North East and Yorkshire Perfect Pit-Stop Pubs
Autumn’s the perfect time for a ramble through golden leaf-strewn woods and along wide empty beaches, before stopping by your favourite pub for a well-earned pit-stop, and maybe even a pint too
THE PERCY ARMS
For those looking to truly embrace the remote and hilly qualities of North Northumberland, head to Cheviot for a challenging circular walk which reaches a heady 815 metres and offers spectacular views from the peak. When you’re done, head back to Chatton where The Percy Arms is the perfect place to enjoy homemade Northumbrian favourites such as the wild mushroom and sweet potato wellington, or the pan fried salmon fillet, and don’t forget to leave room for a dessert because the Eton mess with fresh berries and Chantilly cream, raspberry coulis and shortbread is the ultimate post-walk treat. Delicious hot bar snacks are also available for those wanting a quick refuel – we recommend trying the pork and smoked cheddar sausage rolls, or the crispy black pudding bon bons with apple sauce.
Main Road, Chatton NE66 5PS
01668 215244
percyarmschatton.co.uk
THE BLUE LION
Whether you want to fill up before you set off on a lovely country walk, or are just looking for somewhere to relax after you’ve stretched your legs, The Blue Lion in East Witton is the place to go. This popular gastro pub has everything from beer-battered cod and chips to poached filet of smoked haddock, and potato and thyme rosti. If you can tear yourself away from the cosy bar, head off along the footpath beside the river Ure to explore the heritage site of Jervaulx Abbey and further on, Kilgram Granger, where you can cross the river and follow the markers for Woodhouse and then into Thornton Steward village. Follow the track back towards The Catholic Church of Saint Simon and Saint Jude before crossing over the River Ure back to The Blue Lion.
Main Road, East Witton DL8 4SN
01969 624 273
thebluelion.co.uk
THE ROSE AND CROWN
The Rose and Crown use the best local produce to create delicious seasonal dishes, which are served in the friendly, traditional bar and dining room. If you’re dining at lunch time expect hot and cold sandwiches, fish, meat and vegetable platters, as well as larger dishes such as beer battered seabass and braised beef Bourguignon pie. In the evening, look out pan fried loin of Teesdale lamb and outdoor-reared hog roast sausages and mash. Make the most of your day (and work off your lunch) by joining one of the many walks from the inns doorstep. Upper Teesdale is the perfect place for walkers – just make your way down to the river Tees to join the footpath along to Cotherstone village, along the old railway line at Romaldkirk and back through Middletonin- Teesdale for a circular route.
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle DL12 9EB
01833 650213
rose-and-crown.co.uk
HIGH FORCE HOTEL
A circular favourite for many walkers is the six-and-a-half mile High Force route. Follow the river bank through the ancient meadow and woodland areas, making your way to the breathtaking High Force waterfall. The perfect Sunday stroll, finish your adventure with a delicious roast at the dog-friendly High Force Hotel, served in its wood-panelled dining room, or the cosy bar. Their traditional Sunday roast includes the finest cuts of local meat served alongside huge homemade Yorkshire puddings and crisp roast potatoes. Vegetarians can try the vegetarian roast with lashings of vegetable gravy and if you still have room for something sweet, we recommend the sticky toffee and date pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Alston Road, Forest-in-Teesdale DL12 0XH
01833 622336
raby.co.uk
THE CARPENTERS ARMS
Those looking for a short yet challenging route can start at Sutton Bank National Park Centre and head along the Cleveland Way, where you don’t have to go far for some incredible views. Descend into woodland before coming across Gormire Lake, which makes the perfect resting spot before getting back on your feet to tackle the final stretch of this two-and-a-halfmile walk back to the car. You could easily extend this walk by walking south of Sutton Bank to take in the views of the White Horse on the hillside. Post-walk, The Carpenters Arms is where to rest your legs and refuel with some delicious local, freshly-prepared food. Try the sticky belly pork with beetroot fondant, roast fillet of salmon with masala potatoes, or one of their delicious burgers. The Carpenters Arms also do a range of salads and sandwiches, including a fish butty with Black Sheep-beer battered haddock and tartare sauce in a bloomer.
Felixkirk, Thirsk, YO7 2DP
01845 537369
thecarpentersarmsfelixkirk.com
THE HOLLY BUSH INN
A welcoming log fire and a cosy bar and dining area is exactly what’s needed after a long walk. If you’re exploring the depths of North Northumberland head through the woods to Hareshaw Linn, the stunning waterfall, keeping your eyes peeled for rare plant life and wildlife along the way. If you’re taking the moderate three-mile route from Bellingham to Hareshaw Linn, The Holly Bush Inn is the must-visit pub to put your feet up after your excursion. An old drovers inn which dates back more than 300 years, The Holly Bush Inn’s welcoming atmosphere and cosy log fire is perfect for a pit stop. Need to refuel? Look out for pub classics such as steak and ale pie and the trio of sausages, or try the goats’ cheese and caramelised red onion tart.
The Holly Bush Inn, Greenhaugh NE48 1PW
01434 240 391
hollybushinn.net
SHIBDEN MILL INN
This award-winning country inn is nestled in the fold of the beautiful Shibden Valley and is the perfect place to cosy-up by a roaring open fire with a drink and some hearty pub grub. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, Shibden Mill Inn’s menu includes sandwiches and small plates, as well as speciality dishes such as duck breast, miso-glazed cod and squash gnocchi. Finish off with a delicious dessert – we recommend the blackberry Eton mess with yoghurt mousse, fig leaf ice cream and almonds. There’s lots of countryside to explore around the pub, and three of the popular local walks which start here cover anything from two to seven and a half miles. Leaving the Shibden Mill Inn, turn left at the bottom of Whiskers Lane and then follow Simm Carr Lane onto Calderdale Way to begin the moderate two mile walk. With some manageable climbs and a short tunnel shortcut which takes you to the bottom of the valley, this fairly easy walk is the perfect autumnal stroll before heading back to the Shibden Mill Inn to refuel.
Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax HX3 7UL
01422 365 840
shibdenmillinn.com
TWICE BREWED INN
One of our region’s most famous walks is along Hadrian’s Wall. Once Brewed is just south of the eponymous Wall and is often where people start their seven mile adventure, along the path that leads out of the village up the steep, western side of Steel Rigg, dropping down to Milecastle 39 before climbing again to the much-photographed Sycamore Gap. Before you head off, fuel up at Twice Brewed Inn where you’ll find award-winning ales such as their Coria Amber Larger. The Sunday roasts come with homemade Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, creamy mash and roasted potatoes too – choose from pork, beef, chicken, or a vegetable loaf.
Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7AN
01434 344 534
twicebrewedinn.co.uk
THE PICKLED PHEASANT
There are lots of different walks around Digley with plenty of picturesque scenery. To explore Digley Reservoir start at the car park and head east along the woods where you will descend some stairs to pass through a steel gate down to the dam. With stunning views of the water, and taking just over an hour to complete, this circular waterside walk is the perfect trail to try this autumn before heading back towards Holmbridge and The Pickled Pheasant. Cosy up by the fire with a cold pint or enjoy the traditional pub favourites on the menu here. If you’re visiting during the week we recommend trying the Moroccan spiced lamb shoulder, or the wild mushroom stroganoff, whilst those visiting on a Sunday can indulge in The Pickled Pheasant’s legendary Sunday roasts.
The Pickled Pheasant, Woodhead Road, Holmbridge HD9 2NQ
01484 687652
thepickledpheasant.com
THE SHIP INN
This popular village pub has a distinctly modern, gastropub feel. Whether you head here pre- or post-walk, we recommend tucking in to the Picnic Board for two, a delicious sharing platter of charcuterie, terrine, Scotch egg and sourdough. You’ll also find all the pub classics on the menu, and some irresistible desserts; sticky toffee pudding, caramelised banana and banoffee ice cream anyone? The Ship Inn is dog friendly, so your fourlegged friend(s) can enjoy walking the banks of the Tyne along the old railway line which stretches from the village, running past George Stephenson’s cottage towards Newburn in a six-mile circular walk.
Main Road, Wylam NE41 8AQ
01661 854538
theshipinnwylam.co.uk
AYSGARTH FALLS HOTEL
One of Yorkshire’s most famous natural landmarks, Aysgarth Falls is the perfect place for an autumn walk. There’s plenty to see along the woodland and pasture tracks before you reach the triple-flight Aysgarth waterfalls. Once you’ve made your way around the route (which is just under two and half miles) head to the Aysgarth Falls Hotel for a well deserved rest. Settle into the traditional bar area which has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect place for a refreshing pint. If you’re feeling peckish after your walk, there are plenty of options here, from pork fillet with black pudding croquettes or the Indian spiced lamb, to hot roast beef and gravy sandwiches.
Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3SR
01969 663775
aysgarthfallshotel.com
THE JOLLY FISHERMAN
If you’re heading to the coast, why not try the Low Newton to Craster trail? Just under eight miles, this stunning walk takes you south along the long sweep of Embleton Bay, past the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, before coming into the popular fishing village of Craster. Here you can settle into the The Jolly Fisherman with its stone-flagged floors, open fire, and low beamed ceilings – the perfect place for a post-walk lunch. The crab soup is always popular, as is the Craster-landed lobster. Meat-eaters can opt for the steak, ale and mushroom raised pie, or pheasant Kiev with leek, broccoli and Parmentier potatoes.
Haven Hill, Craster NE66 3TR
01665 576461
thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk
THE RED KITE
Explore the great outdoors at Derwent Walk Country Park, where woodlands, meadows, and wetlands are all linked by a series of way-marked walks. If you’re starting at Swalwell and heading to Rowlands Gill, stop at the The Red Kite for a great pub lunch. Just a stone’s throw from the path, The Red Kite has recently undergone a transformation and now offers tasty country pubstyle food in a relaxing atmosphere. We recommend the award-winning homemade steak, Guinness and leek pie which comes served with buttered baby potatoes and seasonal greens, or if you’re after something a little lighter the fish finger sandwich is a great choice. Got the dogs with you? The Red Kite welcomes your four-legged friends in their bar and outdoor areas.
Spa Well Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 6RU
0191 414 0673
theredkitewinlaton.com
THE BURGOYNE
Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, The Burgoyne is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal after a day of exploring Swaledale and the surrounding area. Using locally sourced, fresh ingredients to create their menu at the 1783 Bar and Restaurant, look out for lamb rump with celeriac rosti, peas and wild mushrooms, as well as curried monkfish, beef fillet, pan fried halibut and braised hispi cabbage. If you’re wanting a lighter bite there is plenty of choice at this Yorkshire bar and restaurant – croque monsieur and chicken caesar salad to name a few, or book in for afternoon tea for a real post-walk treat. There are a number of walks around the Swaledale area, however we recommend exploring East Gill Force near the village of Keld where you will discover three stunning waterfalls. Start your walk from The Burgoyne and leave the village of Reeth via the narrow ginnel before reaching the footpath known as the Quaker Flags. Continue across the valley bottom meadows through a series of stiles and gates until you reach the village of Healaugh, before continuing this circular walk along the wallside and down to the River Swale. This three-mile walk takes you down to the riverbank and near the Swing Bridge before you return to the village and The Burgoyne.
On The Green, Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale DL11 6SN
01748 884292
theburgoyne.co.uk
LORD CREWE ARMS
The charming village of Blanchland is the starting point for the popular circular walk which takes you along the River Derwent and onto the open moorland which leads to the ancient Carrier’s Way. The Lord Crewe Arms is the perfect place to take a rest after your walk, cosy up by the fireside in The Hilyard and enjoy seasonal simplicity. Expect aged steak burgers and battered North Sea fish and chips during the day, and lamb rump or grilled plaice with brown butter shrimp in the evening. Just looking for a refreshing pint at the end of your walk? Head to The Crypt, the hotel’s medieval vaulted pub serving up real ale.
The Square, Blanchland DH8 9SP
01434 677100
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
THE STATION INN
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge covers a total of 1,585 metres of ascent and is 24 miles long. Starting in Horton in Ribblesdale, head up the Pennine Way and over the first peak, Pen-y-ghent, before joining the Whitber Hill, passing High Birkwith, and along the Ribble Way. Once you reach the Ribblehead Viaduct there is a pub perfectly situated in the middle of this challenging walk so you can take a pit-stop before setting off again to climb the other two peaks. Using local ingredients where possible to create their delicious meals, The Station Inn have a range of meals including their handrolled pastry steak and ale pie, and their braised lamb shank with garlic and rosemary potatoes. If you’re after a dessert to keep you going for the next two peaks we recommend either the sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, or the pear and amaretto crumble and custard.
Ribblehead, Low Sleights Road, Carnforth LA6 3AS
01524 241274
thestationinnribblehead.com
MAGPIE CAFÉ
Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline is an endless source of adventure. Take in some incredible cliff top views as you head along the Cleveland Way towards Whitby, where you’ll find the spectacular ruins of Whitby Abbey, before you descend the famous 199 steps. Stroll through the historic streets of this busy town where the final stretch of this seven-mile linear walk takes you across the River Esk and into Whitby Harbour – to the famous Magpie Café. From their award-winning fish and chips to seafood options including lobster, lemon sole and halibut, there is something for everyone.
14 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU
01947 602058
magpiecafe.co.uk
