Post-Christmas, what could be more uplifting than a coastal walk, followed by a meal and a pint in a traditional pub? Here are some of our favourites… Words: Alex Reece
1. FOR SEA SWIMS & OYSTERS
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
THE PUB If you are in North Norfolk on Boxing Day, you might want to check out one of the traditional sea swims taking place (try Hunstanton or Cromer), before warming up again at this smart, family-owned inn. The conservatory restaurant (mains around £15.95) faces the tidal marshes, with views extending to Scolt Head Island. Or if you are supping in the bar, the Brancaster Brewery real ales are a perfect partner for the oysters (£10.50 for half a dozen) delivered to the door by village fishermen.
THE WALK An amble of 2½ miles leads from Brancaster Beach along the Norfolk Coast Path to the pub (whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk).
2. FOR REAL ALES & A HIDDEN COVE
The Spyglass, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
THE PUB This Victorian former saltwater bathhouse is a large, lively establishment, bookending Ventnor Beach, and is popular with locals, beachgoers, walkers and cyclists alike. With sweeping views of the English Channel, it offers up a taste of the Isle of Wight in the form of island-brewed beers (Yates; Goddards) and local seafood. If you’re here over the festive season, stop by on Christmas Day for a sing-song round the piano.
THE WALK It’s 20 minutes (although steep in parts) along the coastal path to Steephill Cove – a hidden beach accessible only on foot. Stay a while then mosey back to the pub (thespyglass.com).
3. FOR A DESERT OASIS
The Pilot Inn, Dungeness, Kent
THE PUB The Pilot Inn is famous for its fish and chips, which landlord Aaron Roche puts down to the finest local produce and generous portion sizes. Boxing Day is a good day to visit, as there’s usually a tug-of-war in the car park. Sounds like hard work? Then order an Adnams Broadside in the bar, while checking out the shingle landscape from indoors.
THE WALK An hour-long, circular walk from the pub door takes in the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Derek Jarman’s former home, ‘Prospect Cottage’, The Old Lighthouse and the power station (thepilotdungeness.co.uk).
4. FOR A BIG WALK
The King’s Head Inn, Llangennith, Gower
THE PUB Coast has been a fan of this 17th-century pub since first sampling its saltmarsh lamb pie almost a decade ago. The menu continues to be based on cockle-warming local specialities (seafood dishes around £16; curries £8.95) and the beer comes from the pub’s own Gower Brewery. Overlooking the village church and Rhossili Bay, this is a soul-soothing place to be at Christmas.
THE WALK It’s an 8-mile toughie. From Llangennith, walk via Hillend over Rhossili Downs to reach Rhossili Bay and look out over the spectral Worm’s Head promontory. Return the same way or via the beach (kingsheadgower.co.uk).
5. FOR FOSSILS & A CLIFFTOP RAMBLE
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset
THE PUB You can only have a pasty or a pie with your pint at this characterful pub on the Isle of Purbeck, but the minimalist menu doesn’t dent its popularity. The 18th-century pub is renowned for its stone-carving festival in summer. In winter, explore the on-site Fossil Museum, curated by owner Charlie Newman.
THE WALK Stroll from the pub to St Adhelm’s Chapel for dramatic coastal views towards Lulworth. A circular route, returning via Winspit Quarry, is around 5 miles (squareandcompasspub.co.uk).
6. FOR VIEWS & LOCAL BREWS
The Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd
Photo: Steve Hoyle
THE PUB Voted the world’s third best beach bar in a recent survey, the Ty Coch Inn is a National Trust pub overlooking the beach at Porthdinllaen. Look across the water from the inn to Snowdonia and The Rivals, or climb the clifftop and you might just see Ireland. Food is mostly snack-based to accompany local brews: Cwrw Llyn from Nefyn and Porthmadog’s Purple Moose.
THE WALK From Morfa Nefyn, walk along the beach to the pub. Continue to the lifeboat bay, then walk back along the clifftops to the golf course and start point: 2 miles (tycoch.co.uk).
7. FOR CASTLE RUINS & HIP INTERIORS
The Joiners Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
THE PUB You’re spoiled for choice with pubs in Newton-by-the-Sea. On the waterfront, in Low Newton, is The Ship Inn, with its own microbrewery. On Boxing Day, when this is closed, head half a mile inland to the stylish Joiners Arms for a pint of St Mary’s Ale from the Anarchy Brew Co. in Morpeth. Locally sourced fish and chips can be eaten in or taken away if you want to keep walking.
THE WALK Set off from Craster to pass the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the wide expanse of Embleton Sands en route to Newton-by-the-Sea: 6 miles (joiners-arms.com).
For more coastal walks, take a look at our walking section.
For more coastal walks, take a look at our walking section.
