7th October 2017
Lake District Pub Walks
Country pubs and scenic walks go hand in glove. Which is why when you book at stay at one of our Cumbrian cottages, you can be sure of a spot in front of a roaring fire, or a place to put your feet up in a 16th century inn at the end of a tiring afternoon spent trekking the surrounding hills and feels.
Whatever your chosen trail, you’re never far from a friendly welcome and the chance to enjoy a pint of real ale and some of the best of local cuisine. Here are 6 of our favourite pub strewn walks in the Lake District.
The King George IV Inn and Eskdale Green walk
From our Keswick cottages, the start of this walk is just an hour’s drive down the A66 and A595 to Ravenglass. From there, a six-mile flat walk follows the Eskdale Railway, taking in Muncaster Fell and finishes at Eskdale Green. Just a few hundred yards along the road sits the 15th century and dog-friendly King George IV Inn. Where they serve up seasonally sourced produce and a selection of local ales that makes this spot a favourite stop off for walkers, before riding back on the steam railway.
The Queen’s Head and Hawkshead walk
If you’re staying at one of our Windermere cottages, the start of the Latterbarrow walk is just 25 minutes drive by car on the A591 and B5286. A circular stroll of around 4.5 miles offers exceptional viewing points at 800ft above sea level. Starting and finishing at Hawkshead and the highly popular Queen’s Head Inn – who have been welcoming weary travellers since the early 17th Century.
The Crown & Mitre and Bampton Grange walk, Penrith
Just an hour’s drive from our Windermere cottages is an easy 5 mile circular stroll starting and ending in the small village of Bampton Grange. If your afternoon’s agenda includes wildlife photography, an early morning or evening start will give you the chance to shoot badger, deer, otter and even red squirrel as you while away the time wandering riverside paths and farmers trails. Situated in the main street, the Crown & Mitre has for years been a gathering point for travellers far and wide.
The Bridge Hotel and Buttermere walk
A 30 minute drive from Keswick is the beautiful Buttermere village, where a circular 4.5 mile walk will take you through Hassness Tunnel and around the lake. Returning to Buttermere, the Bridge Inn, a part of the Bridge Hotel, welcomes walkers and their four legged friends for breakfast, snacks, a full evening meal. Or just to enjoy a little banter and some liquid refreshments.
The Mortal Man and Troutbeck walk, Windermere
With steep fells on either side, tackle the east of the Troutbeck Valley as you begin this 5.5 mile walk. Once you’ve reached the top, start your return following the tracks on the western side, to take you back to the picturesque village of Troutbeck. The popular 17th century Mortal Man Inn sits partway up the hill and if you’re visiting during spring or summer months, the panoramic views from the garden are exceptional.
The Kirkstile Inn and Loweswater walk
A 30 minute drive along the B5292 from our Keswick cottages is Loweswater where a 4 mile stroll starts at Maggie’s Bridge and spends much of its time following the line of the lake. A gentler and lesser known walk, it will bring you back to Loweswater in around three hours and offers a spectacular backdrop of the fells. The Kirkstile Inn has been providing walkers with local refreshments since the 15th century and is a must visit for a some proper pub grub.
If you’re thinking of joining us for a stay in one of our Cumbrian cottages, be sure to keep these pub walks in the Lake District in mind.
