January is certainly off to a wintery start, and one way to embrace the chilly weather is by setting out on a good walk (well, when the weather isn’t too extreme that is).
A new study has recently named the best ‘pub’ walks to do in England this winter, and routes in both the Peak District and Lake District have made the cut.
To make the list, researchers from outdoors brand Millets looked at factors such as accessibility, how family-friendly the walk was, and if there was a pub along the way. They also considered the number of reviews each walk had.
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Two walks in the south bagged first and second place; the Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular in Hampshire, West and East Sussex ranked number one on the list, while the Seaford to Eastbourne route in the South Downs National Park came in second.
The view from Mam Tor in the Peak District -Credit:MEN Staff
But the popular Peak District route Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge ranked in third place on the list. The circular route offers panoramic views of the countryside and takes in Mam Tor, one of the most iconic beauty spots in the national park. Afterwards hikers can head to the village of Castleton and enjoy a well-deserved pint in one of the pubs.
Walks in the Lake District dominated the second half of the list. The Buttermere Circular ranked in fifth place, a manageable 7.4km route taking you around the tranquil lake surrounded by mountains.
A lengthy route between Ambleside and the village of Troutbeck came in sixth place; while a circular walk taking in Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry ranked in eighth place.
Ambleside in The Lake District -Credit:Lancs Live
Rounding off the list is another northern route within easy reach of Greater Manchester. The 14.6km Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular route near Hebden Bridge ranked in 10th place, taking you through the spectacular scenery of West Yorkshire.
The top 10 ‘pub walks’ in England according to Millets
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Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular; Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex
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Seaford to Eastbourne; South Downs National Park
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Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge; Peak District National Park
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Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular; New Forest National Park
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Buttermere Circular; Lake District National Park
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Ambleside and Troutbeck Walk; Lake District National Park
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Whiteleaf and Chequers Circular; Chiltern Hills National Landscape (AONB)
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Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular; Lake District National Park
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Coln Saint Aldwyns and Bibury Circular; Cotswolds National Landscape
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The Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular; West Yorkshire
If you are heading out on a winter walk make sure you’re well prepared for cold weather with suitable clothing including plenty of layers and waterproofs; snacks and drinks; and equipment such as a map, compass and a torch.
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