Gazing out at a crisp, grey morning from under a thick layer of duvet, the idea of swapping slippers for wellies is less than appealing. But once the walking boots are on, the fleece zipped, a winding path squelching underfoot, we always feel better for it. Time and time again, we find there’s no more effective (or quintessentially British) way to beat the winter blues than a bracing ramble through misty woodland and silvery heath – especially when there’s the promise of a well-earned pint and a crackling fire at the end of it.
There are plenty of pub walks that top the charts for beauty and good nosh across the country. We’ve rounded up eight of our favourites for capturing the best of the British countryside in all its wintry glory. What’s more, they lead straight to some of the loveliest country pubs and picture-postcard villages.
The escarpment of Firle beacon on the south downs in East SussexGetty Images
South Downs
Name of walk: Charleston Farm & Firle Beacon Walk
Location: Firle, East Sussex
Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
Pub: The Ram Inn
Duration: Approx 3 hours 30 minutes
The South Downs are magic year-round, but winter can be exceptional. With its frosted, chalky hills licked golden by sunlight, it’s no wonder painters and poets have flocked here for centuries. This circular walk sets off from the little village of Firle and takes you past Charleston Farmhouse for an immersive look at the area’s vibrant, longstanding art scene. From here, the path slopes up to Firle Beacon, bringing you up along the spine of the Downs with fantastic views over Sussex. Then, back to Firle where The Ram Inn awaits with cosy nooks, crackling fires and local cask ales.
New Forest Pony in the Heather moorland at Fritham, New ForestGetty Images
The New Forest
Name of walk: Fritham Circular Walk
Location: Fritham, Hampshire
Distance: 4.5 miles / 9.0 km
Pub: The Royal Oak
Duration: Approx 2 hours
The New Forest National Park, a vast expanse of ancient woodland once claimed by kings, is no less regal now. In amongst the mighty redwoods and lavender-glazed heath, you can almost hear the distant ghostly gallop of a mediaeval hunt long since passed. You may also hear the actual gallop of New Forest ponies, which graze freely year-round. This circular walk follows a varied trail through dense forest, across Latchmeer Brook, and up onto Fritham Plain. At the end of the loop, lug your mud-splattered boots to The Royal Oak for a Ploughmans and a home-brewed cider.
