The UK’s Best Sunday Strolls for Walks and Roast Dinners Revealed

The Sunday roast is one of the UK’s most enduring traditions. Pair that with another weekend staple, a long walk outdoors, and it’s a combination that feels hard to beat.

There’s a reason the two go hand in hand. A few hours outside gives you the chance to slow down, reset, and make the most of nature, with the promise of a warming meal at the end. It’s a combination that works every time, but some routes give a better experience than others.

To find the best ahead of the summer, we have analysed popular UK walking routes that finish within easy reach of a pub, scoring each one based on walk ratings, difficulty, pub reviews, and how often roasts are mentioned in customer reviews.

→ Having the right kit makes the walking experience more comfortable, regardless of whether it’s a short stroll or a longer loop. Preparing well makes all the difference. Choose supportive walking boots, walking baselayers, and daypacks.

Photo by JOGphotos on Unsplash

Our findings at a glance:

• Padley Gorge Circular in the Peak District ranks as the UK’s best Sunday stroll overall. The 9.5km walk starts and ends at The Grouse Inn, a 17th-century pub that reviewers describe as a 'traditional pub with stunning views’.

• Arlington Reservoir walk ends at the Yew Tree Inn, with the highest proportion of roast-related reviews (19.3%)

• London’s Hampstead Heath walk makes the top 10, finishing at a pub where almost one in five (17.6%) reviews mention the roast dinner, showing city walks can still deliver the full experience

• The Lake District and Yorkshire feature heavily, with multiple high-ranking routes

• Moderate walks, with features like gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots, dominate the top rankings (all 10 of the top 10), and offer a balance of scenery and accessibility

The best Sunday strolls in the UK

A good Sunday walk should feel rewarding, not exhausting. You want enough distance to experience nature, but not so much that you arrive at the pub completely worn out.

With that in mind, these are the UK’s highest-ranking Sunday strolls, combining scenic walking routes with pubs known for their roast dinners.

Preparation plays a big role in getting the best experience. Choosing well-fitting walking shoes, wearing waterproof jackets for weather that can easily change, and planning a route that matches your pace and fitness level can make the difference between an enjoyable day out and a long slog.

1. Padley Gorge Circular – 9.87/10

Peak District, England | 9.5km | 3 - 3.5 hrs | Moderate 

Padley Gorge’s route winds through one of the Peak District’s most atmospheric landscapes, with ancient woodland, moss-covered rocks, and the flow of Burbage Brook running alongside you for much of the walk.

As you progress, the scenery shifts from the open views from Bole Hill and Owler Tor to shaded woodland paths and the rugged edges of Millstone Edge. At just under 10km with steady elevation, you’ll feel like you worked up an appetite without pushing too far.

The walk finishes at The Grouse Inn, a 17th-century pub with a strong reputation for traditional, home-cooked food and local ales. Reviews consistently highlight the roasts, with one visitor describing the beef roast dinner as “amazing… big portions and reasonably priced”, while another said, “I had the biggest roast I’ve ever had.”

Top tip: Aim for an earlier start, especially on weekends, as this route is popular and parking can fill up quickly.

2. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Walk – 9.68/10

Photo by Chris J Walker on Unsplash

Ripon, England | 9km | 2.5 - 3 hrs | Moderate

The loop passes along the River Skell, through parkland, and into the landscaped water gardens of Studley Royal, where stone bridges, lakes, and follies frame the ruins of Fountains Abbey. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the setting brings scale and history that few walks can match.

There’s plenty to see along the way, from deer grazing in the parkland to ancient trees lining the paths. The terrain ranges from well-maintained tracks to muddier sections, so wearing proper footwear makes a noticeable difference.

The route ends in Ripon at The Royal Oak, an 18th-century coaching inn in the centre of the city. It’s the perfect way to finish a walk steeped in history, and the food lives up to expectations. One review calls it “the best Sunday lunch out we have had in a long time,” while another describes it as a “great Sunday roast.”

Top tip: This is a pay-and-display site, so factor parking into your plans before setting off.

3. Arlington Reservoir – 9.50/10

East Sussex, England | 5.6km | 1.5 - 2 hrs | Moderate

Shorter than many of the other top routes, Arlington Reservoir’s walk is a relaxed, easy-going trail with one of the strongest food payoffs on the list.

With the highest percentage of roast-related reviews in the dataset, the finish at The Yew Tree Inn plays a big role in this walk’s ranking. A village pub that has been serving locals for over a century, it’s known for generous portions and traditional cooking. One visitor praised a “stunning lamb roast, flavoursome and filling,” while another mentioned a “huge roast beef dinner with a sizeable Yorkshire pudding.”

The walking route circles the reservoir, passing through a mix of grassy paths, pastureland, and well-surfaced tracks. Gentle hills keep things interesting without adding too much difficulty, making it a good option for a slower-paced Sunday. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields with grazing sheep and horses, with gates, stiles, and footbridges adding a bit of variety to the route.

Top tip: Take your time on this one, as it’s less about covering distance and more about enjoying a steady walk before settling in for a proper meal.

Planning your walk around the specific route and conditions can make your Sunday far more enjoyable.

Shorter, flatter routes are well suited to lighter footwear, while longer or muddier walks are best done with waterproof walking boots and walking trousers.

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Expert tips for getting the most out of your Sunday stroll

Pacing your day properly can make all the difference, especially when you’re combining a walk with a meal at the end.

One of the most common mistakes is misjudging how long a route will actually take once you factor in the trail type and navigation. What looks like a straightforward two-hour walk can quickly turn into a longer walk, particularly on uneven ground or busier routes.

Footwear plays a big role in that experience. Routes that mix gravel, grass, and muddier sections are far more comfortable in supportive walking boots or shoes with good grip, helping you stay steady and avoid fatigue setting in too early.

The weather can also change quickly, even on shorter routes. A dry start doesn’t always mean a dry finish, so having a lightweight waterproof layer or thermal clothing to hand can keep things comfortable if conditions change.

It’s also worth thinking about how the walk fits around your plans afterwards. Leaving enough time to finish at a relaxed pace means you can arrive ready to enjoy your meal, rather than rushing the last stretch or cutting the route short.

Methodology

We analysed popular UK walking routes that finish within 500 metres of a pub, using data from AllTrails, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps.

Each route was scored based on the following factors:

• Walk review score (10% weighting) sourced from Alltrails

• Pub review score (30% weighting) sourced from Tripadvisor

• Percentage of Tripadvisor reviews mentioning “roast” (40% weighting)

• Total Tripadvisor review volume (10% weighting)

Only routes with at least 300 reviews and a minimum of 10 mentions of roasts were included.

All data is correct as of 2026.