The number of UK breweries has risen to around 8% in the UK, with 1,700 of them producing craft beers that appeal to those of us that want to enjoy a drink that has something extra special, and locally brewed, whenever we visit a pub for the first time. Beer is the type of drink that can be enjoyed all year round and pubs want to meet that demand to keep bringing punters back in time and time again. No matter where a pub is, around the world they have some amazing beers for people to try, there are even draft beer services in Denver that can hook up pubs with a system to get people to try it and see what they like.
If you find yourself wondering what on earth this has to do with dogs and hiking, you’d be pleased to learn of a new trend that is emerging for walkers who love to explore the great outdoors with their canine companions. Microbreweries are increasingly making their way to more remote locations, as they emerge and gain popularity in the UK.
Dubbed the ‘best beer garden in the world’ by walkers and residents, Langdale in the Lake District is leading the way for those walkers who want to get a taste of a great beer, while bringing their dogs along to the best dog-friendly pubs around. This way a traditional pub crawl is turning into something more adventurous.
Together with Flogas, specialists in LPG gas tank installation for pubs in remote locations that are off the grid, we explore how to enjoy the Lake District with man’s best friend as well as stopping for a few tasty beers along the way.
Taking the long way around: enjoying the walk and the beer
To kick things off, climb the pyramid-shaped mountain that is Bowfell, the sixth-highest mountain in the Lake District and one of the most popular. From there, you can then continue along Crinkle Crags to Cold Pike, finishing at Pike O’ Blisco, which will lead you back down to the bottom of the valley again. Once you’ve reached the bottom, take your dog to the best-dog friendly pubs the area has to offer.
New Dungeon Ghyll
The New Dungeon Ghyll is the first pub you’ll come across and it offers real ales and craft beers such as Westmorland Gold, a Golden Ale brewed in the heart of the Lake District by Barngates Brewery; there will also be a doggy bowl waiting in the Walker’s Bar for when the canine companions get thirsty too.
Sticklebarn
You can re-fuel again at Sticklebarn, which isn’t a very long walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll. Since it’s a National Trust pub, the Sticklebarn ensures that all its meals are prepared freshly on the premises. They also stock real ales on top alongside speciality bottled beers.
Both well behaved and muddy dogs will find a great temporary home here, with dog towels, water bowls, and doggy treats that are all provided here. A special doggy menu is even available as well to complement your own enjoyment of a pint of real ale.
Wainwrights Inn
Proceed to take a 40-minute walk down the valley, heading towards Wainwrights Inn, which is another dog-friendly pub that serves Coniston, a local brewery based in Cumbria. Try the Coniston Bluebird Bitter – a very pale beer that has a hint of colour. The challenger hops provide this beer with an orange fruit aroma that balances the biscuity malt flavour, making for a perfect example of how locally brewed ales from microbreweries come to life in local pubs across your fell hike!
There has been a microbrewery phenomenon of sorts which has benefitted no less than eight pubs in total. Therefore, it’s easy to see how this new trend has emerged in the region. More than 30 microbreweries are creating some of the best of what the Lakeland region has to offer by way of real ales, which benefits pubs across the Lake District in that they are dog friendly and they also serve the most unique beers and flavours available.
When you get out there and follow your own trail, be sure to stop off at every pub along the way so that you can get a true taste of what the Lake District has to offer.
