Are you looking for a great walk in the Yorkshire Dales with a pub at the end of it – or a pitstop on the way? Explore your options with 8 of the best.
If it's true that, in the words of Frances Hodgson Burnett, "it is a Yorkshire habit to say what you think with blunt frankness", we're going to come out and say it – the Yorkshire Dales are the best place in England for a pub walk.
Ales, dales and trails – we've got them all. What better way to round off a walk through gorgeous countryside than by kicking back in one of the area's many equally gorgeous pubs?
Flagstone floors. Oak beams. Open fires. Nooks. Hand-pulled ales. Your classic Yorkshire Dales pub is cosy, traditional and relaxed – and they all welcome muddy boots. (Don't quote us on that.)
So without further ado, here are eight of the best pub walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
1. The Lister Arms, Malham
Malham Cove is a deserved classic in the pantheon of North Yorkshire sights. Its beautiful, curved limestone pavement affords jaw-dropping views of the three peaks. It was formed by melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, more than 12,000 years ago.
Nearby are two waterfalls – Janet's Foss and Gordale Scar. Secluded in an idyllic glade, Janet's Foss is a great spot for a chilly dip and Gordale Scar is a popular destination for climbers.
But it's not all outstanding natural beauty – you can also unwind with an outstanding pint at the Lister Arms. With its ivy-covered exterior, picturesque sash windows and flagstone floors, the Lister Arms is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and enjoy a hearty lunch.
2. The Golden Lion, Osmotherley
Osmotherley is a pretty village that can serve as a starting point for many walks. It's on the Cleveland Way, the Lyke Wake Walk and the Coast to Coast Walk. From here, you can go on a hike that takes in sprawling views, fields and woodland paths.
The village itself is full of historical interest, featuring a 12th-century church and an 18th-century Methodist chapel.
The Golden Lion is a classic English pub that's popular with both locals and walkers. Here, you can treat yourself to pub grub, real ales and wines by an open fire. It also provides accommodation for weary travellers.
3. The Charles Bathurst Inn, Langthwaite
This 18th-century inn is a pub for all seasons. On a cold day, you can warm yourself by the roaring fire – and when the weather's fine, soak up the lovely views from the beer garden.
The CB Inn, as it's known, can be a pitstop on a walk from Reeth – or the starting point for a walk along Fremington Edge, with its expansive views of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
The CB offers classy pub fare and a glorious Sunday lunch along with an array of beers on tap.
4. The Reeth Circular
This circular walk starts in the picturesque village of Reeth and follows the "Quaker Flags" route. Enjoy a combination of beautiful countryside and local history as it leads you to the 18th-century Quaker Foundation.
Continuing past the Quaker building, you set your compass for the valley meadows en route to Healaugh.
The way back takes you along the River Swale and into the village, where you can choose between The Buck, The Black Bull and The King's Arms – three North Yorkshire classics.
5. The George and Dragon, Aysgarth
Aysgarth is synonymous with its three waterfalls on the River Ure (cinema buffs might recognise them from
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves). The falls are a gentle stroll from the 17th-century George and Dragon Inn.
After heavy rainfall, the falls cascade – and in spring and summer, the area is filled with wild flowers. In autumn, you might see salmon leaping up the falls.
The falls have been a destination for artists too – from Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy to J.M.W. Turner on his tour of the north.
With its log fire and spectacular views of Pen Hill, it's a great spot to unwind with a local ale.
6. The Blue Lion, East Witton
In the heart of Wensleydale, the Blue Lion is a traditional but upmarket pit stop on a route that takes in the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, fields and woodlands. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a classy dinner in the restaurant or watch the world go by in the beer garden.
On the edge of the village, the Blue Lion was originally a shooting lodge that was then converted into a coaching inn. Walking through the cobbled stone archway or relaxing in front of the fireplace, you might feel like you're stepping back in time.
7. Holly Hill Inn, Richmond
With its cobbled market square, 11th-century castle and ruined abbey, Richmond is great for a stroll.
It's also home to the legend of the Little Drummer Boy – and an accompanying walking route.
The story goes that a tunnel was discovered leading away from Richmond Castle towards the ruined abbey of Easby.
Soldiers were tasked with exploring the tunnel – but it was too narrow for them. They sent down one of the drummer boys to beat his drum so that the soldiers above ground could follow his route.
When suddenly the drumming stopped – and the little drummer boy was never heard again…
The Little Drummer Boy route takes in the ruins of Easby Abbey, the church of St Agnes and the old railway line.
In the village, the Holly Hill Inn offers ales, wines, food and accommodation for the night.
8. Linton and Kilnsey Circular
This ten-mile circular walk starts at the Fontaine Inn in Linton and takes in Linton Falls, Grassington, the Dales Way, limestone crags, a Roman road, panoramic views and meadowland.
Along the way, you can pop into the Tennant's Arms, situated under the towering limestone cliff of Kilnsey Crag.
So there you have it – eight of the best pub walks in North Yorkshire. While you're there, why not pay us a visit at Stump Cross Caverns?
Book today for a tour of Stump Cross – or explore our range of indoor activities for kids in Yorkshire.
