TRAILS AND ALES!

Four family walking routes ending at pubs

GOING for a walk can be a lovely way to spend a weekend and with great countryside on its doorstep, North Staffordshire is not short of options.

But if the prospect of autumnal weather has you shivering, worry not – there are also some marvellous routes which finish at the pub.

Few things could be better after a bracing hike than a roaring fire and a well-earned drink.

North Staffordshire has a plethora of wonderful pubs, many of which happen to be situated at the end of a great walk. Here are some of those we like the best. Full, detailed routes are available at alltrails.com.

ENDON, STANLEY, LONGSDON AND THE VILLAGE CIRCULAR

Finishing at The Black Horse, in Endon, this is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of three hours and 16 minutes to complete. Walkers can go on a lovely circular route near Leek.

The route passes by Stanley Pool, before coming back into Endon. Dogs are welcome, but the route does include some livestock fields so they should be on a lead.

NEWCASTLE ACADEMY - KEELE UNIVERSITY - KEELE

The route both starts and finishes at a pub, beginning at the Dick Turpin in Newcastle, and finishing at the Sneyd Arms in Keele. This takes you by the university and is an easier walk if you don’t fancy clambering up hills.

An alternative route back reveals different views including forests and fields, as well as lovely old university buildings. There is also the Walled Garden next to the university’s main library.

THE HAND AND TRUMPET AND BETLEY WALK

This is rated as ‘moderate’ and includes a stop at the Hand and Trumpet pub. Handily, the route is circular, so you can start out at the pub and then curl up with a pint afterwards.

The walk features a number of steady climbs and descents, with most of the paths across fields, water meadows, and pastures, so stout boots are recommended. It takes around one-and-a-half to two hours.

THE OLD HALL SANDBACH TOWN WALK

Just outside North Staffordshire, this is a lovely circular pub walk which starts out from the Old Hall in Sandbach.

It is a gorgeous Grade I listed building – formerly the residence of the lords of the manor – and has now been converted into a pub.

The route takes you round the town of Sandbach and takes in many of the attractions, including historic buildings and the old market square. It lasts around 1 to one 1.5 hours.

It is described as mostly a gentle walk, with some slopes and a handful of kissing gates. Nonetheless there are some muddy bits so suitable footwear is recommended.