There’s nothing quite like stopping for a refreshing pint whilst on an English walking break, and with so many pubs per square mile it can often be hard to ascertain which are worth the long treks. Here’s our list of the five best bars to take a pit-stop.

The Tan Hill Inn

Officially known as the highest pub in the England, the hike up to Tan Hill Inn is definitely worth the trek. The pub is situated high in the Yorkshire Dales and once you walk through the doors you’ll feel that you’ve stepped right into the set of Emmerdale Farm. The pub’s regulars include Tam and Izzy, a pair of rams that are regularly seen propping up the bar. Tam the Ram is something of a local celebrity and he has even had the pleasure of meeting James May and Oz Clarke, when the bar appeared on television in 2009. There are always cats at Tan Hill as well as chickens, ducks, dogs and even horses. The pub is the perfect place to stop for a breather on an English walking break and probably the best place to buy a tray of duck eggs too.

The Old Spot Inn

Named after a breed of Gloucestershire pig, the Old Spot Inn was recently voted the best pub in England. Hiking tours fanatics will be pleased to note that the pub is situated on the scenic Cotswold Way and makes for a pleasant watering hole after a brisk walk around the local area. The 100-year old pub may be able to put its popularity down to the fact that drinkers always come first. They don’t serve food past 8pm, they don’t have a pool table and they definitely don’t have a theme. Instead the pub has a wide selection of real ales, a CAMRA accolade and a real community spirit. If you’re on an English walking break in the Cotswolds then be sure to stop by a visit.

The Cottage Inn

The Cottage Inn in Bristol was recently voted the winner of the nation’s favourite pub walk and with a trail that takes in the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a visit to the Cabot Tower and a National Trust trail it’s of no wonder that the waterside pub is popular with people on English walking breaks. The local ales stocked are extremely popular and include Bristol Beer Factory Sunrise and Bristol Beer Factory Exhibition.

The Crooked House Pub

Whilst on a walk in Dudley, you should make sure to visit the famous Crooked House. The pub is a huge optical illusion where bottles roll uphill and drinks slide up the tables. It is four foot lower on one side due to subsidence from the effects of coal mining in the 1500s. The pub is also reportedly haunted by a serving wench named Polly and the ghost of a young child. It is within walking distance of many Black County sites including the famous Baggeridge coal mines and scenic Himley House.

The Cat and the Fiddle

It may have just lost out to The Tan Hill Inn in claiming to be England’s highest altitude pub, but this Cheshire based boozer situated in the Peak District National Park is still worth the trek. The pub has an open-fire which is popular with walkers wishing to warm their cockles after an English walking break and is famous for its delicious home-made food, where everything including the hamburgers is made to order. Guests can even choose from an alehouse or restaurant menu and dogs and dirty boots are more than welcome.   

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.