6 Picturesque Pub Walks in the Lake District

Famed for its outdoor adventure and accompanying natural beauty, the Lake District is home to an abundance of pub walks, offering something for everyone from the avid ambler to those simply curious about countryside wonders.

If you’re seeking a stroll that lets you explore the natural beauty of the English countryside, our selection of pub walks in the Lake District allow you to soak in your scenery, before unwinding in one of Cumbria‘s many delightful public houses with a good ale in hand.

Read on to discover 6 picturesque pub walks in the Lake District…

1. Buttermere Circular Walk

Distance: Approximately 4. 5 miles
Pub: The Bridge Hotel
Dog-friendly: Yes (both walk and pub)

If you are looking for a simple pub walk in the Lake District, the steady ramble around the beauty of this National Trust area is the perfect way to appreciate your surroundings. Begin your adventure at the hotel itself, on the village side of the lake, and embark on a journey along the flat terrains of these truly remarkable lands.

For those thrill-seekers, be sure to take a trip up one of the two summits of either Haystacks or Red Pike, providing scenery like no other by combining backdrops of both lakes and mountains. You can even get your own fishing permits, and boats are available; perfect for a family holiday in the Lake District.

This circular walk will take you around 2-3 hours, depending on how long you stop to explore your surroundings. Return back to your starting point and reward yourself with a delicious ale.

The hotel even benefits from allowing your canine companions in the Walkers Bar and on the patio too, so the whole pack can come along on your dog-friendly retreat.

End your adventure by heading out to explore the nearby market towns of Cockermouth and Keswick.

2. Grasmere to Easedale Tarn Walk

Distance: Approximately 5 miles
Pub: Tweedies Bar
Dog-friendly: Yes (both walk and pub)

Sitting at the heart of the Lake District, Grasmere offers a plethora of luscious lands to explore on a countryside escape. Begin this Lake District pub walk in the village and head through the grassy meadows to be met by the uniquely named Sour Milk Gill. Breathe in the fresh air of your natural surroundings before setting off to find Easdale Tarn.

Sat within a glacial corrie, this wonder makes a great spot for appreciating the beauty of Cumbria, as well as a wonderful photo opportunity so you can cherish your time with your loved ones forever.

One of the best pubs in Gramsmere, Lake District, Tweedies Bar offers a welcoming feel with everything you could need after an action-packed afternoon.

The bar of this Gramsmere pub is best suited to those in pursuit of a relaxed environment, where you can sit amongst other countryside wanderers with your canine companions by your side for a Sunday lunch on this truly traditional holiday.

3. Troutbeck Tongue Walk

Distance: Approximately 5 1/2 miles
Pub: The Mortal Man
Dog-friendly: Yes (both walk and pub)

Once home to Beatrix Potter, the village of Troutbeck is the ultimate idyll from which to discover the Lake District. This pub walk takes you on an amble across the eastern side of the valley.

Heading through remote country lands and past dramatic fells, before bringing you towards the wonder that is the ‘Troutbeck Tongue’.

Situated between Trout Beck and Hagg Beck, this scenic spot splits the valley in two, providing its visitors with an unforgettable experience in the form of unrivalled views and a steady climb for the avid adventurer.

Venture up the steep nose of the fell to view the village in all of its glory, before heading back down to return to The Mortal Man for an indulgent dining experience.

An ale house since 1689, this historic hideout boasts a quirky interior combined with a welcoming aura to bring you the ultimate country inn experience. Offering an informal atmosphere and classic pub dishes, there’s no better spot to end your ramble in Troutbeck.

If you’re seeking a holiday rich in history and excitement, or collection of characterful cottages and historic holiday lets are perfect for you.

4. The Eskdale Trail

Distance: Approximately 8 1/2 miles
Pub: King George IV Inn
Dog-friendly: Yes (both walk and pub)

This more challenging walk along the Eskdale Trail begins outside of the Dalegarth Visitor Centre on the fringes of the village of Boot, making its way towards the coastal hamlet of Ravenglass.

The village best known for its steam railway presents a pretty, natural harbour made up of the three rivers of Esk, Irt and Mite, perfect for a holiday to Cumbria’s coast.

This pub walk takes you past the wonder of the Muncaster Fell and Castle, just one of many fantastic things to do in Ravenglass. Spend some time roaming the grounds’ splendid gardens, or for a day out with a difference, visit the hawk and owl centre, where you can enjoy personal encounters with raptors or simply watch the stealthy creatures take to the skies.

Finish the day by unwinding in the King George IV Inn, reached via the woodland area that lines the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway, or take the train itself for an unforgettable experience.

The perfect route for cycling, this area also makes the ideal place for Tour De France enthusiasts, with the Hardknott Pass running nearby, it’s a great spot for a diverse holiday destination.

5. Patterdale to Silver Crag Walk

Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Pub: The White Lion
Dog-friendly: Yes (both walk and pub)

Starting at The White Lion pub where you can later return to for a casual drink embraced by its characterful settings, make your way past the Patterdale Hotel and turn right when you see the footpath signposted for Boredale and Howtown.

Leading you over the rickety bridge and past Side Farm, you will soon be encompassed by the stunning headland of Silver Point.

Overlooking the beauty of the Silver Bay and providing views over the modest sized Norfolk Island, it’s no wonder Cumbria has been named one of England’s top 10 most picturesque counties.

Absorb the elegance of Ullswater Lake, before continuing on your trip, turning right uphill and following the track back towards your starting point of the pub.

Ullswater Lake is the perfect place to visit whilst on a waterside break; whether you experience the waters up close via the world famous Ullswater Steamers, or you’re an avid angler, on the voyage for a fishing holiday, this pleasant part of the Lake District offers it all.

6. Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater Walk

Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Pub: The Britannia Inn
Dog-friendly: Yes (Walk and everywhere but dining room and residence lounge in pub)

A popular Lake District pub walk amongst keen walkers, the ramble from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater is pleasant and steady, following a linear route. Allowing you to achieve true tranquility, passing by idyllic waters and providing panoramic views, this walk is suited to all types of explorer.

After a coffee in the village’s local café to energise you ahead of your adventure, follow the River Brathay towards the Skelwith Force waterfall. Be sure to stop off and soak in the scenery before heading on through the woods to discover the phenomenal views of the Langdale Pikes.

Move on through meadows, taking note of the nature as you pass, and past the shores of Elterwater, soon bringing you into the striking village of Elterwater itself, where a worthwhile pint awaits you at the Britannia Inn.

Whether you’re seeking a country escape in Cumbria or a luxury cottage in the Lake District, our catalogue of hand-picked cottages is perfect for your fun-filled retreat, and be sure to check out our Lake District Travel Guide for inspiration on what to do on your adventure. If you’re looking to go elsewhere in the North West, why not take a look at these pub walks in Cheshire too?