With the winter season in full swing, what could be more appealing than a brisk Sunday walk followed by a cosy pub lunch? Outdoor experts at Millets have unveiled their top ‘pub walks’ in England to tackle this winter, with one trail taking the crown.
The study focused on walks that are accessible, family-friendly and feature at least one pub en route. The winning walk is the Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular, located near Eastbourne.
This 12.7km trail guides walkers past a series of chalk cliffs, offering an array of breathtaking views from cliff edges to verdant forests. Naturally, to claim the title of the best, the route must include a warm and inviting pub to drop into – and this path boasts not one, but three options.
The ‘The Tiger Inn’ in East Dean, ‘The Selsey Arms’ in West Dean and ‘The Cuckmere Inn’ in Exceat all make for excellent choices, and there’s even a National Trust Cafe along the way for those in need of a hot cuppa.
The walk takes approximately three and a half hours to complete, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely afternoon excursion. The second most popular winter walk is also found in Eastbourne, reports the Express.
The Seaford to Eastbourne route is considered somewhat challenging, but with favourable weather, it’s unbeatable. The trail offers views of striking white cliffs, lush green grass and awe-inspiring lookouts over the English Channel.
The walk takes you past beaches, as well as past lighthouses and into Cuckmere Haven. The trail starts in the centre of Seaford where there are many pubs including ‘Old Plough’ and ‘The Wellington Pub and Bed and Breakfast,’ and ends in Eastbourne close to ‘The London and County’.
Here is a full list of walks with pubs:
1. Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular – Hampshire, West Sussex and East, Rating 4.8, Average Duration 3 hours 32 minutes, Length of Walks 12.7km, Number of Reviews 1047, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.84.
2. Seaford to Eastbourne – South Downs National Park, Rating 4.8, Average Duration 5 hours 30 minutes, Length of Walks 21.7km, Number of Reviews 988, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.80.
3. Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge – Peak District National Park, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 3 hours 50 minutes, Length of Walks 10.5km, Number of Reviews 1945, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.33.
4. Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular – New Forest National Park, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 3 hours 36 minutes, Length of Walks 15.4km, Number of Reviews 1366, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.32.
5. Buttermere Circular – Lake District National Park, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 1 hour 47 minutes, Length of Walks 7.4km, Number of Reviews 1049, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.26.
6. Ambleside and Troutbeck Walk – Lake District National Park, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 4 hours 11 minutes, Length of Walks 12.2km, Number of Reviews 997, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.23.
7. Whiteleaf and Chequers Circular – Chiltern Hills National Landscape (AONB), Rating 4.7, Average Duration 3 hours 10 minutes, Length of Walks 11.3km, Number of Reviews 931, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.16.
8. Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular – Lake District National Park, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 2 hours 39 minutes, Length of Walks 8.2km, Number of Reviews 688, Family Friendly Walk Score 9.05.
9. Coln Saint Aldwyns and Bibury Circular – Cotswolds National Landscape, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 2 hours 49 minutes, Length of Walks 10.6km, Number of Reviews 586, Family Friendly Walk Score 8.95.
10. The Switzerland of Yorkshire Circular – West Yorkshire, Rating 4.7, Average Duration 4 hours 14 minutes, Length of Walks 14.6km, Number of Reviews 581, Family Friendly Walk Score 8.93.