Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-derbyshire">DERBYSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bretton-clough-amp-nbsp-the-barrel-inn-bretton">Bretton Clough &amp;&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.barrelinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Barrel Inn</a></u>, Bretton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Barrel-Inn-Bretton-1.jpg" alt="The Barrel Inn Bretton Derbyshire" class="wp-image-58860"/></figure>



<p>Sandwiched in between the moors and a dramatic airy ridge, the 5.3km&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ratedtrips.com/walking/bretton-and-bretton-clough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bretton and Bretton Clough walk</a>&nbsp;is a beauty to behold. Savour scene-stealing views along the ridge before dipping into a sheltered, moor-fringed valley and winding back up through picture-book oak and birch woodland.  Your reward? A proper pint at The Barrel Inn, the highest pub in Derbyshire. On a clear day, you can spot five counties from your perch &#8211; and the wine list’s nearly as impressive. Expect hearty Derbyshire classics done right: towering doorstep sandwiches, golden fish and chips, and pies worth writing home about. The pub’s been around since 1597, and it shows &#8211; in the best way. Think flagstone floors, oak beams, and charmingly low, nail-studded doors that hold centuries of stories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-padley-gorge-and-t-he-maynard-grindleford">Padley Gorge and <u><a href="https://the-maynard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T</a><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/maynard-grindleford-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he Maynard</a></u>, Grindleford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Padley-Gorge-Credit-NT-Images-by-David-Goacher.jpg" alt="Padley Gorge Derbyshire" class="wp-image-58862"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors/padley-gorge-and-burbage-brook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Padley Gorge</a>, NT Images by David Goacher</figcaption></figure>



<p>Padley Gorge is the kind of place that looks like it fell right out of a fairytale &#8211; all ancient woodland, tumbling waterfalls, and dappled streams. This easy-going 7K loop kicks off at Grindleford station (a short stroll from The Maynard), winding through shady trees &#8211; bliss on a scorcher &#8211; before opening out onto dramatic moorland with serious wow-factor views. After breezing past Millstone Edge, you’ll hit Surprise View (spoiler: it’s stunning), then loop back to The Maynard &#8211; the post-hike pitstop of dreams. It’s had a fabulously funky glow-up, but the real show-stealer is the beer garden: big, beautiful, and boasting one of the best panoramas in the Peaks. The food’s just as scrummy, and if you can’t bear to leave (understandable), check into one of their 19 boutique rooms &#8211; most come with <em>that</em> view.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stanage-edge-and-nbsp-the-george-hathersage">Stanage Edge and&nbsp;<u><a href="https://thegeorgehathersage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George</a></u>, Hathersage</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Stanage-Edge-credit-Visit-Peak-District-and-Derbyshire.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://visitpeakdistrict.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit Peak District &amp; Derbyshire</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/hathersage-to-stanage-edge-walk">This scenic 14K loop</a> kicks off in the postcard-perfect village of <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/derbyshire/hathersage-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hathersage</a> and climbs to the iconic gritstone drama of Stanage Edge. The ridge views over the Hope Valley are nothing short of cinematic &#8211; think windswept Keira Knightley in <em>Pride &amp; Prejudice</em> levels of moody beauty. From there, it’s a gentle descent past Carhead Rocks and down pretty country lanes, where civilisation (and snacks) await. Recharge at the newly revamped <a href="https://thegeorgehathersage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George</a> a cosy-chic pub once frequented by Charlotte Brontë herself &#8211; no big deal. Expect pub classics with a twist: wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, and family-friendly vibes done right. Staying over? Just up the road, <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-bike-boot-peak-district-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bike &amp; Boot</a> delivers funky bedrooms, all-day dining, and pooch-prepped facilities, so your four-legged hiking buddy can flop in style too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottinghamshire">NOTTINGHAMSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-farndon-circular-and-nbsp-the-boathouse-at-farndon">The Farndon Circular and&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theboathouseatfarndon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse at Farndon</a></u></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/The-Boathouse-Farndon.jpg" alt="The Boathouse Farndon" class="wp-image-58866"/></figure>



<p>Fancy a gentle riverside ramble punctuated by wildlife, windmills and weirs? The 5.6km&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/walking-cycling-and-rights-of-way/find-walks-and-rides/farndon-circular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farndon Circular</a>&nbsp;is a dreamy gem of a stroll. Start at The Boathouse Farndon (formerly the Farndon Ferry) and head through the clapper gates to the marina before following the river towpath. Beyond Averham Weir, meander along the curve of the river past the old windmill before turning onto the public footpath and back through Farndon Meadow. Afterwards, snag a seat on the riverside terrace at the newly opened Boathouse at Farndon. Think dragonflies drifting by, sunsets that stop you mid-sip, and peak messing-about-on-the-river vibes. It’s a dreamy little hideaway that comes alive on sunny evenings, serving up good-mood food with an even better view.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worcestershire-the-snowshill-arms-nbsp-amp-nbsp-broadway-tower">WORCESTERSHIRE<a href="http://snowshillarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br>The Snowshill Arms</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://broadwaytower.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadway Tower</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/2.Broadway-Tower.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58657"/></figure>



<p>One of the prettiest walks in the West Mids starts in the picturesque village of Broadway, known for its honey-hued buildings. From here, stroll up to the fairytale folly that is Broadway Tower, before looping around to the utterly charming village of Snowshill, famed for its incredible lavender fields (don’t miss the spectacular <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/must-sees/8-breathtaking-flower-fields-gloucestershire-and-worcestershire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Lavender Fields</a>, open 18 June–6 Aug). With the Tower to explore on the way it&#8217;s a super family-friendly walk. Post-stomp kick back in the rustic beer garden with a chilled Sauvignon while the kids run wild in the play area. Think local brews (the beer from a local boutique Worcester brewery is particularly good), a fresh-as-it-gets menu, and Sunday roasts so good they set a new standard. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-talbot-at-knightwick-nbsp-amp-the-nbsp-teme-valley-worcester"><a href="https://the-talbot.co.uk/explore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Talbot at Knightwick</a>&nbsp;&amp; the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/ankerdine-hill-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teme Valley</a>, Worcester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/4.TemeValley.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58659"/></figure>



<p>Nestled on The Worcestershire Way, The Three Choirs Way, and The Geopark Way &#8211; three of the West Midlands’ favourite long-distance trails &#8211; The Talbot at Knightwick is your perfect basecamp. Choose your adventure: a quick one-hour wander or a full-day trek, all starting from the pub doorstep. After a yomp through the hop fields and alongside the beautiful Rive Teme, take a pitstop back to this 15th-century coaching inn, which is family-run and has a farm-to-fork ethos. With its own bakery, kitchen garden, and Teme Valley Brewery on site, nearly everything you eat or drink is made right here. Try a pint of ‘This’ a light ale with a sly chocolate twist. Menus change seasonally, but you can expect to tuck into pub classics such as the Talbot chicken pie or beer-battered fish and chips. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-malvern-nbsp-hills-nbsp-and-nbsp-the-plough-amp-harrow-malvern"><a href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/things-to-do/walking/walk-finder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Malvern&nbsp;Hills</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/ploughandharrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plough &amp; Harrow</a>, Malvern</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/5.PloughHrrow.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58661"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: The Plough &amp; Harrow</figcaption></figure>



<p>The spectacular Malvern Hills stretch for 10K and serve up some of the West Midlands’ most breathtaking views. Take a 4.5-mile ramble from Beacon Road car park, winding up to Worcestershire Beacon &#8211; the highest point &#8211; with sweeping vistas over Wales and the Severn Valley, then meander through shady woods and wildflower meadows. Just downhill, The Plough &amp; Harrow awaits &#8211; an 18th-century gem full of charm, history, and proper country pub vibes. Think locally sourced roasts, real ales, and a sun-trap garden perfect for a pint. Bonus: on the last Saturday of the month, join their popular group walk &#8211; with free tea, coffee and pastries to start, and lunch or a cheeky spritz to finish. Walking goals, sorted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland">RUTLAND</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland-water-and-the-finch-s-arms-hambleton">Rutland Water and <a href="https://www.finchsarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Finch&#8217;s Arms</a>, Hambleton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Rutland-Water-sunset.jpg" alt="Rutland Water sunset" class="wp-image-58933"/></figure>



<p>If the entire 35km loop of Rutland Water sounds too exhausting, swap it for the charming 11km Hambleton Peninsula Loop &#8211; a scenic, two-and-a-half-hour wander that delivers big on beauty, without draining your energy reserves. The route takes you around a jut of high ground almost entirely surrounded by the water, so it feels like a little island. Start and finish at the Muddy Award winning Finch&#8217;s Arms in Hambleton village, where swoonworthy interiors meet next level gastro pub grub &#8211; roasted halibut with lemon and feta orzo or or glazed pork cutlet with paprika fries and chimichurri. You get the vibe. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leicestershire">LEICESTERSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swithland-wood-bradgate-park-and-the-griffin-inn">Swithland Wood, Bradgate Park and <a href="https://www.griffininnswithland.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Griffin Inn</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Bradgate-Park.jpeg" alt="Bradgate Park" class="wp-image-58939"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bradgate Park Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Swithland Wood is a 170-acre slice of leafy magic &#8211; a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest filled with ancient oaks, silver birch, and fluttering butterflies, moths, and birds. Nature-spotting, sorted. If you start your walk in Swithland village, park at the Griffin Inn and you can do a 3.5k circular walk around the woods via Cropston Leys and The Brand, or if you want to go a bit further, extend the route down to take in Bradgate Country Park with it&#8217;s renowned 800 year old deer park. Finish back at this bustling pub, owned by cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney. With stylish dining spaces, a huge garden, and food that knocks it out of the park &#8211; especially the cricket bat-shaped sharing platters. Howzat!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-harborough-nbsp-waterfront-nbsp-to-foxton">Market Harborough&nbsp;<a href="https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterfront</a>&nbsp;to Foxton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/11/Foxton-Locks.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53128"/></figure>



<p>Kick off at the Market Harborough canal basin and amble along the Grand Union Canal’s Market Harborough Arm the&nbsp;Grand Union Canal &#8211; it’s a lovely, flat 6-mile stretch to Foxton Locks, with charming bridges, waterside wildlife, and serious lazy-day energy. Perfect for a no-sweat wander with maximum views. Take in the pretty village of Foxton, then wander back past the prison (for a bit of unexpected drama, or retrace your steps back to Market Harborough and regroup at <a href="https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Waterfront</a> at Union Wharf. Nab a spot by the water and watch the narrowboats glide by &#8211; pure towpath bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warwickshire">WARWICKSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gannaway-woods-walk-amp-the-new-inn-norton-lindsay-warwick"><a href="https://thenewinn.pub/walks/walk1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gannaway Woods Walk</a> &amp; The New Inn, Norton Lindsay, Warwick</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Gannaway-Woods.jpg" alt="Gannaway Woods courtesy of The New Inn, Norton Lindsay" class="wp-image-59495"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gannaway Woods courtesy of The New Inn, Norton Lindsay</figcaption></figure>



<p>A walk that starts and ends at a pub is always a good thing. This one sets off from Warwickshire’s first community-owned pub,&nbsp;<a href="http://thenewinn.pub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New Inn</a>, in the pretty village of Norton Lindsay. This sweet 8km loop takes you along sleepy rural footpaths and open fields, all while serving up panoramic views over the historic Edgehill battlefield &#8211; yes, where the English Civil War got properly dramatic &#8211; right on the edge of the Cotswolds. The walk is one of several circular walks from the pub included on their website&nbsp; <a href="http://thenewinn.pub/walk1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Wellies advised, and a large gin when you get back (you definitely deserve it). There&#8217;s even a dedicated walkers&#8217; menu. Walk. Sip. Repeat. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenilworth-circular-and-michelin-starred-gastropub-the-cross"><a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/kenilworth-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenilworth Circular</a> and Michelin-starred gastropub The Cross</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/Kenilworth-Castle-stock-pic.jpg" alt="Kenilworth Castle" class="wp-image-59497"/></figure>



<p>This&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/kenilworth-walking-route#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2.5km circular wander around Kenilworth</a>, takes you through the castle grounds and town. From the castle car park, follow footpaths around the romantic ruins and beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, then pick up the pace for a race into Abbey Fields Park before dawdling along the pretty Finham Brook. St Nicholas Church and the ruins of the ancient gatehouse of the medieval Abbey of St Mary are worth a browse before the wander back to the car park. Pop in for a cheeky drink or book ahead for lunch at <a href="https://www.thecrosskenilworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cross</a> &#8211; a Michelin-starred, 19th-century Grade II listed gem helmed by chef Adam Bennet. With a charming enclosed terrace and garden, the menu champions local, seasonal produce &#8211; including fresh-from-the-farm goodies from Mill Piece Gardens, delivered same-day. Put it this way there&#8217;s a reason it&#8217;s retained its Michelin star for over a decade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-midlands">WEST MIDLANDS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catherine-de-barnes-amp-the-boat"><a href="https://walks.walkingworld.com/walk/Catherine-de-Barnes-Circular-Walk.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catherine-de-Barnes</a> &amp; The Boat</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/The-Boat-in-Catherine-de-Barnes-pub-walk.jpg" alt="The Boat  Solihul" class="wp-image-59499"/></figure>



<p>Kick off at <a href="https://www.theboat-catherinedebarnes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boat</a>, a riverside pub in a teeny, picture-perfect village just outside Solihull and Birmingham. Grab a coffee &#8211; or something stronger, because hey, you’ll burn it off on the walk! This spot’s a dog-lover’s dream, with pups welcome inside and out, plus treats, water bowls, and a covered outdoor area for alfresco dining. Then set off on a 3.5-mile&nbsp;<a href="http://walks.walkingworld.com/walk/Catherine-de-Barnes-Circular-Walk.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ramble</a> along the Grand Union Canal, winding through meadows and woods before finishing at the charming Berry Lane. Walkies, drinks, and stunning views &#8211; what’s not to love?</p>


Stride & sip: 13 of the best pub walks in the Midlands

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