Notice all the different styles of building of cottages and country houses as you travel along. Going on a pub trail is such an added value expedition, with opportunities for stopping off and exploring pretty villages, their churches, memorials and landmarks.

Many of our pubs are steeped in history, are busy village meeting places and in addition are known for fine repast. So why not enjoy a walk before you return to your chosen pub which may have the added attraction of a refreshing beer from the barrel from a Dorset brewery as a reward for your efforts?

One of the benefits for those who make a pastime of visiting pubs for meals, whether for a simple but delicious ploughman’s or a leisurely dining feast, is that many of them are now are serving what can fairly be called gourmet restaurant fare alongside good, traditional pub meals. Some are concentrating where possible on using mostly locally-reared produce including lamb, beef, pork, chicken and game. And quite naturally all of this increased competition means standards go up and up which is great for us, the punters.

While it’s always good to book ahead if you know for sure which pub you’re going to stop at, even on weekday lunchtimes, for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it tends to be vital these days to ensure a table at the pub of your choice. It is also helpful to the chefs and other staff to know roughly how many will be in for each meal. One chef at a popular rural hostelry told us recently that on a weekday he may be expecting just six people who have booked but 60 turn up, which makes it really difficult to give the best of service at all times.

So you have your map, you’ve chosen a route and you’re set to go exploring, and to help find a pub along the way see our Click2Find Restaurant and Pub Guide.