AFTER a hard day on the hill, there’s nothing to match the first well-deserved slurp of a cool beer in the friendly surroundings of a proper Lakeland pub.

We want you to help us savour that magic moment and celebrate the best walkers’ pubs in Cumbria by taking part in the search for Lakeland Walker’s Pub of the Year.

We’re looking for friendly pubs close to good hiking country where weary walkers are assured of a warm welcome – even if they’re wearing muddy boots and dripping wet waterproofs.

On its own, a stunning selection of a dozen obscure real ales won’t be enough to take the title; nor will gastronomic endeavours worthy of a mention in the Michelin Guide or trendy designer décor.

But a choice of well-kept local ales, reasonably priced home-cooked food making the most of local produce and a roaring log fire could, however, get you pretty close, while a fantastic location at the head of the valley or the foot of the fell might just clinch it.

We’ll use the nomination to compile a shortlist that our judges will then evaluate to determine the winners of each of three categories plus the overall winner.

The winners will be revealed in the next issue of Lakeland Walker magazine – out in September – so get your nominations in and reserve your next copy to see if your Lakeland ‘local’ is in the running!

To nominate your favourite pub for Lakeland Walker Pub of the Year simply tell us why you think your chosen pub should win (100 words max).

Let us know what ales are on offer. Is food available? What are the best dishes? Do they do anything especially for walkers?

You can email your entry to editorial@lakeland-walker.com