The best pub walks in the Lake District

Lake District inns were built for walkers long before "pub walk" was a phrase. Slate-floored bars where nobody minds wet boots, a fire to dry the dog in front of, a pint of something brewed down the valley, and a view of the fell you've just walked round.

We've picked six of our favourite Lake District pub walks. They're mostly low-level routes around lakes and through valleys, with one climb for those who want it, so they work in most weather and most seasons. Each one has the distance, a realistic time, the inn, and the things worth knowing before you go.

Weather matters more here than anywhere else in England. Even low-level walks can be wet, windy and slippery. Check the Lake District weather forecast before you set off, and take waterproofs whatever it looks like out of the window.

The walks at a glance

Times are walking times at a steady pace. Add your stops on top.

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1. Elterwater, Skelwith Force & Loughrigg Tarn: the Britannia Inn

6.5 km (4 miles) · 150 m of climb · 2–2.5 hours · Circular

A perfect short Lakeland loop that starts and ends outside one of the best-loved walkers' pubs in Cumbria. Leave Elterwater along the Cumbria Way through Rob Rash Woods. Elter Water opens up with the Langdale Pikes behind it. Continue to the roaring little waterfall at Skelwith Force, with a viewing platform just off the path. At Skelwith Bridge, climb the steep lane known as Foul Step to Loughrigg Tarn, one of the most photogenic spots in the Lakes, then return over the shoulder past High Close to Elterwater.

The pub: The Britannia Inn sits on the village green beneath a big maple tree. It welcomes dogs, has a real fire and serves Langdale-brewed beer. Food is served at lunch and in the evening, with soup and sandwiches only in the mid-afternoon. Its November beer festival is a local institution.

Good to know: Parking around Elterwater green is very limited. Use the National Trust car park nearby. There's one crossing of the busy A593 at Skelwith Bridge, where Chesters café is a good mid-walk stop.

Plan a pub walk from Elterwater →

2. Grasmere, the Coffin Route & Rydal Water: the Badger Bar

9 km (5.6 miles) · 190 m of climb · about 2.5 hours · Circular · No stiles

Wordsworth country, and one of the gentlest classic walks in the Lakes. From Grasmere, pass Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived, and join the old Coffin Route. That was the path along which the dead of Rydal were carried to be buried at Grasmere church. It contours along the hillside past White Moss Tarn to Rydal, beside Wordsworth's later home, Rydal Mount. Cross the valley and return along the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere itself.

The pub: The Badger Bar at the Glen Rothay Hotel in Rydal is a Grade II-listed inn with Wordsworth connections. The oldest room has a fire where walkers and their dogs dry off, and the garden looks over Rydal Water. It serves only local beers, including its own Badger Ale. You can even watch the badgers on a night-time webcam. Food is served at lunch and early evening; dogs are welcome everywhere except the restaurant.

Good to know: There's a short section beside the busy A591 at Rydal, with pavements on both sides. Buses 555 and 599 stop near the Badger Bar, so this walk works without a car.

Plan a pub walk from Grasmere →

3. Buttermere lake circuit: the Buttermere Court Hotel

7.5 km (4.75 miles) · 150 m of climb · 2–3 hours · Circular

The walk round Buttermere is often called the most beautiful lake walk in the Lake District, and it's hard to argue. The path stays close to the water almost all the way round, with Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and the High Stile ridge towering above. It even passes through a short tunnel cut through the rock near Hassness. It's mostly flat and well made, so it's a good choice for families and for days when the cloud is down on the tops.

The pub: The Buttermere Court Hotel, formerly the Fish Inn, has a spacious bar where muddy boots and wet waterproofs are welcome, and dogs too. Food is served at lunch and in the evening.

Good to know: The National Trust car park at Long How fills fast in summer, so arrive early. Between April and June, a short section of the north-western shore path closes to protect nesting sandpipers; follow the signed diversion. The rock tunnel is low and uneven, so mind your head.

Plan a pub walk from Buttermere →

4. Rosthwaite, Stonethwaite & Langstrath: the Langstrath Country Inn

9 km (5.5 miles) · about 3.5 hours · Circular

Borrowdale is the deepest, greenest valley in the Lakes, and this walk takes you into its quietest corner. From Rosthwaite, cross the stone bridge and follow the beck through ancient woodland to the footbridge at Gallen Falls. Head up into the wild side valley of Langstrath, then return past Stonethwaite and back to Rosthwaite along field paths. A 20-minute detour leads to Blackmoss Pot, a deep pool in a rocky gorge that's famous with wild swimmers in summer.

The pub: The Langstrath Country Inn is at the edge of Stonethwaite, right on the route. Food is served at lunch and in the evening. It's closed on Mondays.

Good to know: The paths are mostly level but rough and stony in places, and boggy after heavy rain. Parking in Rosthwaite is limited. The 78 bus from Keswick runs up Borrowdale and is the easier option.

Plan a pub walk in Borrowdale →

5. Ullswater: Howtown to Glenridding by steamer

9.8 km (6.1 miles) · about 4 hours · One way, with a boat ride

This is a walk with a built-in adventure. Catch one of the Ullswater 'Steamers' across the lake to the little jetty at Howtown. Then walk back along the wild, roadless eastern shore of Ullswater to Glenridding, with views up to Patterdale and the Helvellyn range the whole way. There's no car to return to and no need to retrace your steps.

The pub: The Travellers Rest in Glenridding is a cosy, wood-panelled pub near the start of the paths up Helvellyn. It's a good place to celebrate, and handy for the boat or the bus home. Food is served at lunch and in the evening.

Good to know: Check the Ullswater 'Steamers' timetable before you set off. Sailings are less frequent in winter, and you need to time the walk if you're catching a boat back. The path is rocky and undulating in places, so it's not as flat as a lakeshore walk sounds.

Plan a pub walk from Glenridding →

6. Ambleside, Troutbeck & Wansfell Pike: the Mortal Man

9.3 km (5.8 miles) · steep in places · 4–5 hours · Circular

The one proper climb on this list, with a pub at the halfway point. Leave Ambleside through Skelghyll Woods to the viewpoint at Jenkins Crag. Follow quiet Robin Lane across to the old village of Troutbeck, with its 17th-century farmhouse at Townend, now cared for by the National Trust. After lunch, climb Nanny Lane to the summit of Wansfell Pike for a huge view down the length of Windermere, then drop steeply back to Ambleside.

The pub: The Mortal Man in Troutbeck has views over Windermere and the Troutbeck valley from its garden. It welcomes dogs, has a real fire, and serves food all day.

Good to know: The descent from Wansfell Pike is steep, rocky and slippery when wet. Save the second pint for Ambleside. You can add a detour to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall at the end.

Plan a pub walk from Ambleside →

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Tips for a Lake District pub walk

• Check the weather, then pack for worse. Lakeland weather changes fast, even in valleys. Take waterproofs and a warm layer on every walk.
• Park early or take the bus. Car parks at Buttermere, Elterwater and Rosthwaite fill quickly at weekends. The 555, 599, 78 and 505 buses cover many of these routes.
• Check the kitchen. Most inns serve food at lunchtime and in the evening, with a gap in the afternoon. Several close on Mondays.
• Give livestock space. Herdwick sheep roam freely on the fells, so keep dogs on leads.
• Respect the drying room. Many Lakeland inns welcome muddy walkers in the bar, but leave boots at the door of the dining room.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best pub walk in the Lake District? For a short classic, Elterwater, Skelwith Force and Loughrigg Tarn with the Britannia Inn. For scenery, the Buttermere lake circuit. For a proper climb, Ambleside to Troutbeck over Wansfell Pike, with the Mortal Man at halfway.

Are Lake District pubs dog friendly? Most walkers' inns are. On these routes, the Britannia Inn, Badger Bar (except the restaurant), Buttermere Court Hotel and Mortal Man all welcome dogs. Always check first, and keep dogs on leads around sheep.

Can I do a Lake District pub walk without a car? Yes. The Grasmere and Rydal walk and the Ambleside and Troutbeck walk are both on the 555 and 599 bus routes. Borrowdale is served by the 78 from Keswick, and the Ullswater walk uses the lake steamers. Check seasonal timetables before travelling.

What's the easiest Lake District pub walk? The Buttermere lake circuit is mostly flat on good paths. The Grasmere and Rydal Water walk has no stiles and only gentle climbs.

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Plan your own Lake District pub walk

Want something shorter, flatter, or starting from where you're staying? Tell Your next walk where you're starting, how long you've got and what you love. It'll plan routes with real pubs and the walking in between.

Plan a Lake District pub walk, your first 3 are free →

Walks are suggestions only. Always check the weather and conditions, follow the waymarks on the ground and use an up-to-date map. Pub details checked October 2026.