Country pubs now 'too posh for ramblers wearing muddy boots who just want a sandwich and half a pint of beer'
A refreshing pint at the pub is just want every rambler looks forward to - but many hikers now feel their local pub is 'too posh' for their muddy boots.
The rise of gastropubs with immaculate carpets, pristine furniture and menus fit to rival the best of fine dining venues has led to a sense of unease among walkers, horse riders and cyclists, according to Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society.
Where once it did not matter how they were dressed, gastropubs have all but become a place where ramblers fear to tread - and many now carry plastic bags with them to cover their boots.
Local pint: Prime Minister David Cameron and his family are frequent visitors to The Plough in Cadesden, Buckinghamshire, which says it is not 'too posh' and welcomes walkers
Thirst quencher: David Cameron is among the rich and famous spotted enjoying a pint at rural pubs
Gone too are the days of simple sandwiches or pie and mash, with many customers now having to select from a far more elaborate menu.
Miss Ashbrook, who lives in Turville, Bucks, told The Daily Telegraph: 'I'm not saying pubs shouldn't do fine dining, but let's have a place where walkers can go and you don't have to take your boots off.'
The rise of the gastropub, which was virtually unheard of ten years ago, has certainly helped to raise the standard of pubs across the country and indeed, even helped many a struggling establishment to turn its fortunes.
It has proliferated in places like the picturesque Chilterns, west of London, which is popular with the rich and famous, including David Cameron.
His official residence, Chequers, is just a stone's throw away from such places as The Plough at Cadsden, where he has been spotted with his family in recent times. That particular pub says it welcomes walkers.
Gastropubs have also sprung up in the Cotswolds, home to the 'Chipping Norton set', which includes Mr Cameron, Rebekah Brooks and Jeremy Clarkson.
Walk right in: The Crooked Billet in Henley-on-Thames also welcomes ramblers
The Crooked Billet, in Stoke Row, near Henley-on-Thames, has earned a reputation as one of the top food pubs in the Chilterns and was chosen by Kate Winslet for her wedding reception in 1998.
Other famous customers include Kylie Minogue, Kenneth Branagh and Rowan Atkinson.
Pub owner Paul Clerehugh said there was in fact a 'good mixture' of different pubs in the area and The Crooked Billet was not too posh for ramblers.
Boots made for walking: Many ramblers feel their muddy wellies are no longer welcome at gastropubs
He added: 'I'm quite sure there will be some Michelin-starred pubs in the area that would be happy to serve them, but they might have to take their wellies off.
'But I think our customers would be a little miffed if the food offering was just sandwiches.'
Based in Henley-on-Thames, The Open Spaces Society is Britain's oldest national conservation body.