How do you prefer to reward yourself after a good hike: going out for dinner, a cup of coffee with cake or a drink in the pub? Walking and eating go well together, especially when you follow a great culinary walk! So, in this post, we discuss 5 hikes for foodies. For example, taste whisky in Scotland, visit a real English farmers market or take a culinary city walk in Northern Ireland. Which of these options is your favorite?
1. Scottish cuisine – Top restaurants in Glasgow
Before you embark on the challenging long-distance walk on the West Highland Way, take a moment to enjoy the gastronomic offerings in Glasgow.
Take part in a culinary city walk or visit one of the many top restaurants in the Scottish city.
In The Ubiquitous Chip, for example, you will find excellent examples of contemporary Scottish cuisine. A little more exotic is The Hanoi Bike Shop‘s Vietnamese menu , a colorful place with a casual atmosphere. Think of the dishes as tapas: the food comes in no particular order when it is ready.
At Mother India you can eat the best Indian in Glasgow – or maybe even Scotland. Forget everything you know about Indian food, the dishes here are a mix of modern Indian recipes with a Scottish twist.
2. Galway Coffee Trail – A caffeine boost in one or two days
The bustling coastal town of Galway is a great pre-base for walks in the unique limestone landscape of the Burren and the rugged hiking trails of Connemara in Western Ireland.
With many restaurants, pubs and cafes, this area is arguably the best place in Ireland for a culinary stroll.
For example, stay an extra night in Galway to taste the best coffee in Ireland.
The Galway Coffee Trail is a culinary city walk along the best cafes.
See how the perfect espresso is made, where the tastiest beans come from and what the most atmospheric streets of Galway are.
Set the pace yourself and complete the route in one or two days.
3. Cumbria Farmers Market – Local produce from the farmer
When planning a walk on the historically walking path along Hadrian’s Wall, it pays to coincide with the overnight stay in Carlisle with the Cumbria Farmers Market.
A farmers’ market like this takes place twice a month in Carlisle. Local farmers (no further than 50 kilometers from the market) are allowed to sell their products here.
And they are not disappointing: the Cumbria region is known as a culinary hotspot in England! You will find products such as Cumberland sausage, spicy gingerbread, local gin and lamb that has been grazed on salt marshes.
4. Speyside Malt Whisky Trail – The best of the Scottish malt
A culinary walk does not have to be all about food, of course.
The diverse Great Glen Way ends near the Speyside Way Whisky Trail, considered by many to be the mecca of Scotch whisky.
About half of all Scottish single malt whisky is produced in this region.
Dozens of distilleries are scattered, each with its own history and unique recipe. Book an organized tour of several days, or make your own list of your favorite distilleries.
5. Belfast food tour – Culinary city walk in Northern Ireland
Not many people think of culinary delights when it comes to Belfast.
However, this up-and-coming destination is a perfect place for foodies.
Combine our impressive Antrim Glens & Coastline hike with a visit to the best restaurants and traditional bars in the Northern Ireland capital.
During a culinary city walk through Belfast you will taste dozens of different products, while you learn about the turbulent history of the city.
Good preparation for the multi-day coastal walk – or a great reward afterwards!
Bonus Culinary Walk: Camino Frances – Galician Food
Galicia is home to last and most popular section of the Camino Frances and also to some of the best delicacies in Spain.
From the famous Torta de Santiago to the traditional octopus dish Pulpo á Feira, there is something for every foodie.
Read more about the food of Galicia in our blog post on 6 Delicious Galician Food You Need To Try.
