The Kinder Scout Circular Walk in the Peak District has been named the UK's favourite pub-friendly hike, according to outdoor brand Regatta. The route, which starts and ends in Edale, finishes at the 16th-century Old Nags Head coaching inn.
Top-ranked walk
Regatta analysed more than 2,500 highly rated hiking routes listed on Komoot to identify the most popular walks that combine scenic views with a nearby pub. Topping the rankings is the Kinder Scout Circular Walk, which has been completed by more than 4,800 hikers and holds a perfect five-star rating.
In second place is the Pen-y-Ghent loop from Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire. Despite being shorter at 6.65 miles, the route boasts a 4.9-star rating and has been completed by more than 3,200 hikers. Rounding out the top three is the Three Peaks Walk from Ribblehead, another Yorkshire favourite featuring the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Route details
The Kinder Scout Circular Walk takes walkers across the Peak District's highest plateau, offering sweeping views and rugged moorland landscapes. Starting from Edale railway station, hikers head up through the village, passing the Moorland Centre on the right. Turning left onto the Pennine Way, they spot the Nag's Head pub, where they can grab a pint and something to eat after the walk.
Following the Pennine Way to Upper Booth Farm, walkers pass ground-nesting birds that feed and breed on Kinder Scout. Along the River Noe, ancient clough woodland lines the path. After leaving the Pennine Way, the route skirts eastwards around Kinder Plateau, passing Noe Stool, a giant anvil-shaped rock.
The weathered gritstone tors along the Kinder Edges create an otherworldly atmosphere as walkers pass the Pagoda and the Wool Packs. Continuing past Crowden Tower, the footpath leads down into Grindsbrook, offering sweeping views of the Vale of Edale. The walk is classed as difficult, spans 12km, and can take between four and a half and five and a half hours.
Ending at a historic pub
Back in Edale, two traditional pubs await: The Old Nags Head, which marks the start of the Pennine Way, and The Rambler Inn, a family-friendly hotel-pub with a large beer garden near the train station. The Old Nags Head dates back to 1577 and features stone floors, low beams and roaring log fires in colder months. Its menu includes hearty pub grub, lighter lunch options, Sunday carvery, starters, signature dishes like haddock and chips and homemade pies, as well as pizza, pasta, salads, butties, baguettes, loaded fries and nachos. A Pick & Mix Sausage option lets diners choose their sausage, mash and peas.
The pub also offers two self-catering cottages, Kinder Cottage and Grindsbrook Cottage, overlooking the Edale countryside. The Old Nags Head operates a walk-in service for meals and cannot take table bookings. It is located at Grindsbrook Booth, Edale, Derbyshire, S33 7ZD.
