Yahoo News Sensational 9km Devon pub walk is unmissable this winter
Walking in Devon during autumn and winter can be a truly amazing experience thanks to the region's pastoral natural beauty. Exploring the region's beautiful pathways can be a great way to stay active during the colder months, especially if you’ve got a furry friend to keep you company.
And a warm, welcoming pub nearby is a great incentive to get outside as the temperatures start to drop. Research conducted by outdoor robe and apparel brand D-Robe has revealed the eight best pub walks in Devon where weary walkers can enjoy good food, warm drinks and a roaring fire at the end.
They’re also dog-friendly, so you’ll be able to take your furry friends along for the journey. Dartmoor Inn, located deep in the hills of the Dartmoor National Park, takes the top spot in the rankings with a score of 87.1/100. This picturesque pub is a must-visit for anyone in the area, especially dog walkers and wild swimming enthusiasts.
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The walk is 9km long and takes an estimated 2h 31 mins to complete. This walk is perfect for walkers looking for something a little different. Users highlight that dogs can be off-lead on some sections, but they should be aware that cattle might be present in the area, in which case dogs should always be leashed.
In second place is The Tors with a score of 68.3/100. Nestled in the village of Belstone, this pub can be enjoyed by walkers exploring the Belstone, Knattaborough Tor, and Oke Tor Circular. At 9.5km long, this leg stretcher is considered a moderately challenging route. Fans of the app note that ponies and sheep often roam free over large portions of the route, and advise that dogs be kept leashed at all times.
In fact, the area and pub are so great, they appear in third place as well. The Belstone Tor Circular/The Tors pub walk scored 64.7/100 on the final score. Shorter and easier than the second-place path at 6.3km, this pub walk is definitely a good choice for walkers who want a more leisurely experience.
'Best' dog-friendly pub walking routes in Devon
Merrivale to Sampford Spiney Circular
Belstone, Knattaborough Tor, and Oke Tor Circular
Belstone Tor Circular
River Erme, Middlecombe Beach and Kingston Circular
Buckland Monachorum and River Walkham Circular
Chagford and Mill End via the River Teign
Snapes Point
North Bovey and Langstone Circular
Using the outdoor recreation app AllTrails, the D-Robe team analysed all ‘circular’ and ‘there and back walks’ where a pub could also be found on the route. The walks were then scored based on their overall ratings, total distance, and whether they are dog-friendly. Additional points were awarded if users highlighted if dogs could be let off lead.
The team then analysed the pubs found on each respective route. Using Trip Advisor data, they scored the pubs based on their rating score, the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews. Using reviews and further research, the team also identified if the locations are dog-friendly and have a usable fire.
Speaking on the results, Matt Salkeld, spokesperson for outdoor robe experts D-Robe said: "As the weather starts to turn colder, many of us find it difficult to stay active. But autumn is a great time to get out and explore, especially in a beautiful region like Devon.
“We wanted to pull this list together to help walkers of all abilities find some really amazing routes to explore. And a wonderfully warm pub after a long walk is a great incentive! The added bonus of knowing the locations are dog-friendly ensures that our furry friends won’t be left out in the cold, so they can enjoy the experience too.
“A breathable base, a cosy mid-layer, comfortable and flexible pants and accessories like gloves, a scarf and a hat or beanie are a must - as well as appropriate walking shoes and socks. For an outer layer, a weather-resistant coat like a windbreaker or an outdoor robe will help keep you comfortable and warm all the way to the pub.”
