Top 10 Pub Walks
10 - Cod & Lobster @ Staithes
Away from the bustling towns of Scarborough,(slot city) Bridlington (pirate boat bay) and Whitby (goth central) you can find some rugged and peaceful Yorkshire coastlines. Take the cobbled streets of Staithes up to the cliff tops following the Cleveland way to Old Nab, Port Mulgrave and the the picturesque village of Runswick Bay (Sunday Times beach of the Year 2020). This 8 mile walk earns you a Fish & Chip supper at the Excelsior Fish shop and a refreshing Pint back at the Cod & Lobster. A diversion down the cliffs to Port Mulgrave will take you to the home of Ironstone mines and a great place for fossil hunting.
9 - Fox & Hounds @ Ainthorpe
8 - George & Dragon @ Hudswell
7 - Kings Head @ Gunnerside
The £1 car park honesty box pretty much sums up this place, Gunnerside couldn’t be further from today’s “too fast” world. On 3rd June 2022 we were given an extra bank holiday to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, so, whilst Boris Johnson was booed entering the service at St Pauls, we headed away from the crowds on this delightful 8 mile walk. Take in the history of lead mining, stop for a picnic by the waterfall, explore the valley before heading back to Gunnerside through the ever so pretty bluebell woods to the Kings Head. The roaring fire was too hot for us, so we enjoyed our pints of blonde al fresco.
6 - White Bear @ Masham
Home of Theakstons brewery, the White Bear is one of the best watering holes on our list. At just over 8 miles, this walk takes you through the 20,000 acre Swinton estate, along the river Ure towards Hackfall woods. Whilst in the woods, be sure to explore Fishers Hall, built in 1750 this octagonal picnic venue once had a thatched roof, the Banqueting House, Mowbray Castle and the Rustic Temple. Out of the woods you can explore the duck pond in Grewelthorpe before making your way back through the fields towards the White Bear at Masham. If you’ve never tried it before, order a pint of Old Peculiar, although I’ll stick to my favoured Theakston’s Lightfoot.
5 - Fox & Hounds @ West Burton
We all love walking on a sunny day, but if you want the real drama of a waterfall you need a few days of torrential rain. We’ve had our fair share of that recently. A short 4.5 mile walk starts with the immense power of Cauldron Falls, following Bishopdale beck towards St Andrews Church and the infamous Aysgarth Falls. Grab an Ice-cream (or Hot Chocolate) from the Mill Race Tea Rooms whilst you take in the upper falls. The path then takes you away and above the river Ure, but you can still experience the thunderous middle and lower falls. Head back across the fields to the Fox & Hounds at West Burton, where you can enjoy a well earned pint of Theakstons or Snowflake.
4 - Craven Arms @ Appletreewick
Trollers Gill, a unique piece of Yorkshire, which, when bathed in sunshine is truly amazing. Head out of Appletreewick towards Dibbles Bridge, then cross some fields, towards Trollers Gill. This narrow rocky ravine has a noisy stream that disappears into the ground, Trollers Gill is a haven for Rock climbers, as you pass through it widens out into a glorious valley. Head down past Parcevall Hall (pop in if you have time) until you reach the banks of the mighty River Wharfe. After this 6 mile hike enjoy a well earned pint and a hearty meal back at the Craven Arms. Best pub in the world according to Alex Jones and Matt Baker from the One Show.
3 - Farmers Arms @ Muker
Where best to enjoy the beauty of upper Swaledale than this 6 mile walk from Muker to Keld and back. Setting out from Muker follow the route alongside the fastest flowing River in the UK, Anglo Saxon ‘Sualuae’ means Rapid and liable to Deluge. Have a good look around Catrake Force before heading on and up to explore Crackpot Hall and the abandoned lead mines. Arguably the best waterfall on this walk East Gill Force is a magical place in a beautiful setting, if you’ve got a picnic enjoy the rest here. After taking in Kisdon Force and Wain Wath Force you can head back to the Farmers Arms at Muker, now run as a community pub.
2 - Lister Arms @ Malham
This 11 mile hike is one of the greatest pub walks ever, packed with stunning Yorkshire scenery. Heading south from Malham you follow the river Aire to it’s source, before entering the woods at Janet’s Foss where you can take a dip. Head on to Gordale Scar, where on a dry day it is possible to climb up the Scar, but much safer to back track and climb up the steep grassy banks before heading across the moors to Malham Tarn. Follow the route behind the tarn and on to Malham Cove, home to an amazing limestone pavement. Descend the steps and head back to the Lister Arms in Malham for a refreshing pint in front of the roaring fire.
1 - Red Lion @ Burnsall
Number 1 on our list, this 7 mile flat walk along the banks of the river Wharfe takes in 4 picturesque Yorkshire villages. Jack Keighley, wrote “must surely rank as the most beautiful river-side walk in the Dales“. From Burnsall head across the fields through the tiny hamlet of Thorpe, before reaching the village of Linton. Take the path to Linton Falls with a quick detour to the church. Cross the bridge at Grassington, then head back along the banks of the river until you cross Hebden suspension bridge. You will pass a small canyon for cliff jumpers before reaching the Red Lion pub where you can relax and watch the world go by.