On a lazy Sunday afternoon, is there anything better than sitting down to a roast lunch? And what better way to earn your lunch than getting out on the National Cycle Network for a cycle or walk. We've asked our teams across the country for their recommended places to stop and eat on the Network.
The Magdalen Arms in Oxford is one of our favourite places to eat near to the National Cycle Network. ©Lisa Made It
1. Route 622 - Preston Guild Wheel
The Continental, Preston
Situated on the banks of the Ribble, just a brief walk away from the city centre and adjacent to picturesque parkland, The Continental boasts a great location with lovely views.
An award-winning pub that serves restaurant-quality, fresh food.
2. The Trans Pennine Trail (West)
The Waggon & Horses, Oxspring, South Yorkshire
The Waggon & Horses prides itself on the quality of locally-sourced ingredients throughout their menu.
Sunday is roast-day (naturally), but this cosy and intimate pub also has themed nights throughout the week.
3. Viking Coastal Trail
The King Ethelbert Inn, Reculver, Kent
Close to this scenic coastal cycle route is The King Ethelbert Inn in Reculver. Steeped in history and nature, the King Ethelbert is close to the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.
The area also teems with wildlife, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether visitors are here for history, outdoor activities, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, a visit to this family-owned pub offers the perfect way to spend the day.
4. Harby to Lincoln
Doddington Hall, Doddington, Lincolnshire
The beautiful Doddington Hall estate and garden (of which there are five acres) includes not only a restaurant, cafe and coffee shop but also an on-site bike shop.
The restaurant is a firm favourite with locals as well as visitors from further afield, and on a Sunday it serves local Doddington herd Lincoln Red roast beef.
We've asked our teams across the country for their recommended places to stop and eat on the Network. ©Jonathan Bewley
5. Route 66
Kirkstall Bridge Inn, Leeds
Located near the ancient ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and conveniently situatied just off the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Kirkstall Bridge Inn is well-known in Leeds for its superb Sunday roasts.
There's a large beer garden that overlooks the River Aire - made internationally famous during a storm - but now with flood defences firmly in place.
6. Alban Way
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Having partnered with food writer and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his River Cottage team, Hatfield House offers great food from light-bites to full three-course seasonal meals.
Other routes our regional team recommended near to Hatfield House include the Hertfordshire Greenways (Wheathampstead to Ware) and the Great North Way.
7. The Strawberry Line
The Railway Inn, Sandford, Somerset
This traditional country pub in the heart of a Somerset village offers expertly-executed food and is always busy, so you may have to book ahead (which is usually a good sign for any eatery).
Why not enjoy a cycle or walk through the Thatchers Orchards before stopping off for lunch or a refreshing drink.
8. Route 57
The Magdalen Arms, Oxford
This very popular pub on the Iffley Road in Oxford has a reputation for great food and service all within a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for groups of friends or the whole family.
Serving up hearty, unpretentious meals with a variety of sharing platters (if you are a fan of sharing that is), all ideal for a Sunday lunch.
On the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Route 49. ©Jonathan Bewley
9. Thames Valley
The Isis Farmhouse, Oxford
The Isis Farmhouse is ideally located on the banks of the River Thames, just a short walk from the centre of Oxford.
With large gardens at the front and back of the pub and beautiful riverside and meadow views, it certainly feels off the beaten track.
There's even entertainment, including live music on Sunday evenings - a great way to finish off your weekend if you want to hang about after your lunch.
10. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Torfaen
If you need to re-charge your batteries while exploring the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal route, this family-run establishment is a great place to stop.
As well as classic Sunday lunch fare (with a number of vegetarian options), you can also grab light bites and baguettes.
11. Pontypool to Blaenavon
The Little Crown, Wainfelin, Torfaen
In an area rich in industrial heritage, this inn and restaurant pays tribute with rooms named after local collieries.
The Sunday lunch offering boasts locally-sourced produce with vegetarian options (and vegan on request).
It’s ideally situated close to the Pontypool to Blaenavon route.
12. Lon Las Menai
The Anglesey Arms, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
After a day spent walking or cycling along the glorious Menai Straits, a Sunday roast at this cosy pub in historic Caernarfon is just the ticket.
Serving fresh seasonal food, the Arms also has an outside dining area to enjoy – weather permitting.
On the Union Canal in Edinburgh.
13. Union Canal (Edinburgh to Falkirk)
The Bridge Inn, Ratho, Edinburgh
There are many good reasons to walk or cycle the seven miles down The Union Canal from Edinburgh to Ratho, and The Bridge Inn is definitely one of them.
The staff of this community pub situated on the canal prepare their own homegrown vegetables and home-bred pork in their menu.
14. Route 76
The Waterside Bistro, Haddington, East Lothian
A family-run business on the banks of the River Tyne, this restaurant serves well-presented bistro classics and sharing platters as well as freshly sourced seafood.
15. Lochs and Glens North
The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore
Sitting on the banks of the River Spey, on the edge of Cairngorms National Park, this converted riverside cottage is a relaxed, cosy and candlelit setting where all are welcome to enjoy the fresh and delicious menu.
As well as offering traditional dishes, there is also an ever-changing vegan menu.
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