Best winter walks in the UK that end at pubs include scenic route with cliffs

As the chill of 2025 sets in, Brits are being tempted to huddle indoors, but Millets, the outdoor clothing and equipment specialists, have a better idea.

They’ve curated a list of perfect for winter, focusing on routes that are not only family-friendly and accessible for wheelchairs and prams but also end with a rewarding visit.

Natalie Byrne, an author and outdoor aficionado at Millets, advises: “As we are firmly in the winter season, many will be wanting to stay warm and cosy indoors. However, a walk is a great way to get all the family together and moving! To allow the whole family to get involved, it is a great idea to choose a route that is accessible to both wheelchairs and prams.”

She further suggests checking the difficulty and estimated time of the , especially if you’re accompanied by young children or slower walkers, and recommends allowing extra time for breaks.

Moreover, Byrne emphasises the importance of proper gear, saying: “Packing the correct equipment can make all the difference between a good walk and a difficult walk. I recommend a sturdy pair of walking boots that will support your ankles and be comfortable on longer walks. It is also a good idea to pack some waterproof clothing for the family.”

“This is very important as the temperatures are much colder and the weather can change quickly. Make sure to bring layers and warm accessories, as no one wants to sit post-walk in the pub in wet clothes or feeling cold! “

The Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular walk, located near Eastbourne, has been crowned the top family-friendly stroll for this New Year. This 12.7km journey takes walkers past a series of chalk cliffs, alternating between cliffside views and forest trails.

Along the way, there’s a National Trust café for a pit stop, and for those fancying a pub lunch, The Tiger Inn in East Dean, The Selsey Arms in West Dean or The Cuckmere Inn in Exceat are all options. The walk takes approximately three hours and 32 minutes to complete, reports .

Another Eastbourne route, Seaford to Eastbourne, clinches second place. Although it’s considered somewhat challenging, good weather rewards walkers with views of brilliant white cliffs, lush green grass and stunning sights of the English Channel.

The trail starts in the centre of Seaford, where there are many pubs, including Old Plough and The Wellington Pub and Bed and Breakfast, and ends in Eastbourne close to The London and County – JD Wetherspoon.

The walk, which spans approximately 21.7km, takes around five-and-a-half hours to complete. The third place goes to Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge in the Peak District National Park.

This circular trail near Hope, Derbyshire, offers panoramic views from the top of the Peaks and includes stops at Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Mam Tor Hill Fort, Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill. Nearby, The Castle and Ye Olde Nags Head in Castleton provide the perfect spots for a post-walk snack or New Year’s drink.

The round walk is about 10.5km long and takes roughly three hours and 50 minutes. Next up is the Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular in the New Forest National Park.

Despite being slightly more challenging, it’s a popular route for camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Starting in the village of Brockenhurst, the trail takes you through rural countryside, forests, and even redwoods and firs planted in the late 1850s to create Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for the nearby Rhinefield Arboretum.

The Snake Catcher, a dog-friendly pub in Brockenhurst, offers a wide range of beers, ciders, and ales. The walk, covering about 15.4km, takes around three hours and 36 minutes.

The Buttermere Circular in the Lake District National Park, a favourite among bird enthusiasts, hikers and runners, is on the shorter side. As you traverse its paths, you’re likely to cross paths with other explorers and dogs on leads are welcome.

On a clear day, the landscape offers breathtaking views of the sweeping mountains. The area gained fame in the early 1800s due to the landlord’s attractive daughter, known as the Maid of Buttermere, who was mentioned by numerous Lakeland poets including William Wordsworth in his poem Prelude.

The walk, which is one of the shorter ones on this list, takes approximately one hour and 47 minutes and spans about 7.4km. Other walks with pubs along the route include: a four-hour, 12.2km walk; a three-hour, 11.3km walk; a two-hour and 39-minute, 8km walk; a just under three-hour, 10.6km walk; and a four-hour and 14-minute, 14.6km walk.