1. Upper Dean to Yelden, Bedfordshire
Pub: The Three Compasses
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12km
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Park opposite the church, High St, Upper Dean
Footpath near Yelden in Bedfordshire
Just outside of the historic market town of Wellingborough, this walk to popular watering hole, The Three Compasses pub, is a delight. The route takes you to the remains of a motte and bailey castle; imposing at one time, but now a collection of grass mounds providing a scenic foreground to the village. If you're hankering for some native forest, you could extend the trip with a stroll around Melchbourne's Hillands Plantation.
2. Clytha, Monmouthshire, Wales
Pub: Clytha Arms
Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5km
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Clytha Riverside car park (grid ref: SO361085)
A gentle 2.8-mile (4.5km) walk along the River Usk, through woodland, meadows, past an ancient chapel, a pub, and then up a hill to an 18th Century folly. The route is through National Trust land and follows footpaths and permitted paths. It's wonderful at anytime of year but especially in spring when the bluebells out are. It's a lovely family-friendly walk and great for dogs, although they'll need to be on leads through fields and where there is livestock.
The walk also takes in the award-winning Clytha Arms and is worth stopping there for a earned rest, a pint or a meal. It's a family owned pub which welcomes children and dogs. There's a big beer garden and loads of seating outside and a family play area. They boast real ales and home cooked food. Check out their daily specials board where fresh fish is always on offer
Recommended by OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson. Follow Phillipa on Instagram.
3. Cwmdu, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Pub: The Farmers Arms
Distance: 9.5 miles / 15.7km
Time: 4 hours 30 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Village car park (grid ref SO180239) or pub car park if eating/visiting
Farmers Arms Pub in Cwmdu
This is a lovely mountain route with two ascents that get the heart racing, but the views make it all worthwhile. From Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse you can look east to the Black Mountains across to Hay Bluff, and west across Llangorse Lake to the Central Beacons and Pen y Fan and on a clear day right over to the Carmarthen Fans. You'll be starting out on a quiet country lane before heading onto the open hillside and up to a pass where a minor road crosses the hill. There you can follow the marked route on a steep climb up Mynydd Troed to its trig point and the views it enjoys, or if you are short on time or want to save energy, you can skip that loop and instead turn left up Cockitt Hill and onto Mynydd Llangorse. It makes the walk about half an hour shorter. this is one worth saving for a clear day as it really is all about the views.
The Farmers Arms Pub in Cwmdu is a community owned pub. In winter or on chilly days you'll find a cheerful fire in the grate and real ale on tap. They cook all their own food and their Sunday lunches are really popular (I love their roast beef and Yorkshire puddings!) so it's best to book.
Recommended by OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson. Follow Phillipa on Instagram.