AT this time of year, there is nothing better than getting out into the countryside to explore in the crisp autumn air.

The leaves are starting to turn brown, the nights are becoming darker and the heat of Cumbria's late summer is beginning to fade away.

After a long walk or a ride out on the bike, it's always good to get warm by a fire and have a drink or two. 

Across the north of the county, there is an abundance of friendly, homely, warm country pubs where you can kick back and relax. 

Firstly is the Shepherd's Arms Hotel at Ennerdale Bridge in West Cumbria. This pub is the idyllic country inn and is just a mile or so away from Ennerdale Water, one of the Lake District's most rural lakes. 

The venue which also operates as a hotel, catering to people doing the Coast to Coast route, serves a range of local ales and homemade traditional food. 

Next on our list is The Drover's Rest Inn at Monkhill. Located just five miles outside of Carlisle, the pub has a quaint village setting and is situated on the Hadrian's Wall route. 

Third on our list is The Wild Duck at Branthwaite. The pub serves a range of traditional home-cooked food and is incredibly popular in West Cumbria. 

Former Top Gear star Richard Hammond visited the pub this year. 

The pub has traditional decor in keeping with its history and serves a range of food and drink. 

Next up is The Countryman Pub and Restaurant in Lamplugh which is a rather new installment to the West Cumbrian restaurant scene. 

The venue is growing increasingly popular and serves a range of food and drink. 

Finally there is the Pheasant Inn at Cumwhitton - described by the owners as "blessed with a landscape of great beauty and tranquility, with rolling hills and winding rivers that create incredible routes for walkers and cyclists alike." It has a selection of quality wines and well-kept real ales, and a superb restaurant.

Let us know if any of these are a favourite of yours or if we've missed any that you enjoy from our list.