When you have a little time on your hands what could be nicer than a countryside walk that includes a trip to the pub! The Hereford Times walk expert Garth Lawson points us in the right direction.

Hereford Times:

1. The Walwyn Arms in Much Marcle, above
Start and finish at the Walwyn Arms at Much Marcle. A five-mile moderate ramble via country lane and orchard, by Hellens House and a newsworthy church.
With fine views across to the Malverns, we approach the beckoning tower of Saint Bartholomew’s firstly from above, then, as we cross the brook and climb pasture, viewing the full eminence of a medieval church which cradles a Sleeping Beauty.
The Walwyn Arms is a true country pub with log fires, an indoor skittle alley and an outdoor children’s play area. A carvery offers two roast meats, seven days a week, daily specials and fish delivered fresh from Brixham. Specialising in Westons cider and with a selection of draught ales and lagers.

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2. The Crown Inn in Dilwyn, above
Starting on a convivial round from the pivotal Crown Inn in the black and white north Herefordshire village of Dilwyn, we can be musing as we go about the home of Tyrrells Crisps and war memories provoked by the old ramshackle hut which housed Dad’s Army in the Second World War. It’s an easy 3¾ mile walk, completely on quiet, level country lanes and with no stiles or livestock. 
The Crown is a 17th century country pub open seven days a week, noon to 11pm, midnight on Friday and Saturday. Offers traditional country inn style food and drink, and is a real ale pub.

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3. The Loughpool Inn in Sellack, above
Starting at the Loughpool Inn, Sellack, a favoured watering hole for racing connections. A four-mile undulating moderate walk takes us along country lane, field edge and a delightful high level bridle track. For several furlongs it runs parallel with the gallop at Caradoc, with its trusty incline for improving stamina and getting horses ready for “the hill” at Cheltenham. 
A few miles outside Ross The Loughpool combines the hospitality of a traditional country pub with a restaurant featuring high quality local produce. Closed Sunday night and Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm (11pm Friday and Saturday).

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4. The New Inn in Fownhope, above
A 5½ mile moderate ramble from the New Inn in the very attractive west Herefordshire village of Fownhope. There’s a level first half of the route along a beautiful stretch of the Wye and an undulating return via country lane and pasture. 
The New Inn has been a family run country pub for more than 50 years, appreciated by locals for its selection of beers – a large garden and a welcoming interior make it a pub for all seasons. Lunch daily, dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Rambling parties welcome.

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5. The Roast Ox Inn in Painscastle, above
A 4½ mile moderate ramble from the Roast Ox Inn with no stiles or stiff climbs up on to Llanbedr Hill for spectacular views. The journey follows the same unfenced country lane across wild moorland that the so called Martyr of the Storm Rosa Blanche Williams made in 1925.
Tony and Julie welcome you to their dog-friendly pub – it’s believed that there has been an Inn on this site for at least 500 years! Dogs are welcome in the bar area. If you wish to dine with furry friends, though, ensure you book in advance. Closed Mon and Tues.

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6. The Carpenters Arms in Walterstone, above
The remote Carpenters Arms, Walterstone with views across to the Holy Mountain of Skirrid. An easy 2½ mile walk, but with some uneven terrain. It was from here that Rudolf Hess must have gazed at the hill on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains and seen his whole life flashing before him; already tortured by thoughts of suicide, he’d been moved on June 26, 1942 to a hospital below Skirrid, where he remained for the next three years.
The Carpenters Arms has been in the same family for generations. The 300-year-old pub is now run by Vera Watkins, who was born there and has been the landlady since taking over from her mother thirty five years ago. A well stocked bar with a selection of real ales and an extensive choice of local ciders from both sides of the border. Open daily, lunch noon to 2.30pm, dinner, 6-9pm.

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7. The Swan in Hanley Swan, above
A 3½ mile easy walk with six stiles and five footbridges from the Swan Village Inn and Kitchen.
From the pretty village green and duck-pond of Hanley Swan, in the lee of the omnipresent Malvern Hills, we stroll through pasture and along the sylvan bridle path of the aptly named Wood Street. 
Food, drink and en-suite bedrooms if you feel like resting a while longer … open daily, 8am to 11pm. Check their website at thehanleyswaninn.com for sample menus and more information.

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8. Harewood End Inn, above
An easier than moderate four-mile walk on mostly good terrain from the Harewood End Inn. With about nine stiles, straight bridleways, a beautiful wood-lined valley, surprisingly easily attained views, there’s also a chance to pass the Duchy of Cornwall land and St Denis’s Chapel on the left-hand side.
A family run award-winning pub that offers ‘a warm welcome to families, dogs and, of course, muddy boots!’
Open daily, except Mondays, with food served Tuesday to Saturday, from noon to 2pm and 6-9pm, and Sundays, noon to 2pm and 7-9pm. B&B accommodation available (no pets).