From dramatic coastal paths to epic mountain trails, Wales is a dream for walkers. But let’s be honest—after a good stomp through all that natural beauty, a proper pint or a banging pub tea can feel like the real reward.
The good news? Some of the best walks in Wales come with built-in pit stops at cracking pubs along the way.
So, we’ve rounded up a list of top-notch pub walks featuring well-loved pint pit stops to under-the-radar gems. Some are right on the trail, and others require a bit of a detour.
If you're after a huge post-hike pub feast or just a quick drink with an epic view, these routes have got you covered. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Rhossili village and beach
Kick-off this hiking-and-pub adventure at the National Trust car park in Rhossili Bay, then swing a right onto the road to get going. First stop—St Mary’s Church.
Just next to it, you’ll spot a trail that sneaks away from the road, running alongside the beach with some seriously good views of the bay and rolling countryside.
Stick with the trail for a few miles until you hit a caravan park, where it links back up with the road. Follow it down to the beach, then once you’re on the sand, turn left (south) and enjoy the coastal vibes as you return to Rhossili village.
The whole route is about 4.3 miles and should take around three hours—plenty of time to work up a thirst. And the best way to finish? A well-earned pint at The Worm’s Head Hotel, with a view
Penarth to Sully trail
This five-mile linear coastal route heads from Penarth’s Victorian pier along the coast to Lavernock Point. You'll be taking in several historic sites along the way, including an anti-aircraft battery, prehistoric dinosaur footprints and Sully Island– once inhabited by swashbuckling smugglers.
History fans should visit Lavernock Point, which, in 1897, was the site of Marconi’s first radio transmission over the open sea.
When you finish the walk in Sully, pop into the Captian's wide for a pint with a coast view. This popular seaside pub was originally Sully House, owned by a captain and full of local legends.
he most prevailing is that when the wife of the captain owner died, her body was kept in a box that was mistaken for treasure and stolen.
These days, you can stroll along the Wales Coast Path and stop for a drink and proper pub food at this spacious pub. Make sure to bag a table in the outdoor area to watch the sunset.
The Dylan Thomas Walk, Laugharne
Known as “The Dylan Thomas Walk,” this two-mile route is a must for literature lovers and anyone who enjoys a lush view.
Start at the car park near Laugharne Castle and follow the trail as it winds up to St John’s Hill, where you’ll get cracking views of the castle and the boathouse.
Along the way, watch for information boards packed with insights about Dylan Thomas and the poem that made this spot famous.
After stretching your legs, it’s time to refuel. Head to Dexter’s at Brown’s Hotel for a well-earned drink and seriously tasty food. They’re all about that farm-to-fork goodness, working closely with local producers and butchers to serve next-level steaks.
Follow this guide by Weatherman Walking to make things easier.
Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo
This three-mile walk takes in some of the estate’s great wildlife-spotting places, as well as the ruins of 12th-century Dinefwr Castle and a 17th-century mansion.
Start at the car park at Dinefwr Park, and the route loops around the man-made mill pond, through the Twyi Valley and past Llandyfeisant Church.
Head to Llandeilo afterwards for dinner and drinks at the historic Cawdor Hotel. It has a well-deserved reputation for serving fresh seasonal produce. Their menu items are sourced from farmers and local suppliers and are beautifully plated and presented.
Visit the National Trust website for the route.
The Garth Mountain, Cardiff
The Garth Mountain route is a cracking little adventure, taking you up to the 1,007-foot summit on a 6 km trail. Fancy a longer trek? Start from Castell Coch or Pentyrch and stretch those legs.
Despite the name, Garth is more of a hill than a mountain—but don’t tell Hollywood that! This is where Hugh Grant’s 1995 film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain was shot.
You can take a chilled-out trail straight to the summit or mix things up with a loop around the ridgeway. After all that fresh air and leg work, the best way to finish? A pint at the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, of course—especially if you’ve taken the shorter route and started there in the first place!
Visit https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/wales/cardiff/garth-mountain-circular
Strata Florida Walk, Tregaron
History meets spirituality at the ruins of Strata Florida Abbey. Learn more about the former Cistercian abbey, where generations of Welsh princes are buried on a sacred Celtic hike with Guided Pilgrimage.
This unique, circular walk begins at Coed Dolgoed car park between Pontrhydfendigaid and Strata Florida. Whilst hiking, you'll pass through farmlands, ancient forests and spiritual sites.
After you walk, call into the historic Y Talbot in nearby Tregaron for dinner and drinks at their 2 AA Rosette restaurant. It's a 400-year-old inn with slate floors, inglenooks and Welsh cask ales and is part of the boutique Welsh Rarebits Collection.
Visit Guided Pilgrimage.
Neath waterfalls walk
Nowhere in Wales packs in as many waterfalls in such a small area as the Vale of Neath, sitting on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons. If you love a good cascade, this is the place to be!
The rivers Mellte, Hepste, and Nedd Fechan have carved out deep gorges between the villages of Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte, creating some seriously scenic walking routes. Just a heads-up—some sections can get steep and a bit slippery, so good footwear is necessary.
After a day of waterfall-hopping, there’s no better place to refuel than The Angel Inn at Pontneddfechan. It’s got a solid reputation among walkers for top-notch food and drinks—exactly what you need after a wild and watery adventure!
Visit breconbeacons.org/waterfall-country-walking-trails for route information.
Stackpole wildlife walk
The National Trust’s Stackpole wildlife walk is one for hiking enthusiasts, with dramatic limestone cliffs, nesting seabirds, golden beaches, rolling dunes, and freshwater lakes all along the route.
Starting from the car park at Stackpole Quay, this route takes you past the stunning Barafundle Bay, rugged Stackpole Head, and the peaceful Bosherston Lakes. It’s about a four-hour walk, but with dreamy views like these, you won’t be in a rush to finish!
Just a short stroll from the coastal path, The Stackpole Inn is the perfect post-walk pit stop. This charming 17th-century pub has built a cracking reputation for its food, making it an excellent place to refuel after exploring Pembrokeshire’s wild beauty.
Visit the National Trust website for the route.
Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail
Hike along the Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail to see beautiful tiered falls and the original ‘Devil’s Bridge’ that satan himself said to have been constructed.
According to local folklore, Lucifer constructed the bridge for a little old lady in exchange for her soul, or the soul of the first person to cross.
The Devil’s Bridge Fall Nature Trail is a circular trail that takes around 45 minutes, depending on your walking pace. Pay to enter via the coin-operated turnstile, and you can spend as much time exploring the falls as you like.
After you have hiked the trail, have lunch at the gorgeous Hafod Hotel, a bar, Brasserie, and Hotel in the perfect location. It is mere steps away from the Devil’s Bridge Falls.
Watkin Path walk, Eryri National Park
Whilst there are numerous tracks up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, the Watkin Path is probably one of the most scenic. It's a popular route that takes approximately 3.5 hours to walk, depending on fitness and experience.
The route has a unique, wild swim feature at the series of waterfalls just off the main track. Take a refreshing dip in the clear, deep pools and soak up the incredible scenery. It's the perfect way to cool down after a long walk.
Grab some much-needed refreshments at Caffi Gwynant after your walk. This licenced cafe at the foot of the Watkin Path serves a great selection of daily specials, homemade cakes, desserts, and local ales.
Porthdinllaen walk, Llŷn Peninsula
This one-hour walk will reward you with stunning views in all directions.
The trail begins at the car park at Morfa Nefyn and continues around the headland towards the hamlet of Porthdinllaen.
This is where you can stop at the Ty Coch Inn. It began life as a vicarage; it opened as a public house in 1842, and its trade was largely made up of the shipbuilding community that worked on the nearby coastline.
Boasting views across mountains like Yr Eifl and Snowdonia, this seaside pub can only be accessed by walking across the sands from Morfa Nefyn or the local golf course.
Visit the National Trust website for the route.
Limpert Bay to Barry Island Coastal Walk
A fun, seven-mile walk that explores Barry Island, Roman remains and the impressive Victorian railway viaduct in Porthkerry Country Park.
Start your walk at Limpert Bay car park and follow the sea wall until you reach the Afon Ddaw River. Make sure you are following the Vale Trail 4 waymarkers.
As you progress on the walk, you'll pass old lime works and the pretty ponds of The Leys. You'll then end up on a clifftop path and discover features such as The Bulwarks Iron Age settlement, woodland and coastal views as you make your way towards Barry Island.
Once you arrive at Barry Island, take a detour and head to Craft Republic to get a Welsh ale. This independent venue serves craft beer, wine and cocktails next to Goodsheds.
Cardiff Bay Trail
Combine city and sea on this family-friendly walk. This easy, mainly traffic-free, circular trail runs for just over six miles around Cardiff Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin.
You can easily take the train to Cardiff Bay or Penarth for this walk. Follow the ‘Cardiff Bay trail’ signs to complete this easy and scenic loop walk.
This scenic and relatively flat trail is designed for walkers and bikers and is a perfect way for people to explore the waterfront in a low-impact way.
Along the trail, you'll see some of Cardiff's historic and modern landmarks, such as the Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building.
At the end of your walk, swing into the Dock in Mermaid Quay for live music and a drink by the marina.
