Winning tip: The Old Station, Monmouthshire
This charming tea room is situated in an old Victorian railway waiting room. It is situated on the banks of the River Wye with stunning views across the Wye Valley. It serves local produce and home-baked cakes to die for – you must try the lavender cake. The Wye Valley Walk passes through its grounds, with Offa’s Dyke just on the ridge above.
Tintern, near Chepstow, 01291 689566, tinternvillage.co.uk
Ciderstez
Yarde Orchard Cafe, Devon
Yarde Orchard Cafe is in just the right spot on the Tarka Trail to make the trip worthwhile. It uses predominantly local, seasonal, fair trade and organic ingredients for a great range of really tasty food and drink. Don’t miss the chocolate brownies: they really are the best I’ve ever tasted.
East Yarde, Torrington, 01805 601778, yarde-orchard.co.uk
JimSellick
Dandelion Cafe, Isle of Wight
A friendly welcome awaits you here after a bracing walk over Tennyson Down to view the Needles. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, a bowl of soup or some homemade lasagne. There are spectacular views, and you can take a swim in the outdoor pool.
Freshwater Bay, 01983 753854, dandelioncafe.co.uk
Ian Blackhouse
Grindleford Station Cafe, Peak District
This Peak District institution is a great base for walks around Hathersage, Padley Gorge and Burbage Edge. Food is traditional greasy-spoon fare, with pints of tea, and its own spring water. Humorously stern handwritten notes instruct customers on which serving hatches to look through and the distance to stand from the open fires.
Upper Padley, Derbyshire, 01433 631011
David Heller
Causey House Tea Room, County Durham
Where can you find the world’s oldest railway bridge, one of the oldest working steam railways, walks of all lengths in the Beamish valley and beyond, and a wonderful cafe? A warm welcome with delicious homemade cakes and snacks, especially the chocolate cake. Excellent value.
Causey Arch Picnic Area, Marley Hill, County Durham, 07813 673625
Pauline Butler
Wiveton Cafe, Holt, Norfolk
The Wiveton Cafe sits on a rise overlooking the north Norfolk Coast Path and salt marshes near Blakeney. It’s in an airy converted shed on a fruit farm and has colourful tables spilling on to the sunny yard. Inside there are mini exhibitions by local artists. The food, from the farm and nearby growers, is fresh, and portions generous.
01263 740525, wivetonhall.co.uk
outdoorgirl
The Old School Room Tea Shop, Ambleside, Cumbria
At the foot of the Fairfield Horseshoe, the Old School Room Tea Shop sits on the Coffin Trail from Ambleside to Grasmere and is the perfect destination for a short ramble from either village, or as a reward after the classic 10-mile high route round the Horseshoe.
Rydal, Ambleside, 015394 32050, rydalhall.org
Vicky Ward
Pen-y-ghent Cafe, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire
Below the majestic peak/fell of Pen-y-ghent, this cafe is often the starting point for people tackling the Three Peaks Challenge. There is a clocking-in system, which functions to say, “You did it!” as well as to make sure you get back safe. It has a walkers’ atmosphere, a great location, and tasty food for the all important refuelling. Simply great.
01729 860333, horton-in-ribblesdale.com
Unguarded
The Potting Shed, Aviemore, Inverness-shire
Specialist in the post-walk essentials of sugar and caffeine, this place does tea or coffee, and cake. Only cake. But it’s cake to make any weary walker’s heart leap. In summer there are tables dotted around the gardens; in winter a woodfired stove adds to the warmth.
Inshriach Nursery, 01540 651287, inshriachnursery.co.uk
Jenny_G
Apple Tree Cafe, Cornwall
Between Sennen Cove and the hidden Nanjizal beach, the Apple Tree Cafe is great for walkers along west Cornwall’s remote wild coast. Helen and her team whip up feasts based on local and seasonal produce, indulgent cakes and homemade bread.
Trevescan, Penzance, Cornwall, 01736 872753
Bertie03
