The dog and pub crawl: how to walk the new hiking trend

The dog and pub crawl: how to walk the new hiking trend

In the UK, the number of UK breweries has risen to around 8%, with 1,700 of them making craft beers that appeal to those of us that want to drink something that’s extra special, and locally brewed, whenever we enter a pub for the first time.

If you’re wondering what this has to do with dogs and hiking, you’d be pleased to know that a new trend is emerging for walkers, who love to explore the great outdoors with their canine companions, and it’s clear that microbreweries are making their way to more remote locations, as they emerge and become more popular in the UK.

Labelled by walkers and residents as the ‘best beer garden in the world’, Langdale in the Lake District is leading the way for walkers who want to taste a great beer, whilst taking their dogs to the best dog-friendly pubs around, turning a traditional pub crawl into something more adventurous.

Together with Flogas, specialists in LPG gas tank installation for pubs in remote locations off-grid, we explore how to traverse the Lake District with man’s best friend as well as stopping for a few tasty beers along the way.

Taking the long way around: enjoying the walk and the beer

To begin, why not climb the pyramid-shaped mountain that is Bowfell, the sixth-highest mountain in the Lake District and one of the most popular. From here, you can continue along Crinkle Crags to Cold Pike and then finish at Pike O’ Blisco, which will lead you back down to the bottom of the valley again. Once you’ve reached the bottom, it’s time to take your dog to the best-dog friendly pubs in the area.

New Dungeon Ghyll

The first pub you’ll come across is the New Dungeon Ghyll, offering real ales and craft beers such as Westmorland Gold, a Golden Ale brewed in the heart of the Lake District by Barngates Brewery; there will also be a doggy bowl waiting in the Walker’s Bar for when they get thirsty as well.

Sticklebarn

From here, you can re-fuel again at Sticklebarn, which isn’t a far walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll. As it’s a National Trust pub, the Sticklebarn ensures that all its meals are prepared freshly on the premises, whilst stocking real ales on top alongside speciality bottled beers.

This pub is perfect for well-behaved dogs, as well as muddy dogs! Dog towels, water bowls, and doggy treats are all provided here, and there is even a special doggy menu for when you’re enjoying a pint of real ale.

Wainwrights Inn

From here, you can take a 40-minute walk down the valley towards Wainwrights Inn, another dog-friendly pub that serves Coniston, a local brewery based in Cumbria. Try the Coniston Bluebird Bitter – an exceedingly pale beer that has a hint of colour.

Balanced by a biscuity malt, the challenger hops provide this beer with an orange fruit aroma that balances the flavour; a perfect example of how locally brewed ales from microbreweries come to life in local pubs across your fell hike!

With eight pubs in total benefitting from the microbrewery phenomenon, it’s easy to see how this new trend has emerged within the region. With over 30 microbreweries creating the best of what the Lakeland region has to offer in terms of real ales, pubs across the Lake District are now benefitting from being dog friendly, as well as serving the most unique beers and flavours available.

Get out there and start following your own trail today, but make sure you stop off at every pub along the way to get a true taste of what the Lake District has to offer.

Anna Ryan is a travel specialised working with CT Shirts