May 16, 2024
Discover the Best Dog-Friendly Walks or even if you don’t have a dog
We do have a dog so know the joys of him exploring new territory and here is one we are going to do shortly:
Friston Forest, East Sussex
Part of the South Downs National Park, Friston Forest has one of the best views in England.
From the car park, follow the South Downs Way past towering beech woods to Friston Pond, then scamper uphill. Hop over the stile and take in the spectacular sweep of Cuckmere Haven, the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and the River Cuckmere as it snakes down to the sea.
Dog friendly place to stay. The Star Alfriston (BB doubles from £230)
Budle Bay to Bamburgh, Northumberland
Viking-defying fortresses, bumpy dunes and endless wide, flat sands all feature during a romp along the Northumberland coast — as does some terrific scenery.
Start in Budle Bay, part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, which attracts shags, puffins and guillemots flying over from the Farne Islands. Walk past a small, rectangular lighthouse down the coast to the medieval castle of Bamburgh before circling back (walkingbritain.co.uk) and keep your hounds on a lead when passing by the seal colony at Ravenscar.
Dog friendly place to stay. Beadnell Towers The Wynding Beadnell (BB doubles from £159)
Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Water, Cumbria
Having inspired artists, authors and poets for centuries, the Lake District is certainly not short of a scene-stealing vista or five.
Few are finer than that of Rydal Water seen from Wordsworth’s Seat, a rocky outcrop on the western banks of the lake. Four-legged fell walkers can pause there during a six-mile circular following Loughrigg Fell to Rydal Cave. Starting with a steep climb from the Rydal Road car park, it’s an easy meander through the pretty Rothay Valley and along Rydal Water’s rust-coloured banks for that view.
Dog friendly place to stay. Rydall Hall, Ambleside (BB Doubles from £100 or eco-pods from £45)
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Sweeping around a grassy stretch of the North Yorkshire coast, there are serious big-sky views across Robin Hood’s Bay.
Sample a snippet of that 190-mile trek by starting in Ravenscar and following the rugged clifftop Cleveland Way stretch over to South Cheek for the best bay view.
Dog friendly place to stay. Raithwaitesandsend (BB Doubles from £182)
Steall Falls, Highland
While Highland hounds may be a bit blasé when it comes to scenic walks, even the most nonchalant will wag their tails during this tramp to Steall Falls.
At 390ft this is Scotland’s second highest waterfall. Park at Glen Nevis and follow the rocky path through the heather-strewn wilds of Nevis Gorge, where pooches can happily gambol along off-lead, before splashing about in Steall’s shallows.
Dog friendly place to stay. Glencoe Inn (BB Doubles from £179)
Conic Hill Scotland
Conic Hill despite is modest height offers a superb panorama of Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.
The large free car park adjacent to Balmaha Visitor Centre provides a convenient start and the route follows the West Highland Way so navigational problems are non-existent. The path crosses moorland and ascends the summit of Conic Hill (361 m).
Dog friendly place to stay. Portnellian has lodges and cottages on Loch Lomond. There is a minimum 4 night stay but is a good base from which to explore. If you fall in love with the place, they have lodges and cottages for sale.
Pen y Fan, Powys
Razor-edged peaks, flat-top cliffs and infinite views across the Taf Fechan Valley . . . you can’t beat a romp up Pen y Fan.
Rising to 2,900ft above sea level, it’s not only the highest peak in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons), but also the most accessible. For dogs with low energy levels there’s a gentle, four-mile circular route from the Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre, about halfway up.
Dog friendly place to stay. Peterstone Court (BB Doubles from £170)
The Camel Trail, Cornwall
With beaches, toytown fishing harbours and craggy granite coves all linked by the South West Coast Path, Cornwall has some of the most scenic dog walks in the country.
The Camel Trail follows a disused railway line for 18 miles through Bodmin Moor, Wadebridge and Padstow. Largely traffic free (although attracts plenty of cyclists), it has wide flat paths for dogs to scamper along and spectacular views of the Camel estuary.
Dog friendly place to stay. St Enodoc Hotel, Wadebridge (BB Doubles from £170)
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
An impressive 186-mile stretch of dog-friendly walking, encompassing some of the most stunning coastal landscapes in the UK with spectacular views.
The path passes through picturesque towns and villages, historic sites, and beautiful sandy beaches, providing plenty of scenic views and the chance for your dog to stretch their legs and explore. Be sure to check local beach restrictions during peak seasons, as some areas may require dogs to be kept on a lead.
Dog friendly places to say. If you want something different try Coolstays which has a variety of accommodation, cabins, lodges, dome tents, shepherds huts as well as cottages and hotels.
Cotswold Way
A 102-mile-long walking route that takes in the most beautiful scenery and rolling countryside of the Cotswolds.
This dog-friendly trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, from ancient woodlands to historic market towns and picturesque villages. With plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options along the way, a dog walk on the Cotswold Way is an excellent choice for a walking holiday with your four-legged friend.
Dog friendly places to stay. Explore the Cotswolds has a good selection of places depending on which part of the walk you want to do.
Norfolk Coastal Path
A 62.5-mile-long trail that stretches along the beautiful North Norfolk coastline.
This dog-friendly walk offers a mix of stunning views, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and charming coastal villages for you and your dog to explore. With dog-friendly accommodations and eateries along the route, you can enjoy a leisurely walking holiday with your furry friend in tow.
Dog friendly places to stay. Petspjamas have a list of any type of accommodation you might want and for any UK dog walking destinations.
Peak District Mam Tor
There are any number of great walks in the Peak District. This one is a 7.9-km out-and-back trail near Castleton, Derbyshire.
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
Dog friendly places to stay. Petspjamas for a range of accommodation.
The Gower Peninsula Wales
An Area of Outstanding National Beauty with a range of dog-friendly walks to suit all abilities.
With its beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque countryside, the Gower Peninsula is a fantastic destination for a dog-friendly walking holiday. Some popular dog walks around in the area include the Gower Coast Path, the walk from Rhossili Bay to Worm’s Head, and the Three Cliffs Bay Circular Walk.
Visit Wales has a full range of dog friendly accommodation for anywhere in Wales.
If you have a suggestion for a great dog walk, then we would love to hear from you.
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