The Star Inn, Harome, N Yorks

The Star Inn harome N Yorkshire beams circular table and vaulted ceiling

THE PUB: The harmonious honeypot of Helmsley has a Golden Triangle of gastropubs nearby – all with scenic strolls from the doorstep to such gems as Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys or Sutton Bank, vet James Herriot’s favourite view. Book into Michelin-starred The Star Inn Harome to enjoy a fireside nook, luxury accommodation and a memorable meal in the thatched, atmospheric gastropub with garden.

ruined arches if rievaulx abbey North Yorkshire — Rievaulx Abbey

THE WALK: where you can work up an appetite on circular walks to Nunnington or the Rievaulx Loop.

The Abbey Inn and The Black Swan Olstead, N Yorks

THE BLACK SWAN OLSTEAAD TOMMY BANKS INTERIOR OF DINING ROOM — The Black Swan Olstead

THE PUB: In 2023, renowned Michelin starred chef Tommy Banks and his team opened up The Abbey Inn, a relaxed country pub with accommodation overlooking Byland Abbey and within striking distance of sister restaurant with rooms The Black Swan Oldstead. For autumn, it means the best of both worlds as Sip and Slumber two-night packages can be enjoyed with dinners at each – what a treat!

THE WALK: Tommy’s grandfather Fred has even kindly compiled a selection of walks for guests – don’t miss the Kilburn White Horse (an iconic landmark, not a pub)!

The Angel at Hetton, N Yorks

THE PUB: Famed as the original Dales gastropub, but now elevated to a Michelin Star restaurant with rooms, you’re advised to plan ahead to dine or stay at The Angel at Hetton. Nestled in a hideaway hamlet near Skipton, the wild Yorkshire Dales National Park is on the very doorstep. Where you’re walking boots or wellies, but definitely bring a change of shoes. It’s the kinda luxe reward you need after a bracing stomp.

Malvern Tarn National Trust/ Peter Katic — National Trust Malvern tarn/ Peter Katic

THE WALK: Winterburn Reservoir is a challenging eight-mile hike if you really want to work up an appetite for that legendary Sunday lunch which is HUGE and just as big on flavours. But Muddy’s tip is to hop to nearby Malham Cove for its quintessential tour of the iconic limestone pavement (seen in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows), National Trust tarn, Janet’s Foss waterfall and a side option of dramatic Gordale Scar.

Fountaine Inn, Linton, N Yorks

THE PUB: Picture-perfect Linton in Craven with its village green, ducks and humped-back bridge is thankfully blessed with a characterful pub and an amiable, hard-working landlord. Muddy paws, boots, fingers (and hopefully stilettos) are all welcomed with a beaming smile and you’ll always find locals lined up at on regular stools by the bar when you stoop inside. Expect low ceilings, rafters, a blazing fire and traditional bullring game in the snug, spacious dining rooms serving hearty pub grub in the heart of this rural idyll.

THE WALK: Grassington (now the new Darrowby in TV series All Creatures Great and Small) is a 10 minute stroll while the vast Yorkshire Dales are on the doorstep. Long-distance The Dales Way passes nearby, but a popular family circuit is crossing the bridge at Linton Falls and turning right along the River Wharfe to Burnsall, where you can take a break at another institution, The Red Lion, with its riverside terrace and cosy interior. Finish the circular route over the fields, or return along the banks, perhaps braving the stepping stones for a shortcut.

The Beverley Arms, E Yorks

THE BEVERLEY ARMS HOTEL EAST RIDING OUTSIDE SEATING AREA

THE PUB: There are so many great pubs in Beverley that you could have a good walk crawling around them all. But The Beverley Arms Hotel is an ideal central starting and finishing point, being opposite local landmark St Mary’s Church, plus it’s the sort of place ladies like to lunch. It may be stylishly decorated, but this buzzy coaching inn has 18^th century roots and is a stalwart of the town.

St Mary's catholic church and War memorial under bright bluek sky as viewed from within public gardens on fine spring morning in Beverley, Yorkshire, UK. — Beverley Minster

THE WALK: Plenty of circular walks on the doorstep should take in the historic streets, medieval minster and the Westwood, a flat common to let dogs, kites and hearts fly. Then return to cosy up by the blazing fires, enjoy fine dining or a home-cooked pie in the conservatory, lap up the rays on the terrace with fire pit, order a glass of fizz in the Champagne bar or a real ale in the snug.

The Alma Inn, Sowerby Bridge, W Yorks

THE PUB: This welcoming inn is very dog-friendly and muddy paws are positively encouraged throughout the two cosy, firelit bars, restaurant, rooms and large, fairy-lit, fully-heated marquee. Tails will also be wagging for walkies across miles of trails, bridleways and tow paths.

Walking along the Calderdale Way towards Hebden Bridge from Todmorden

THE WALK: Currently celebrating its 50^th birthday, the 50-mile Calderdale Way passes the doorstep, challenging walkers on a five-day tour of the scenic hills, moors and valleys encircling Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden on old packhorse paths. But you can do as much or as little as you like with easy, flat walks by the riverbanks and colourful narrow-boat filled canals. Tip: wellies obligatory on this one.

Guy Fawkes Inn, York, N Yorks

THE PUB: Of course you’ll never thirst for a great pub in York, but the historic inn where Guy Fawkes was born seems particularly appropriate in autumnal times and easy to find, standing in the shadow of York Minster. As well as an atmospheric bar, tasty food, comfy rooms and an outdoor terrace, this friendly hostelry even throws in a free two-hour guided city tour for its overnight guests.

THE WALK: Even if you don’t choose to stay, you can still find your self-guided way around the city walls, an easy hour-long walk with some of the best views of the Ouse, ancient architecture and bustling city cobbles, as well as the supernatural Shambles and perhaps one or two after-dark ghosts mwaaahahaha.

The Rose & Crown, Flamborough, E Yorks

THE PUB: If a trip to the local puffin population has long been on your bucket list, then set your satnav for this dog and child-friendly historic, Grade II listed pub in Flamborough. It’s strong lean into the traditional is not going to win any design awards (basic pub vibes here), but it offers a warm welcome and good food while being close to the UK’s largest mainland seabird colony.

THE WALK: Work up an appetite for the hearty portions on a bracing seven-mile circular walk atop the chalk cliffs to the lighthouse. The comical puffins may have flown by autumn, but you’ll still not be short of seabirds soaring and wheeling around the impressive Flamborough Head and RSPB Bempton Cliffs as well as seals and shipwrecks out at sea. Dogs need to be kept on a lead here due to the dramatic drops and sensitive bird and wildlife, but there are cobweb-clearing trails aplenty, including more family-friendly beaches or challenging, long-distance trails like the Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds Way.

The Spencer Arms, Cawthorne, S Yorks

Built in 1720 by the Spencer-Stanhope family from Cannon Hall, this popular dog and family-friendly hostelry is now one of South Yorkshire’s best gastropubs. Not just revered for excellent food, fine wines and rare spirits, the 70-acre grounds of Cannon Hall are free to roam with children and dogs in tow as it’s now run by the local council. Distractions include a boating lake, children’s play area, cafés, gift shop and museum.

THE WALK: For more determined hikers, strike out on a five-mile circular path with great views from High Hoyland or even head to the nearby Trans Pennine Trail where the start of the long-distance route is marked by a life-sized horse sculpture.

The Game Cock Pub, Austwick, N Yorks

THE PUB: Part traditional pub with a cosy bar, al fresco terrace, beer garden and occasional live music, part patisserie with fresh bread and cakes, you can stock up here with a picnic before setting off to the nearby village of Feizor. If you don’t want to lug around a rucksack, do not resist the temptation to stop off at Elaine’s Tearoom when you reach your destination.

The Game Cock Pub, Austwick, N Yorks nearby walk

THE WALK: This walk through Oxenbar and Wharf Woods is only around four miles in total, but you need to climb at parts. Be bolstered by the fact that it means you enjoy panoramic views over the Dales as they should be – with criss-crossing drystone walls, limestone pavements, plenty of cows and sheep and iconic Three Peaks in the distance. Return in a loop and call in at The Traddock for a beautiful beer garden, dog-friendly bar with great gins and fine dining.

The Cow & Calf, Ilkley, W Yorks

THE PUB: This dog and child-friendly inn is in the ideal spot to explore two iconic Yorkshire landmarks – the Cow and Calf Rocks and Ilkley Moor, made famous by the unofficial anthem On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at’ (translating as ‘On Ilkley Moor without a hat’). Breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside, River Wharfe and idyllic Ikley below can be enjoyed from inside and out along with a convivial atmosphere and homely dishes with children’s menu.

Ilkley Moor Cow and Calf Rocks Yorkshire

THE WALK: A circular walk from the carpark is easy and only takes around an hour, but even so, expect elevated views and Bronze Age carvings. Also on the doorstep are Heritage Walks, the Three Bridges Trail circumnavigation of the town, while more serious hikers can set off to Lake Windermere on 80-mile-long The Dales Way.

Shibden Mill Inn, nr Halifax, W Yorks

Shibden Mill Inn nr Halifax former mill with witeria on outside

THE PUB: The award-winning Shibden Mill Inn was a corn and spinning mill before being converted into a country pub in 1890. Today’s visitors can savour two AA Rosette dining from tasting menus and vegan dishes to loaded focaccias and children’s faves with an inviting backdrop of open fires, low-beamed ceilings and a dog-friendly bar. Four-legged friends aren’t allowed to be smuggled into the restaurant or boutique-style bedrooms, though, where thoughtful extras are for human comfort only!

Shibden Hall near Halifax wod frames and brick manor house

THE WALK: The 10-mile Calderdale Way Taster is one of the more challenging circular walks suggested by near Halifax. Yet non-fitness gurus can cut hefty hikes short with gentler strolls such as Shibden Dale or historic Shibden Hall.

12 welcoming local pubs with gorgeous walks nearby

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