Inspiration

Peaks and Pints: some of the best pub walks in the Peak District National Park

5 min read

With its sweeping moorlands, gritstone ridges and chocolate-box villages, the Peak District is a walker’s paradise. England’s first national park is home to a criss-crossing network of footpaths and bridleways, leading you past dry-stone walls, drystone pints and panoramic viewpoints. And at the end of a good long hike? A perfect country pub. Here are a few of our favourite pub walks in the Peak District, where your reward is a hearty meal and a fireside seat.

Tagged with:

Stanage Edge circuit to The George at Hathersage

Set off from the centre of Hathersage and wind through fields and woodland up to North Lees Hall, said to have inspired Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. From here, follow the path up to Stanage Edge, a breathtaking gritstone escarpment beloved by climbers and walkers alike. The views stretch across the Hope Valley, and on a clear day, even to the edges of Sheffield.

Descend back to Hathersage through bracken paths and quiet lanes, where The George beckons. This 500-year-old coaching inn blends rich history and modern flair, with wood-fired pizza, and a menu full of local flavours. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, with some serious literary heritage. Brontë is believed to have written parts of her novel while staying here.

Visit The George >

Dovedale to The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone

A short drive takes you to Dovedale, one of the most iconic walking spots in the Peaks. Cross the famous stepping stones, follow the winding River Dove between limestone cliffs, and scramble up Thorpe Cloud for expansive views. This is classic White Peak scenery, with lush valleys, meadows full of wildflowers, and a river threading through it all.

Back in Ellastone, the Duncombe Arms awaits with country charm and culinary flair. Sip a pint of Duncombe Ale in the garden or cosy up indoors with dishes that showcase the best of the region’s produce. Stay in Walnut House, a calm, elegant retreat after a day on the trail, tucked behind the pub with serene views of Dove Valley.

Visit The Duncombe Arms >

Great Hucklow circuit to The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow

Start in the pretty village of Foolow and head towards Bretton Clough, a hidden valley surrounded by high pastureland. The trail climbs gently to Abney Moor before dropping into Great Hucklow, a once thriving mining village with fascinating history and peaceful charm.

A short final stretch brings you to The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow, one of Britain’s oldest inns, now beautifully restored. Inside, heritage meets sustainability, with 12th-century beams, seasonal dishes sourced within five miles, and quiet, luxurious rooms. It’s a pub that feels both ancient and entirely of the moment.

Visit The Blind Bull >

Dalbury countryside stroll to The Cow at Dalbury Lees

Set in a sleepy hamlet, The Cow at Dalbury Lees makes the perfect base for a gentle walk through rolling farmland. Begin your loop from the village green and meander through a peaceful landscape of hedgerows, pastures and quiet lanes. The pace is slow, the views far reaching, and it’s likely you won’t see another soul.

Return to the copper-topped bar at The Cow and settle in for some of the best food in the region, especially if you love seafood. Their ‘Catch’ menu changes daily, depending on what’s landed in Cornwall the night before. Sleep it off in a stylish room, where modern comfort meets rural calm.

Visit The Cow at Dalbury Lees >

Pilsley & Chatsworth loop to The Pilsley Inn

From the doorstep of the Pilsley Inn, join footpaths that lead to Chatsworth House, winding past dry-stone walls and sweeping parkland. The loop passes through Edensor, an estate village, and hugs the River Derwent before turning uphill through fields to return to Pilsley.

The pub is popular with walkers, locals, and Chatsworth estate workers, and it’s easy to see why, with estate-sourced food, local ales like Chatsworth Gold, and a relaxed, friendly bar. Stay in the farmhouse bedrooms for a true country escape, and don’t miss the Chatsworth Farm Shop up the road for post hike provisions.

Visit The Pilsley Inn >

Padley Gorge & Longshaw loop to The Maynard, Grindleford

One of the most atmospheric walks in the Peaks, this route starts just across the road from The Maynard and dips straight into Padley Gorge, a mossy, tree-filled ravine. Follow babbling streams and cross rustic bridges to reach Longshaw Estate, then climb to Higger Tor for wide valley views.

Afterwards, sink into a seat on the Maynard’s sunny terrace or by the fire in the snug. With hand pulled ales, sweeping views, and a modern menu built around local produce, this is the kind of place that makes walkers feel truly welcome. Rooms are quirky and stylish, many with garden or valley views.

Visit The Maynard >

Browse all our places to stay in the Peak District >

Want more travel inspiration? Get our email updates direct to your inbox.

Beth Tingle

Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.

View more articles by this author