Bank holiday pub walks are one of the simplest ways to make the most of a long weekend, combining a good route with a proper lunch stop at the end. Whether you are heading for the coast, the lakes, the Welsh borders or the Peak District, the right kit makes a difference, from men’s walking boots to dependable jackets and coats. If you are planning a relaxed day in the countryside, it is also worth exploring the wider men’s country clothing collection for practical layers suited to changing weather.
1. The Bothy Bar, The Barn at Beal, Northumberland
With Holy Island just three miles down the road, you can follow St Cuthbert’s Way to the coast, cross the sands to the island and then return to The Barn at Beal for a well-earned pub lunch.
2. Three Shires Inn, Ambleside
A fine location for thirsty ramblers, the Three Shires has plenty of walks around it, but a particular favourite is the route down to Elterwater and back. For days in mixed conditions, a warm mid-layer from the men’s fleeces collection can be useful without adding too much bulk.
3. The Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch
Part of the Brecon Beacons, The Bridge Inn circuit climbs up Crib y Garth, also known as Cat’s Back Ridge, to the Black Hill before coming back down through the Olchon Valley.
4. Saracen’s Head, Symonds Yat
Located on the River Wye, you can arrive by foot or by boat. Although there are several routes in the area, the climb up to Symonds Yat itself is hard to beat for views back across the valley.
5. The Ship Inn, Wincle
Lying between Macclesfield and Leek in the Peak District, this walk follows the Gritstone Trail and the River Dane before joining the Dane Valley Way and heading back to Wincle and The Ship Inn.
What to wear for a bank holiday pub walk
The best bank holiday pub walks are usually the ones where you are dressed for changeable conditions rather than hoping the weather holds. A good pair of walking boots helps on wet ground, uneven tracks and muddy paths, especially if the route includes fields, woodland or a bit of elevation. A light waterproof or weather-ready jacket is also worth carrying, even on brighter days, as British bank holiday weather has a habit of shifting quickly.
Layers are just as important. A fleece or mid-layer works well because it is easy to take off once you warm up and easy to add back on if the wind picks up later in the day. The aim is not to overpack, but to wear pieces that can handle a short climb, a steady walk and a stop at the pub without feeling either too heavy or too light.
Whether you prefer a shorter riverside route or a longer day in the hills, bank holiday pub walks are a good excuse to get outside and finish with something worth sitting down for. A solid pair of boots, weather-ready outerwear and comfortable layers will take you a long way.
