Television's queen of walking Julia Bradbury has stepped up to back a pub group that's encouraging people to enjoy being outdoors with new, self-guided Walk Inn breaks.

Celebrating the nation's rekindled love for walking - and its fondness for the great British pub - The Inn Collection Group's Walk Inn breaks combine the best of an idyllic inn stay with self-guided walking routes in some of the UK's best-loved walking destinations.

Television presenter and co-founder of online resource The Outdoor Guide, Julia Bradbury is famous for sharing her enthusiasm for walking, which, she says, goes hand in hand with pubs.

Said Julia: “Pubs and walking – they're two great British institutions and together are a match made in heaven.

“Now that there's an end in sight to travel restrictions with UK pub stays set to resume from May 17th, we're all looking forward to a change of scenery and what better way to experience this than pulling on your walking boots and setting off to explore some of the best scenery the UK has to offer – while staying in a pub.

“I can't wait to be heading out on a trail which will end at a welcoming, family friendly pub, where I know grand grub and my favourite drink will be waiting for me – just the perfect combination after a day's walking.

She added: “With light at the end of the tunnel for lockdown restrictions easing, now's the perfect time to plan where and what we'll be doing when we can. Local businesses like our pubs and the network of food and drink producers who supply them need our support right now, which is why I'm delighted to be stepping forward with The Inn Collection Group and their Walk Inn breaks.”

With another staycation boom on the horizon following lockdown restrictions lifting alongside Brexit, many of us are already planning an outdoor adventure in the UK.

Data released by VisitEngland[1] in their latest COVID-19 consumer sentiment tracker wave revealed a further rise in the number of people intending to take part in outdoor activities such as walking or cycling when travel restrictions ease. It also showed an added uplift in people's intentions to visit outdoor areas including mountains, beaches and trails.

Kate Bentley is rooms director for The Inn Collection Group. She said: “We have seen a surge of demand for outdoor breaks which market intelligence from VisitEngland also confirms.

“People are looking forward to being able to enjoy the freedom and wellness benefits of being outdoors and experiencing somewhere new once travel restrictions are lifted.

“Walking ambassadors like Julia, along with our newfound connection to walking built through lockdown, has rekindled a love of the outdoors and walking for so many of us.

“Our Walk Inn breaks will encourage people of all walking abilities to discover new places and scenery that is literally on the doorstep of our inns when domestic pub stays resume from May 17th, with the reassurance of our flexible cancellation policy and full refund guarantee so people can book with peace of mind knowing there is nothing to pay until they arrive. Our 'Inn Safe Hands' policy includes no quibble, full refunds within seven days as a result of closure.”

She added: “We have a such a diverse collection of pubs in locations handpicked for their USP – whether that's on the sea front in Northumberland, close to vast moors in North Yorkshire or surrounded by magnificent fells in the Lakes. One thing they all have in common is their access to an array of walking routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities.”

Running until 31 October 2021, Walk Inn breaks include a welcome drink on arrival, two-course dinner on your first night, two night's bed and breakfast, a pack of 20 Ordinance Survey walks plus a hearty packed lunch as well as the reassurance of free cancellations, nothing to pay until you arrive and a full refund within seven days in the event of closure.

Also included is a free boot clean or access to wash down, drying and cleaning facilities. And if you're planning to take a four-legged friend, dogs stay free of charge on Walk Inn getaways[2].

Prices start from £125 per person for two nights, based on two sharing a double or twin room, offering a saving of up to £40 per person.

For more information visit www.inncollectiongroup.com