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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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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"The Pub Walker" Free Newsletter - Seventh Edition

"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)

• In the Spotlight ... Win a New Forest pub for £10, National
  Park entry charges and the long-awaited Community Pubs
  Report
• More award-winning pubs
  
• New pub walks in your area - and some updates
• Christmas gift ideas for pub walkers - plus money off pub meals
• Dates for your diary - special events, festivals and deadlines

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

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?

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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A Pub Walk on the Wild Side to The Three Mariners at Faversham, Kent

This Week's Pub Walk... on the Wild Side to The Three Mariners, Faversham, Kent

This circular route is called A Walk on the Wild Side and enjoys a varied landscape plus a choice of pubs including The Three Mariners with its discounted 3 course "Walkers Menu" using local produce. (See Special Offers) Make sure you book ahead and mention the Walkers Voucher to qualify.

Why not wash it down too with some real ale as this pub also features in The Good Beer Guide.

A Walk on the Wild Side is another quality walking leaflet created by Faversham Council.

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A Christmas Gift from The National Trust

A Christmas Gift from The National Trust

If you know someone who would enjoy a year's membership of The National Trust for Christmas then this year you could gift this to them and throw in a a pair of free binoculars at the same time!

Even better, you'd only pay for 9 months due to the current "3 months free" promotion and you can postpone the start date for up to 2 months - perfect timing for Christmas.

So this year you can save money while appearing extra generous ;-)

Click on National Trust Special Offer to see all the reasons why this makes a fantastic gift this Christmas.


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Pub Walk via a National Trust park to the Rose and Crown at Nympsfield, Gloucestershire

This Week's Pub Walk... via a National Trust park to the Rose and Crown at Nympsfield, Gloucestershire

A beautiful, pleasant 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 is in the Lucky Dip section of The Good Pub Guide. It accepts dogs inside and out, has a huge beer garden and serves food all day, though the estate is a beautiful spot for a picnic too!

Go to Rose and Crown pub walk to download and enjoy this walk today.

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Visit the The Pub Walker's On-line Store

Visit the The Pub Walker's On-line Store

As Christmas approaches, I thought it time to launch The Pub Walker's On-line Store with gift ideas for all those who share our passion.

There are hundreds of gifts to choose from and postage is free on all orders over £5, so why not browse some of the following categories:

• Books of pub walks for when you've tried all the downloads from MyFavouritePubWalks.com
• Pub guides to help you choose new pubs to walk from
  
• OS maps which are always worth carrying when you walk away from town centres
  
• Books on walking and exploring Britain which can be used alongside the pub guides
• GPS and navigation aids to help you stay on track
• Voice recorders for recording your own pub walks before submitting them to MyFavouritePubWalks.com

I'd be interested in hearing any other ideas you may have for gifts for pub walkers which I can then add to The Pub Walker's On-line Store.


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