A good walk is one thing, but a good walk with a pub at the end is something else entirely – especially in spring, when bluebells line the paths, lambs dot the fields and a well-earned drink awaits at the finish.
And who better to take advice from than Loz and Steph, the duo behind Girls Who Walk to Pubs, who have made it their mission to seek out the most rewarding routes with a well-earned pint at the finish line, sharing them with a growing community on Instagram of almost 50,000 followers.
“Beautiful scenery, a great walk and somewhere genuinely lovely to stop at the end – what’s not to love?!” says Loz.
All within easy reach by train from London, these routes offer exactly that: gentle miles through some of the South East’s prettiest landscapes, paired with characterful pubs, vineyards and villages that feel lifted from a postcard. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend or fancy spending a slow morning walking your way to a long lunch, these are five tried-and-tested routes worth lacing up for.
1. Eynsford to Shoreham, Kent, via The Samuel Palmer – 8km
This walk links two quintessentially English villages. Eynsford has a fabulous choice of pubs, so the walk to Shoreham is like a little pub crawl! “Look out for Lullingstone Castle and stretches of bluebells at this time of year– with lavender fields taking over later in summer,” says Loz.
The paths are mostly gravel, making for an easy-going walk. At the Shoreham end, there are several pubs to choose from, though The Samuel Palmer is a standout. The Mount Vineyard is also nearby, and the station is just a ten-minute stroll from the village.
2. Billingshurst to Pulborough, Sussex, via Nutbourne Winery and The Rising Sun – 14km
A quietly beautiful stretch of countryside, this route winds through peaceful paths alive with birdsong and spring blooms.
“Don’t miss the stunning Nutbourne Vineyard where you can linger over an affordable glass of something among the vines,” says Steph.
The route has become something of a favourite for celebrations, with groups regularly tackling the route for birthdays and hen dos. “The Rising Sun, draped in ivy and with a tranquil garden, is the most perfect place to pause before the final hour’s walk on to Pulborough.”
3. Guildford to Gomshall, Surrey, via The Gomshall Mill – 16km
Beginning alongside the River Wey, this route gradually unfolds into sweeping views over the Surrey Hills. “It passes through Shere – instantly recognisable as a filming location for The Holiday – where you may be tempted to stop for a drink or lunch,” explains Loz.
If you can hold out, continue for another half an hour to The Gomshall Mill, a pub set within an 11th-century mill that’s as charming inside as it is outside. From here, it’s just a five-minute walk to the station.
4. Beaconsfield to Seer Green & Jordans, Buckinghamshire, via The Jolly Cricketers – 14km
Rolling hills, quiet lanes and ancient woodland define this route, which is particularly magical during bluebell season. “You can do this walk in any direction – we’d recommend Beaconsfield to Seer Green, so you finish for lunch at the Jolly Cricketers, a wisteria-clad free house pub run by a local couple who are super-passionate about the history of the area,” says Steph.
For those interested in local history take a detour via Jordans, the Quaker village where William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania is buried.
5. Oxted to Hurst Green, Surrey, via The Carpenter’s Arms – 10km
A classic spring walk, this route is known for its carpets of bluebells and fields dotted with lambs. “It also offers a slightly different perspective, passing through beautiful suburban streets where the gardens are absolutely to die for!” says Steph.
The Carpenter’s Arms provides a traditional pub stop with a generous garden, perfect on a sunny afternoon. From there, it’s around a 40-minute walk to the station for the journey home.
Each of these walks strikes that elusive balance between effort and reward – gentle miles, beautiful scenery and somewhere genuinely lovely to stop along the way.
Pack comfortable shoes, allow time to linger, and plan around the seasons if you can – because in this corner of the countryside, every month brings something new into bloom.
10 more countryside walks with a pub at the end:
Chilworth to Guildford via The Weyside, Surrey
Carpets of bluebells and a waterside lunch at the finish.
Charlbury Circular via The Bull, Oxfordshire (Cotswolds)
Classic Cotswolds countryside and a standout village pub.
Robertsbridge to Battle via The Queen’s Head, East Sussex
A pretty spring walk ending at a pub draped in wisteria.
Appledore to Ham Street via Gusbourne and The Woolpack, Kent
Quaint villages, an English vineyard and a beautiful pub stop.
Kingswood to Chipstead via The Rambler’s Rest, Surrey
A short woodland walk with bluebells and a pub in the trees.
Didcot to Goring & Streatley via The Coach & Horses, Oxfordshire
Riverside stretches, rolling views and a much-loved pub.
Hever and Chiddingstone Circular via The King Henry VIII, Kent
Two castles, bluebells and picture-perfect countryside.
Leigh to Penshurst via The Rock, Kent
Spring lambs, bluebells and classic Wealden scenery.
Glynde to Berwick via The Cricketer’s Arms, East Sussex
Charleston House gardens and an ivy-clad pub.
Winchfield to Hook via The Millhouse, Hampshire
Three pubs en route, ending at a millside favourite.
For details of these walks, check out Loz and Steph’s All Trails routes.
