The Lake Walker Gallery

• Walks in 1989
• Walks in 1990
• Walks in 1991
• Walks in 1992
• Walks in 1993
• Walks in 1994
• Walks in 1995
• Walks in 1996
• Walks in 1997
• Walks in 1998
• Walks in 1999
• Walks in 2000
• Walks in 2001
• Walks in 2002
• Walks in 2003
• Walks in 2004

Once a week, from Easter to September, an intrepid band of Cumbrian fellwalkers go out on their local hills for the evening. And end up in a pub.

Following some strange compulsion, they give each pub a score and compile a league table over the year. This has gone on for over 25 years and psychiatrists probably have a name for it.

They offer you their findings - make of them what you will. But beware. These are the views of tired, hungry people at the end of a strenuous mountain walk. Don't rely on their views if you're looking for somewhere to have a dainty lunch or a romantic supper. Then again, you never know.

Each pub gets rated on four things:

Food out of 30

Beer out of 30

Atmosphere out of 30

Service out of 10

Food has to be a cooked main course, preferably available up to 9pm. Some team members like a pudding, too. Points go to quality, adequate quantity and range of choice.

Real ale is required as standard. Again, points are for quality and choice.

Atmosphere means the surroundings in general, including furniture and decor. Points go to places where you can feel at ease in a group and enjoy relaxed conversation.

Service points are for courteous and efficient service and a warm welcome.

Scoring is completely subjective and has no scientific basis at all. This lot are notoriously hard to impress - 20 out of 30 is hard-earned. They always visit anonymously and agree the scores the following week.

The walks are designed to get up the high fells (normally 2500-3000 feet), walk some tops and get down again, all between 5pm and last orders for supper. So they are fast-paced and allow little time for sightseeing.

If you want to try any these walks yourself, you might like to allow longer. Be sure to wear proper fell boots, carry extra food, warm clothing and waterproofs. Take a map and compass and know how to use them. Things can look OK from the valley but high wind, cold driving rain and thick fog can greet you unexpectedly on the top.

If you're not used to the fells, try a gentler walk at lower levels and finish up in the pub anyway!

All text, pub scores and page design on this site are copyright © The Lakewalker. You're welcome to use it but you may not alter it in any way. So no falsifying the scores for your pub!

If you think this site infringes your copyright in any way, please tell the Lakewalker.