Because Every Summit Deserves a Pint
There’s something magical about ending a hike with a cold drink and a hot meal — ideally next to a roaring fire or sunny beer garden. Whether you’re sweating off a steep scramble or cruising in from a circular walk, these routes tick two vital boxes: a cracking peak and a brilliant pub waiting at the bottom.
This is peak bagging with benefits — views, vibes, and victorious beverages.
1. Helvellyn via Birkhouse Moor (Lake District)
Finish at: The Travellers Rest, Glenridding
- Why It’s Great: Iconic ridge walk, loads of route options, and a cosy pub 5 minutes from the trailhead
- Top Tip: Their sticky toffee pudding hits different after Striding Edge
- Bonus: Dog-friendly and great beer selection
2. Mam Tor & The Great Ridge (Peak District)
Finish at: The Castle Hotel, Castleton
- Why It’s Great: Big views, easy access, and an open fire pub that’s made for muddy boots
- Top Tip: Loop via Cave Dale to finish right at the pub door
- Try: A pint of local Thornbridge or a homemade pie
3. Pen y Fan via Cwm Gwdi (Brecon Beacons)
Finish at: The Brecon Tap, Brecon town
- Why It’s Great: Short drive from the quieter north-side car park and worth it for the selection of local ales
- Top Tip: Avoid the Pont ar Daf crowds and enjoy the summit with fewer selfies
- Try: Pizza and pale ale combo — elite refuel
4. Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan (Scotland)
Finish at: The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
- Why It’s Great: One of Scotland’s most scenic pubs, right on the edge of Loch Lomond
- Top Tip: Do the loop clockwise so you finish by the loch
- Bonus: Stay overnight — they’ve got rooms and a whisky list
5. Ingleborough from Clapham (Yorkshire Dales)
Finish at: The New Inn, Clapham
- Why It’s Great: Gorgeous village pub with a proper walkers’ menu
- Top Tip: Ask about the caves under the route — they’re wild
- Try: Locally brewed ale + massive chips = happiness
6. The Cheviot via Scald Hill (Northumberland)
Finish at: The Tankerville Arms, Wooler
- Why It’s Great: Quiet pub for a quiet peak — perfect combo
- Top Tip: Call ahead if you’re walking midweek — they sometimes close early
- Bonus: Fireside seats and hearty portions
7. Blencathra via Blease Fell (Lake District)
Finish at: The White Horse Inn, Scales
- Why It’s Great: You can almost see the pub from the summit. Massive beer garden with mountain views
- Top Tip: Avoid Sharp Edge and enjoy the safer (and more scenic) descent
- Try: Cumbrian sausage and mash, obviously
8. Lochnagar via Loch Muick (Scotland)
Finish at: The Keiller Brasserie, Ballater
- Why It’s Great: Classy post-Munro option with hiker-friendly meals
- Top Tip: Hit the royal route (it’s a favourite of King Charles)
- Bonus: Good veggie options and a cracking local lager
9. Catbells Circular (Lake District)
Finish at: The Swinside Inn
- Why It’s Great: One of the best low-level loops with one of the best pubs in the Lakes
- Top Tip: Go clockwise from Hawes End to finish straight into the beer garden
- Try: Local Herdwick lamb burger and a pint of pale ale
10. Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough (Peak District fringe)
Finish at: The Crag Inn
- Why It’s Great: Quiet, quirky, and properly welcoming
- Top Tip: It’s a bit off the grid — check opening times before banking on it
- Bonus: Fireside pints + views over the “Matterhorn of Cheshire”
What to Bring (Besides Thirst)
- A change of socks — wet feet + pub carpet = criminal
- A power bank for that summit > pint photo
- Some cash — a few country pubs don’t do card
- Peaky Baggers app to log your peak while your pint’s still cold
Final Thoughts
Hiking doesn’t have to end in a crumpled sandwich in your boot bag. These routes finish in proper pubs where you can celebrate your summit the old-fashioned way — with chips, a pint, and a proud glow of “I earned this.”
Share Your Summit-to-Pint Moments
Use the Peaky Baggers app to track your walk, log your peak, and tag your #PintAtTheEnd moment with #PeakyBaggers. We’ll raise a glass with you — virtually.
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
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