10 Best Dog-Friendly Pubs Walks in Wales, Where Walkers Can Enjoy a Good Pint and a Roaring Fire

Who doesn’t love a good pub walk? Outdoor apparel brand D-Robe has found the 10 best Welsh walks to explore – with the best incentive to enjoy along the way 

• Analysing Alltrails and Trip Advisor data, outdoor apparel brand D-Robe has found the 10 best Welsh walks to explore this season
• The Farmers Arms, located in the picturesque town of Crickhowell in the Usk Valley takes the top spot in the rankings with a score of 70.2/100 
• In second place is The Coach and Horses with a score of 64.4/100.  Located in the lovely village of Llangynidr, this wonderful pub can be visited by those walking the Tor y Foel Circular from Lower Lock path
•  In third place with a score of 64.0/100 is The Royal in Barmouth North Wales, which can offer respite for those walking along the Llanaber, Ffridd Graig and Barmouth Circular. 

Walking in Wales during autumn can be a truly amazing experience thanks to the region’s pastoral natural beauty. Exploring the region’s beautiful pathways can be a great way to stay active during the colder months – especially if you’ve got a furry friend to keep you company.

And let’s be honest – if there happens to be a warm, welcoming pub nearby? Well, that’s just a great incentive!

Research conducted by outdoor robe and apparel brand D-Robe has revealed the 10 best pub walks in Wales where weary walkers can enjoy good food, warm drinks and a roaring fire at the end. They’re also dog-friendly too, so you’ll be able to take your furry friends along for the journey.

Here’s what they found…

Best dog-friendly pub walking routes in Wales

1. Mynydd Llangorse Circular – 70.2/100

2. Tor y Foel Circular from Lower Lock – 64.4/100

3. Llanaber, Ffridd Graig and Barmouth Circular – 64.0/100

4. Mynydd Troed Circular – 63.1/100

5. Pembroke North Circular – 54.1/100

6. Nantmor, Llyn Dinas, and Beddgelert Circular – 51.6/100

7. Foel Cwmcerwyn Circular – 45.7/100

8. Landimore Marsh, Cwm Ivy, and Llanmadoc Circular 44.6/100

9. Lady Bagot’s Drive – 41.6/100

10. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brynich Lock to Pencelli – 41.4/100

The Farmers Arms, located in the picturesque town of Crickhowell in the Usk Valley takes the top spot in the rankings with a score of 70.2/100. This delightful pub can be enjoyed as part of the Mynydd Llangorse Circular in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Although listed as a moderate path, users note that this 8.7km path can be a challenge, and care should always be taken during the colder seasons. Users note that dogs may need to be leashed for large portions of the walk.

Another pub walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park also made the list. In second place is The Coach and Horses with a score of 64.4/100.  Located in the lovely village of Llangynidr, this wonderful pub can be visited by those walking the Tor y Foel Circular from Lower Lock path. This 8.5km walk is also highly rated (4.8) and captures the areas natural scenery – perfect for photographers looking for a couple of scenic shots.

In third place is The Royal with a score of  64.0/100. Located in Barmouth in North Wales, this pub can offer some comfy respite for those walking along the Llanaber, Ffridd Graig and Barmouth Circular. At 9.5km in length, this route is the longest on the list – making it a perfect choice for walkers who want to stretch their legs.

(Image Credit: D-Robe) 

Using the outdoor recreation app AllTrails, the D-Robe team analysed all ‘circular’ and ‘there and back walks’ where a pub could also be found on the route. The walks were then scored based on their overall ratings, total distance, and whether they are dog-friendly. Additional points were awarded if users highlighted if dogs could be let off lead.

The team then analysed the pubs found on each respective route. Using Trip Advisor data, they scored the pubs based on their rating score, the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews. Using reviews and further research, the team also identified if the locations are dog-friendly and have a usable fire.

(Image Credit: D-Robe) 

Speaking on the results, Matt Salkeld, spokesperson for outdoor robe experts D-Robe, said:

“As the weather starts to turn colder, many of us find it difficult to stay active. But autumn is a great time to get out and explore, especially in a beautiful region like Wales.

We wanted to pull this list together to help walkers of all abilities find some really amazing routes to explore. And a wonderfully warm pub after a long walk is a great incentive! The added bonus of knowing the locations are dog-friendly ensures that our furry friends won’t be left out in the cold, so they can enjoy the experience too.”

As temperatures drop, Matt highlights the importance of dressing for the weather.

“Always check the weather and trail information ahead of time to make sure you’re wearing the right outfit for the conditions.

“A breathable base, a cosy mid-layer, comfortable and flexible pants and accessories like gloves, a scarf and a hat or beanie are a must – as well as appropriate walking shoes and socks.  For an outer layer, a weather-resistant coat like a windbreaker or an outdoor robe will help keep you comfortable and warm all the way to the pub.”

Note: Although walking locations have been identified as dog-friendly based on information provided by Alltrails, dog walkers should practise good dog-walking etiquette at all times. This includes following any available signage and leashing dogs in areas where wild and rural animals are present.

Full Results