gothic windows passed by at the start of the walk), after which a new church was built in the village. Powerstock church has quaint 19th century murals and a highly ornamented Norman chancel arch.

For full route details go to Three Horseshoes at Powerstock Pub Walk.

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A Pub Walk to the excellent Three Horseshoes at Cockfield, Suffolk

2009-05-31T09:12:00.005+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... to the excellent Three Horseshoes at Cockfield, Suffolk

There is much to see on this walk, including a section along the trackbed of a dismantled railway line and the disused taxiway of a former World War II airfield, not to mention an excellent pub in The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide.

Cockfield is a scattered village consisting of nine greens and hamlets, spread around the undulating countryside north of Lavenham. The walk starts from what must have been regarded as the original centre of the community, a cluster of old buildings around St. Peter's Church that now includes a new village hall and the local primary school.

The Three Horseshoes is a great find, a real character pub serving quality meals of excellent standard and great value. The menu also includes a wider selection of vegetarian meals that usually encountered in a pub. The beer garden has uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside.

MyFavouritePubWalks.com visited this pub in May 2009 and highly recommends it. It is certainly deserving of its places in the pub guides.

Download full details at Three Horseshoes Pub Walk.

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Bluebell Pub Walk to the Kings Arms, Fernhurst, Surrey

2009-05-10T23:08:00.001+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... to The Kings Arms, Fernhurst, Surrey

The Bluebell Walk from The Kings Arms in Fernhurst has now been published and is reading for downloading at a moment's notice for anyone else who would like to try this. It is a circular walk with a stream and a meadow, a pub and a pinewood, buzzards and of course bluebells!

The Kings Arms is a friendly 17th Century pub full of character and a relaxed charm. It prides itself in providing locally sourced food, which is cooked fresh daily, and quality cask ales.

The download is available by clicking on Kings Arms Pub Walk.

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Circular Pub Walk to The Stags Head, Maidwell, Northamptonshire

2009-05-01T08:20:00.005+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... to The Stags Head, Maidwell, Northamptonshire

Enjoy views over surrounding villages before visiting this friendly pub serving a good range of real ales and a full range of food from snacks upwards.

Generally good walking in all conditions, with only a short upward gradient which is worth the views it gives you.

Download full details at Stags Head Pub Walk.

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Coastal Pub Walk to the Horseshoe Inn at Marcross, South Glamorgan, Wales

2009-04-23T09:44:00.006+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... along the South Glamorgan coast to the Horseshoe Inn at Marcross

This circular pub walk returns to one of my firm favourites in South Glamorgan and this time to a yet another great pub. The Horseshoe Inn is a traditional village pub with log burners and a stone floor. It also plenty of courses for under a tenner plus a range of real ales that helped it earn its place in The Good Beer Guide.

If you like sea views, dramatic coves, old ruins and real variety then this pub walk is a must.

When you reach the beach, take some extra time here to enjoy the impressive rock formations of the cliffs here which are being constantly eroded. The jagged cliffs contrast sharply with the flat rock terraces of the beach which have been worn smooth over the millennia and together these make a dramatic sight.

Full details can be downloaded at Horseshoe Inn Walk.

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Saturday 25th April - Join the Bluebell Walk to the Kings Arms, Fernhurst, Surrey

2009-04-20T20:09:00.016+01:00

If you fancy a pub walk in the Surrey countryside this Saturday, why not join the Bluebell Walk being led by well-known rambler Richard Williamson which starts and finishes at The Kings Arms in Fernhurst.

Although this is a fund raising walk, as this is only a few days away now I have been asked to say all walkers are welcome even without sponsorship as they will be collecting on the day and giving £2 to the charity Canine Partners from each ploughman's sold. So you can count me in and the more the merrier!

The walk is part of the Canine Partners National Bluebell Walk Campaign. It starts from The Kings Arms car park at 10:30am on Saturday 25th April and a map will be provided on the day. Canine Partners enables people with disabilities to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life through the help of specially trained dogs.

For further information about the walk, please call the Kings Arms on 01428 652005. Visit the www.caninepartners.co.uk or call Malcolm Wells 01730 716011 for further information on the Bluebell Walk Campaign 2009 or Canine Partners.

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Pub Walk along the canal to the French Horn, Pewsey, Marlborough, Wiltshire

2009-04-17T07:55:00.000+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... canalside to the French Horn, Pewsey, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Glorious relaxing pub walk via canal side and water meadow with views up onto rolling downlands. The French Horn is right by the Kennet and Avon canal and features not only in The Good Pub Guide but also Mike Lucas' Waterside Pubs.

Click on French Horn Pub Walk to download full details.

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Berkshire Pub Walk from The Crown & Garter, Inkpen Common, Near Hungerford

2009-04-10T11:14:00.000+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... through varied countryside to The Crown & Garter, Inkpen Common, Hungerford, Berkshire

This circular route takes you along generally well kept paths and tracks through light woodland and farmland as well as along some short stretches of very quiet country lanes. This is a relatively remote area with little traffic.

The Crown and Garter has an impressive list of accolades including being recommended in a wide range of guides including The Good Pub Guide, The Good Beer Guide, Alistair Sawday's Pubs and Inns of England and Wales and also The Real Ale Guide.

You can download this now at Crown and Garter Pub Walk.

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Its National Cask Ale Week 6 - 13 April 2009

2009-04-08T20:37:00.001+01:00

Oz Clarke helps to launch National Cask Ale Week

This is a week not just for real ale fans but also for anyone who wants to support our community pubs by sampling some great British beers. There are 6000 pubs taking part in this celebration of our nation's best beers and there are bound to be plenty of special offers and tastings to enjoy.

If you want to be part of an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records, why not visit your local participating pub on Saturday 11th April and be a part of the World's Biggest Toast. This is a great way to support your local at the same time as rallying behind Britain’s national drink.

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An Undulating Circular Pub Walk to the Griffin in Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

2009-04-03T08:32:00.000+01:00

This Week's Pub Walk... an undulating circular walk to the Griffin in Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Passing through woodland, downland and pasture, this undulating pub walk has many interesting historic features. Small diversions off the route will take you to Appuldurcombe House or Godshill village.

The Griffin is a large family dining pub which serves food all day and has a children's menu. It also offers a wide range of cash beers and has a large garden.

Download full route details for the walk at Griffin Pub Walk.

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Pub Walk past Ely Cathedral to The Minster Tavern, Ely, Cambridgeshire

2009-03-24T21:19:00.003Z

This Week's Pub Walk ... past Ely Cathedral to The Minster Tavern, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Ely, the second smallest city in England, is one of my favourite place to visit. The Cathedral is spectacular and if you stop you can take a tour that leads you up and out onto the roof (!) where the view is awesome.

This is a detour worth taking when following my Ely Pub Walk. and it will bring you straight afterwards to the Minster Inn from where you can gaze back to view the cathedral in all its splendour.

Combining historical interest with a riverside path makes this pub walk rather special. Download full details by clicking on Minster Tavern Pub Walk.

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Mother's Day celebrations with the National Trust - www.NationalTrust.org.uk

2009-03-18T06:24:00.008Z

Mother's Day celebrations with the National Trust - www.NationalTrust.org.uk

From delicious high teas in stunning locations to quirky events suitable for all the family, the National Trust has the perfect location for you to spoil mum this Mother’s Day, Sunday 22 March.

This is just the sort of treat that Mum's enjoy and a great excuse to finally get around to joining the National Trust just when so many of their properties are opening again for the Spring.

Click National Trust Offer for three months’ free membership plus free binoculars!

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Oz and James Drink to Britain - last 2 days on BBC iPlayer

2009-03-17T23:29:00.002Z

Oz and James Drink to Britain - last 2 days on BBC iPlayer

If you missed the final episode of this entertaining series then you have just 2 more days left to catch this on BBC iPlayer. As they conclude their search for the drink "that speaks for modern Britain", the result is unexpected if not, perhaps, surprising.

In case you do not know the answer yet, I won't spoil the surprise! Watch it instead at Oz and James Drink to Britain but be quick. This series toured pubs and breweries, vineyards and cider farms and hopefully you'll agree with me that the Oz and James reached the only right conclusion.

Click on Oz and James Drink to Britain and I hope you enjoy the whole 30 minute episode like I did and are not tempted to spoil the surprise by skipping to the last few minutes ...

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Pub Walk to The Angel Inn, Corbridge, Northumberland

2009-03-15T11:44:00.002Z

This Week's Pub Walk ... to The Angel Inn, Corbridge, Northumberland

A short pub walk around Corbridge village including many interesting and historical facts. The choice of pubs includes The Angel Inn.

The Angel Inn has a reputation for good food that is demonstrated by its inclusion in the discerning Michelin Guide to Eating out in Pubs which includes only 6 pubs in Northumberland. The Michelin Guide is impressed by its "good-sized menus, classical in style but with modern twists, on which Northumbrian produce is proudly served at good value prices". The Angel Inn also gets a mention in The Good Beer Guide and The Good Pub Guide Lucky Dip section.

Corbridge is an interesting village with many elements unchanged from mediaeval times. It is centred on its church and market place and has attractive views from its 17th century bridge. The walk includes many fascinating facts about the village.

To download full details of the route click on Angel Inn Pub Walk.

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Pub Walk to The Keystone, Guildford, Surrey - The Face of British Pie Week

2009-03-09T14:51:00.003Z

British Pie Week's Pub Walk... to The Keystone, Guildford, Surrey

This circular pub walk leads you straight to Keystone, The Face of British Pie Week, giving you the perfect opportunity to order one of their award-winning Legendary Game Pies.

With The Keystone recommended in both The Good Beer Guide and the AA Pub Guide, this has to be a pub walk for the shortlist over the coming weeks.

The walk itself offers lovely views of the Cathedral to the north and across The Downs to the south, followed by woodland paths, past the Watts Gallery and back into Guildford along the River Wey. It partly follows The North Down’s Way and can be extended via Loseley Park.

To download full details of the route click on Keystone Pub Walk.

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The Keystone, Guildford, is ... The Face of British Pie Week

2009-03-08T08:35:00.009Z

British Pie Week Title Awarded to The Keystone, Guildford, Surrey

Pubs are of course the natural home of the great British pie and it is therefore no surprise that the title of The Face of British Pie Week has been awarded to a pub.

Ashley Robins, Head Chef at The Keystone in Guildford, Surrey, walked away with the prize for his Legendary Game Pie. We must surely all have our favourite pies and game pie is certainly one of mine!

There is more to The Keystone than pies as they are featured in both The Good Beer Guide and the AA Pub Guide. Click on Legendary Game Pie to see a photo of their mouth-watering pie and read more about them.

British Pie Week ran from 2 - 8 March and was sponsored by Jus-Rol, the pastry-makers.

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Pub Walk to The Black Boy in Winchester, Hampsire

2009-03-01T23:33:00.000Z

This Week's Pub Walk... to The Black Boy in Winchester, Hampsire

Explore the ancient capital of Wessex including not only the river and cathedral but 'King Arthur's Round Table' as well.

The Black Boy is a popular pub and worth a visit not just for good value home-cooked traditional food and real ales but also for its weird and wonderful collections (ladies, check out the toilet!). Off the traditional tourist trail, its a traditional pub with bags of charm, earning a place in The Good Pub Guide. The Black Boy has a particularly good reputation for its evening meals but at lunch times the menu is more limited.

To download full details of the route click on Black Boy Pub Walk.

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A Waterside Pub Walk to the Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, Bristol

2009-02-23T21:43:00.004Z

This Week's Pub Walk... to the waterside Cottage Inn at Baltic Wharf, Bristol

One of our Top 10 Winners in the search for the Nation's Favourite Pub Walk, this has it all including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a visit to the Cabot Tower for panoramic views, a National Trust trail and a lovely waterside pub.

What's more, The Cottage Inn has plenty of character as a converted harbour master's office and has fine views of local landmarks.

Full details can be downloaded at Cottage Inn Walk.

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COMPETITION: Suggest a New Pub Name and Win £100!

2009-02-16T23:00:00.001Z

COMPETITION: Suggest a New Name for this Southampton Pub and Win £100!

A "pub with no name" at 40-42 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, is looking for a new name. It is inviting suggestions with the promise of a £100 cash prize for whoever suggests the name that is finally chosen.

Landlord Colin Pollard has placed an advert in the Southern Daily Echo and says,
"We would like the name to be unique as opposed to traditional and would like the image created by the name to suggest a fun venue with a unique quality".

Any ideas? Email your suggestions to colinpollard@rocketmail.com or, even better, place it in the suggestion box on the bar.

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Circular Pub Walk to the Griffin at Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

2009-02-16T07:23:00.006Z

This Week's Pub Walk... a circular route to the Griffin at Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

An undulating circular pub walk with many interesting historic features and finishing at The Griffin, a large family dining pub. It serves food all day and has a children's menu plus a wide range of cask beers

Passing through woodland, downland and pasture, you can also take small diversions to Appuldurcombe House or Godshill village if the fancy takes you.

Full details can be downloaded at Griffin Pub Walk.

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Pub Walk to the Plough and Harrow on the South Wales Coast Path, Glamorgan

2009-02-02T08:59:00.005Z

This Week's Pub Walk... returning to the Plough and Harrow on the South Wales Coast Path, Glamorgan

This circular pub walk includes the Coastal Footpath to Marcross with some spectacular scenery and a choice of two great pubs. The Plough and Harrow is full of character and a true favourite of mine, appearing in not only The Good Pub Guide and the AA Pub Guide but also The Good Beer Guide who voted it the Best Pub in Wales 2003.

This walk has plenty of interest with varied terrain, seaward views, two dramatic coves, some old ruins and a nature reserve.

Full details can be downloaded at Plough and Harrow Pub Walk.

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Pub Walk to the "Giant's Grave" from the White Hart Inn at Oare, Marlborough, Wiltshire

2009-01-26T20:47:00.005Z

This Week's Pub Walk... to the "Giant's Grave" from the White Hart Inn at Oare, Marlborough, Wiltshire

The ‘Giant’s Grave’ can be seen from the White Hart Inn car park and this walk starts and finishes at this lovely wayside inn. If you are eating at the inn after your walk, ask the landlord if you can park there and he will surely oblige. The food is good here and they also serve real ales.

The ‘Giant’s Grave’ is a long barrow upon Martinsell Hill. Local folklore states that if you run around the long barrow seven times you will wake the giant from his slumbers!

Click on White Hart Inn Walk to download full details.

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Pub Walk to The Castle Inn within the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, Kent

2009-01-19T06:17:00.009Z

This Week's Pub Walk... to The Castle Inn within the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, Kent

A circular route from Chiddingstone to Penshurst Place through woods and fields with views over the Eden Valley, returning to The Castle Inn for refreshment. The inn nestles in the pretty village of Chiddingstone (owned by the National Trust) which is one of the prettiest villages in Kent.

The Castle Inn, which is also owned by the National Trust, features in The Good Pub Guide and in the AA Pub Guide and has a wine list of over 150 to choose from. More up my street though, it has a selection of real ales with the most popular being Larkins which is brewed in the village.

To download full details of the route click on Castle Inn - Pub Walk 2.

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This Week - CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival 2009

2009-01-17T22:41:00.004Z

CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival 2009

21st - 24th January - New Century Hall, Manchester

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is holding its annual Winter Ales Festival this week with over 200 cask ales, bottled ales, ciders and perries for visitors to sample.

As CAMRA promote moderation in drinking, the festival will use 1/3 pint measures so we can all try a greater variety of the ales on offer without suffering the consequences :-)

To find out more click CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival 2009.

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A Pub Walk around a Picture Postcard Village to The Bull Inn, Cavendish, Suffolk

2009-01-12T22:35:00.007Z

This Week's Pub Walk... around a picture postcard village to the Bull Inn, Cavendish, Suffolk

This pub walk includes a section of the River Stour valley with meadows and fields. There are also interesting former railway buildings along the way including the Gatehouse and the Station Master's House and a former railway crossing.

The most memorable part though must be the picture postcard scene across Cavendish Green which is one of those views that features on chocolate boxes, calendars and many tourist guides of Suffolk.

Cavendish offers a choice of pubs for this walk but my preference would be to follow the recommendation of the AA Pub Guide and try the 15th Century Bull Inn with its beams and good food.

For full details click on Bull Inn Walk.

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Pub Signs Voted Top Icon of England

2009-01-09T07:30:00.007Z

Pub Signs voted Top Icon of England

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has recently been asking us all to vote for our favourite English icons from their top 25.

Now the results are out and the worthy winner of the top slot is very deservedly our traditional Pub Signs. It is great to see our pub heritage recognised in this way, reminding us all of what an integral part of our culture our English pubs are.

To find out more click Pub Signs voted Top Icon of England.

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A Pub Walk Through Varied Landscape to the Bugle Inn at Brading, Sandown, Isle of Wight

2009-01-04T08:32:00.006Z

This Week's Pub Walk... through varied landscape to the Bugle Inn at Brading, Sandown, Isle of Wight

This pub walk is fairly gentle (apart from the optional detour). A varied landscape of farmland, copse, downland and landscaped estate can be seen en route. Brading Town itself has many interesting architectural and historical features.

Finish off at the Bugle Inn which sits next to the wax works and is a large, comfortable family-friendly pub. It offers a large range of cask beers and is famous for its carvery.

Download full route details for the walk at Bugle Inn Walk.

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Historical Interest Walk to the Punch Bowl Inn at Churchtown, Lancashire

2008-12-28T10:21:00.002Z

This Week's Pub Walk... to the Punch Bowl Inn at Churchtown, Lancashire - with some historical interest

This easy circular pub walk offers easy, level walking that passes through the ancient village of Churchtown. Then across fields, roads and tracks, and along the edge of the river Wyre.

The Punch Bowl Inn was originally known as the 'Covered Cup', named after the communion chalice and is itself steeped in history as it was built in 1532.

Download full route details for the walk at Punch Bowl Inn Walk.

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"Waterside Pubs" book is perfect for pub walkers

2008-12-27T23:51:00.002Z

New Book - "Waterside Pubs" is perfect for pub walkers

It is such a pleasure to find a gem of a book like Waterside Pubs that leads you to tucked away pubs that you would be unlikely to ever discover by car. Instead this book encourages you to leave the car behind and travel instead on foot, by bike or even by boat.

Published by Waterways World, the leading inland waterways magazine, Waterside Pubs is much more than just another pub guide and I challenge anyone reading it not to want to walk the waterways and visit every hostelry featured.

To find out more about this book, read our full review at Waterside Pubs Book Review.

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Past National Trust land to The Staff of Life, Ticknall, Derbyshire

2008-12-22T07:07:00.006Z

This Week's Pub Walk... past National Trust land to The Staff of Life, Ticknall, Derbyshire

A circular pub walk with a variety of landscapes including the National Trust's Calke Park and Staunton Harold Reservoir.

The Staff of Life is Ticknall’s Historic Country Inn, priding itself on being a central part of the village community. Included in The Good Pub Guide, it offers good quality, home cooked lunchtime and evening meals alongside a comprehensive range of real ales.

As this circular pub walk takes you past Calke Abbey and Park, you may want to make a day of it and visit this National Trust property while you are in Ticknall.

Download full details at Staff of Life - Pub Walk 3.

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Ramblers Association - Festival of Winter Walks

2008-12-19T08:07:00.001Z

Ramblers Association - Festival of Winter Walks: 26th Dec 2008 - 4th Jan 2009

The Ramblers Association Festival of Winter Walks celebrates its 20th year this year and is an ideal opportunity to walk off some of those Christmas excesses.

Around 17,000 people typically take part in the walking festival's 700 free guided walks which range from short family walks to serious hill hikes.

If you have been thinking about joining the Ramblers it will also be worth going along as after your walk you will qualify for a 20% discount of the usual membership fee!

For more details visit Festival of Winter Walks.

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Calling Time on Pubs - Replay of The Money Programme

2008-12-18T06:07:00.001Z

Calling Time on Pubs - Replay of The Money Programme

If you missed last week's Money Programme special on the pub trade and the demise of the British boozer then you can still catch it on the BBC's iPlayer.

Most people will already know that 5 pubs are closing every day and that publicans have been hit heavily by, amongst other things, the smoking ban and the supermarkets who use cheap alcohol as loss leaders. But even so, the programme gives some additional insight into the lives of a publicans and the strength of feeling about the importance of pubs to our culture.

It was an interesting half hour and anyone who cherishes our pub heritage will want to see it, even if it just galvanises us all to do a little more to support our local community pubs in order to help ensure their survival through this recession.

To see the program on iPlayer follow the link Calling Time on Pubs.

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Thruscross Reservoir Pub Walk to The Stone House Inn, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

2008-12-14T09:06:00.002Z

This Week's Pub Walk... around Thruscross Reservoir to The Stone House Inn near Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Circumnavigating the wonderful Thruscross Reservoir with panoramic views, this pub walk in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty includes a short detour for refreshment at The Stone House Inn.

The Stone House Inn is wonderfully located close to the reservoir and itself enjoys magnificent views over Washburn Valley. The walk is steep in places but the rewards are ample. The pub itself offers log fires, traditional pub food and ales with the option of afternoon tea in their tea room!

To download full details go to Stone House Inn Walk.

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Money Programme - Last Orders: Calling Time on Pubs?

2008-12-12T06:48:00.005Z

Tonight's Money Programme Examines our Pubs

The Money Programme tonight asks "Last orders for pubs? Are we calling time on the British boozer?" and investigates what the future could hold for our precious pub heritage.

Switch on at 7:00pm tonight on BBC2 (Friday 12 December 2008). For more details go to Money Programme.

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Stonehenge Pub Walk to The Greyhound, Amesbury, Wiltshire

2008-12-08T21:24:00.004Z

This Week's Pub Walk... past Stonehenge to The Greyhound, Amesbury, Wiltshire

This longer pub walk takes you right past the magnificent Stonehenge site and over National Trust land into Amesbury for your stop at a traditional pub with good value, home cooked food.

The Greyhound serves a good range of home made food with the main courses all under a tenner and many under £7 - an increasing rarity these days. They also offer a choice of vegetarian meals.

Stonehenge is an impressive, awe-inspiring sight and few other pub walks offer such a memorable experience! Managed by English Heritage, much of the land around it is owned by the National Trust and membership of either will give you free access to circle the stones more closely. In any case, great views can be had from the public footpath that you follow on your pub walk past this best-known stone circle.

To download full details go to Stonehenge Pub Walk.

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"The Pub Walker" Free Newsletter - Seventh Edition

2008-12-08T06:39:00.009Z

"The Pub Walker" Free Newsletter - Seventh Edition

This is just a quick post to say that the latest edition of our 2-monthly free newsletter, also called "The Pub Walker" has just been distributed to our subscribers. This includes news on pubs and walking as well as Christmas ideas for all those who share our passion for pub walks. Visitors to this blog can also read the newsletter by following one of the links below.

In this issue: (click on a title to jump straight to the article)

If you are not already registered with us and would like to receive your own free copy straight to your inbox in future then please simply click on subscribe.

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A Riverside Pub Walk to The Falcon Inn, St Mawgan, Newquay, Cornwall

2008-11-30T21:33:00.001Z

This Week's Pub Walk... along a Riverside to The Falcon Inn, St Mawgan, Newquay, Cornwall

The Falcon Inn is at the centre of the picturesque village of St Mawgan which is a pretty and traditional Cornish village and very convenient if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Newquay beaches just a few miles away.

The Falcon Inn is a delightful 16th Century wisteria-clad inn. It is built from stone in common with other buildings in the village like the old Post Office and Stores as well as the Antique Shop which it adjoins.

This is a great choice for a pub walk and a real pub-lovers delight, unspoilt with heaps of character and a cobbled courtyard. Typically for the area, it serves the beers of the St Austell brewery including the award-winning Tribute.

It is one of those places that has the winning combination of excellent food and enviable location so it is not surprising to see it in a range of the pub guides including The Good Pub Guide 2008, Eating Out in Pubs 2008 (Michelin Guides) and Pubs and Inns of England and Wales (Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay).

To download full details go to Falcon Inn Pub Walk.

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A New Forest Pub - yours for just £10?

2008-11-28T06:42:00.003Z

A New Forest Pub - yours for just £10?

The Filly Inn, located in the heart of the New Forest, is up for grabs in a unique raffle.

For just £10, you can be in with a chance to win this gem of a pub, complete with B&B accommodation, large restaurant, bike hire, plus all its fixtures and fittings and stock!

If you ever wanted to try your hand at running a pub, then what better way to start ... no start-up costs and an unbeatable location in one of the UK's top tourist destinations ... you just have to add some passion, hard graft, long hours and of course a heap of working capital!

If its the life for you then find out more at The Filly Inn for £10.

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The Pub Walker

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Autumn - A Time for Pub Walks

A Pub Walk by Any Other Name

The George Inn, Middlezoy, Somerset - A Traditional Village Pub

Top 10 Pub Walks of 2010

This Week - Selkirk Arms Pub Walk around Buckland Glen

Mummers on the Piste

Top 10 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Pub Walkers

The end of the Good Pub Guide as we know it?

New Tesco Food Magazine Features MyFavouritePubWalks.com

Spectacular Pub Walk Around Malhamdale

Atmospheric Walk around Corfe Castle

Red Lion, Gilmorton, Leicestershire, is Looking for a Pub Walk

The Inspiration for MyFavouritePubWalks.com - Guest Post on WalkTalkTours Blog

A Pub Walk from The Globe Inn by the Grand Union Canal

Why I Love Walking in The New Forest

Poet in a Pub?

Walkers – A Menace or Meal Ticket for Publicans?

A Budget for Pub Walkers after all?

Share a Pub Walk to Win Granola Bars

Publicans - How to make your customers thirsty for National Cask Ale Week

Publicans - 5 Ways to Get a Pub Walk for Your Pub

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Pub Walk Video from The White Lion Inn, Patterdale, in The Lake District

Snowdrop Valley Pub Walk at Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, until 21st February 2010

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results

Great Video of a Pub Walk from Fox House Inn, Longshaw, South Yorks

Win a Meal for 2 at the Kings Head Hotel, Ross on Wye

National Winter Ales Festival 20 - 23 January 2010

Slug and Lettuce: 50% off all food in January 2010

Saving our Rural Phone Boxes - Council Vetos BT Plans to Scrap "Icons of England"

Country Pub of the Year Awards - I always knew Hampshire pubs were the best!

Pub Walk via a Reservoir to The Castle Inn of Chiddingstone, Kent

Walking near Lulworth Cove, Dorset? Visit The Castle Inn’s Beer and Cider Festival

A Walk to a New Forest Beer Festival at the Beaulieu Road Inn, Hampshire

Town and country pub walks around historic Malpas, Cheshire

Choice of 12 Pubs for all tastes on the Dawlish Ale Trail, Devon

Amazing Views on this Pub Walk to The Royal Oak, Church Stretton, Shropshire

The best pub walks can be town walks - The Cottage Inn, Bristol

A circular pub walk to The Cutter Inn, taking in the Cathedral city of Ely, Cambs.

Want to support our best pubs? Let's walk the talk!

Panoramic Views on this Pub Walk to the White Lion in Arreton, Newport, Isle of Wight

Pub Walk to The Castle Inn within the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, Kent

Another Competition - Find the Best Pub Walk to The Bear Inn at Stock, Essex

Best Pub Walk to The Bear at Home in North Moreton, Oxfordshire

Riverside Pub Walk to The Weir Hotel, Walton on Thames

All Pub Walks Now Free

Pub Walks to The Guardian and Observer Summer Pubs

Dorset Pub Walk to Another Three Horseshoes Inn at Powerstock

A Pub Walk to the excellent Three Horseshoes at Cockfield, Suffolk

Sponsored Pub Walk to The Keystone, Guildford, Surrey

Bluebell Pub Walk to the Kings Arms, Fernhurst, Surrey

Circular Pub Walk to The Stags Head, Maidwell, Northamptonshire

Coastal Pub Walk to the Horseshoe Inn at Marcross, South Glamorgan, Wales

Saturday 25th April - Join the Bluebell Walk to the Kings Arms, Fernhurst, Surrey

Pub Walk along the canal to the French Horn, Pewsey, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Berkshire Pub Walk from The Crown & Garter, Inkpen Common, Near Hungerford

Its National Cask Ale Week 6 - 13 April 2009

An Undulating Circular Pub Walk to the Griffin in Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Pub Walk past Ely Cathedral to The Minster Tavern, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Mother's Day celebrations with the National Trust - www.NationalTrust.org.uk

Oz and James Drink to Britain - last 2 days on BBC iPlayer

Pub Walk to The Angel Inn, Corbridge, Northumberland

Pub Walk to The Keystone, Guildford, Surrey - The Face of British Pie Week

The Keystone, Guildford, is ... The Face of British Pie Week

Pub Walk to The Black Boy in Winchester, Hampsire

A Waterside Pub Walk to the Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, Bristol

COMPETITION: Suggest a New Pub Name and Win £100!

Circular Pub Walk to the Griffin at Godshill, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Pub Walk to the Plough and Harrow on the South Wales Coast Path, Glamorgan

Pub Walk to the "Giant's Grave" from the White Hart Inn at Oare, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Pub Walk to The Castle Inn within the National Trust village of Chiddingstone, Kent

This Week - CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival 2009

A Pub Walk around a Picture Postcard Village to The Bull Inn, Cavendish, Suffolk

Pub Signs Voted Top Icon of England

A Pub Walk Through Varied Landscape to the Bugle Inn at Brading, Sandown, Isle of Wight

Historical Interest Walk to the Punch Bowl Inn at Churchtown, Lancashire

"Waterside Pubs" book is perfect for pub walkers

Past National Trust land to The Staff of Life, Ticknall, Derbyshire