The perfect hike checklist for pubs on Dartmoor
Planning a proper day out that combines stunning countryside walks with a well-earned pint? Southwest England is absolutely made for pub hiking – from coastal cliff walks ending at harbour-side inns to moorland rambles finishing at traditional village locals. And when it comes to pubs on Dartmoor, you're in for something proper good.
Here's your essential checklist for those perfect "hike to the pub" adventures that make weekends worth living for!
Our top 5 pubs on Dartmoor with nearby hiking routes
Before we get into your gear checklist, here are the finest pubs on Dartmoor that'll reward your efforts proper:
1. The Warren House Inn - Britain's third-highest pub, mind. Take the circular walk from Postbridge (4 miles) across open moor and past ancient stone circles. The fire's been burning since 1845, so you know they're serious about keeping walkers warm.
2. The Rock Inn, Haytor Vale - A right proper Devon local. Walk up Haytor Rocks (2 miles from the pub) for views that'll have you reaching for your camera. The tor's granite's been quarried for centuries, and the scramble up top earns you that pint.
3. The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe - Famous for Uncle Tom Cobley and all that. The 3-mile walk from Haytor down through Widecombe village is gentle enough for a Sunday stroll, but the countryside's as pretty as a picture.
4. The Old Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor - Right in the heart of proper Dartmoor country. Start your walk from Grimspound (Bronze Age settlement, 2 miles) and follow ancient tracks through gorse and bracken. Fair dinkum walking, this.
5. The Forest Inn, Hexworthy - Tucked away where the River Dart runs sweet and clear. The 5-mile circular walk takes you past Dartmeet and through some of the moor's most handsome river valleys. You'll work up a thirst, guaranteed.
Comfortable clothing for walk-to-pub adventures
Hiking boots or sturdy trainers – you'll want proper grip on those muddy Devon footpaths and moorland tracks, but nothing too serious that looks out of place when you stride into the pub. On Dartmoor especially, the terrain can turn from grass to granite to bog in a few steps, so decent grip matters.
Smart-casual outdoor layers are your secret weapon:
- Breathable hiking t-shirt or polo (something that doesn't scream "serious mountaineer")
- Lightweight fleece or casual outdoor jacket for when the moor mist rolls in
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Comfy walking trousers or hiking shorts – tough on the trail, smooth as in the front bar
- A spare top in your pack – because nobody wants to nurse a pint while smelling like they've been wrestling with bracken!
Navigation & safety (keep it simple)
Smartphone with offline maps – perfect for shorter pub walks, but don't rely on signal once you're properly out on the moor. Download OS Maps or AllTrails before you head out, mind.
Basic first aid – just a few plasters and pain relief. Pub hikes are typically shorter and on well-trodden paths, though Dartmoor can surprise you with hidden tussocks and granite edges, so a small kit's worth having.
Emergency cash – because some of the best countryside pubs are delightfully old-school and might not take cards. Plus, you'll need coins for National Trust car parks.
Hydration & pre-pub snacks
Water bottle – stay hydrated on the trail so you can properly enjoy your celebratory drinks! A 500ml bottle is usually plenty for shorter pub walks.
Light snacks to keep energy up – but don't spoil your appetite! Think energy bars, nuts, or a banana. Save room for that pub lunch or hearty ploughman's you've been dreaming about.
Appetite management – seriously, nothing beats working up a proper hunger for fish and chips, a Sunday roast, or whatever local speciality awaits at your destination pub!
Weather-smart pub hiking
Packable rain jacket – Southwest England's weather loves surprises, and Dartmoor's famous for making its own weather! Choose something lightweight that stuffs into your pack and won't make you look like you're heading up Everest when you walk into the pub.
Sun protection for those rare but glorious clear days when you can see clear across to Bodmin Moor. Sunglasses and a cap that doesn't mess up your hair too much for pub photos!
Flexible layers because you might start in morning mist down in the valley and finish in afternoon sunshine up on the tor, plus those old Devon pubs can be proper cosy inside after a brisk walk.
The pub-hiker's secret weapons
Small daypack – nothing too serious or mountaineering-esque. A 15-20L pack carries everything you need without making you look like you're off to base camp.
Portable phone charger for capturing those Instagram-worthy shots of coastal views and, of course, that triumphant pint-in-hand photo at journey's end.
Hand sanitizer – practical for post-walk pub visits, especially if you've been scrambling over stiles or touching gates.
A good sense of timing – check pub opening hours! Nothing worse than arriving at your destination to find the kitchen closed or the pub shut for the afternoon.
Top tips for SW pub hiking
Research your route and pub beforehand – some village locals have limited hours or might be closed Mondays. The Good Pub Guide app is handy for finding walking-friendly pubs with decent grub and outdoor seating.
Plan your transport home, especially if you're planning to enjoy more than one celebratory drink. Some of the pubs on Dartmoor are properly remote, so check bus times or arrange a lift.
Consider circular routes that bring you back to your motor, or linear walks between two good pubs. Dartmoor's got countless options, from gentle valley walks to proper moorland stomps across the tors.
Most importantly, embrace the slower pace! Pub hiking isn't about conquering peaks or setting records – it's about enjoying good company, handsome countryside, and the perfect reward at journey's end. The views taste even better with a well-earned pint in hand, and that's a fact.
Ready to explore? Southwest England's combination of stunning walks and fantastic pubs creates the perfect recipe for memorable weekend adventures. Right proper job, as we say down here!
