Our Top Six Autumn Dog Walks

There’s nothing to beat a bracing Autumn walk with your best furry friend in tow. We have selected some of our favourite dog walks around the country with great dog-friendly places to stay nearby.
 
All you need to do is pack up your walking boots, waterproofs and wellies ready to take to the hills and explore the most fabulous scenery, picture postcard villages, forests, parkland, mountains, nature reserves, and Areas of Outstanding beauty – some close to home and others a little further a field. Just grab your dog and go!


Surrey


 

Roehampton Gate to Richmond Gate, Richmond Park, Surrey

 

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London with 2,500 acres to explore. There are hills, woods and lakes and it’s teeming with wildlife and home to 650 deer.
 
Start your walk at Roehampton Gate, where there is a free car park and charming cafe, heading in the direction of Richmond Gate. The walk is approximately 45 minutes and takes you over a small bridge and past a series of small lakes and East Sheen Gate to Richmond Gate.
 
At  Richmond Gate come out of the park and walk down Kingston Hill to super stylish and dog-friendly Petersham Nurseries which is down a small turn to the right. Turn down this path passing the church until you reach the Nurseries. Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch or slice of homemade cake in a wonderfully dog-friendly atmosphere.
 
Length of walk: 2 miles each way plus short walk to Petersham Nurseries 
Time: 50 minutes each way 
Difficulty: Moderate

 

Stay at:  The Kingston Lodge Hotel or The Merry Harriers

 

Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in Surrey. 

 


Suffolk


 

Westleton village to Dunwich beach, Suffolk

 

This is a magical walk which will eventually lead you to the fabulously dog-friendly Dunwich beach – a huge stretch of sandy beach your dog will adore. The walk is stunning, leaving from Westleton village. It takes you through Westleton Common, Dunwich Woods and the Suffolk coastal path and your dog will love the chance to roam free across all the different terrain.
 
You will pass though Minsmere nature reserve with a view of the lakes and eventually to reach the Suffolk coastal path where you will see signs to the historic town of Dunwich. Stop for a spot of lunch at The Ship Hotel or head to Dunwich beach for fish and ships on the beach.

Length of Walk: 6 miles or take the circular walk which is 3 and a half miles each way
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

 

Stay at: The Westleton Crown at Westleton or The Ship at Dunwich

 

Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in Suffolk

 



Lake District


 

Walk up to Hallin Fell, Martindale  – a local fell with Panoramic Views

 

The Lake District is full of amazing fell walks – this circular walk above Howtown with beautiful views over mountains and valleys is one the Wainwright’s favourites.
 
Park opposite St Peter’s Church at the foot of Hallin Fell. From there follow a wide grassy path which has some slightly steeper sections straight to the top of the Fell. When you reach the summit of the fell you will be rewarded with fabulous panoramic views of the Ullswater area and beyond.
 
A circuit is made of the fell’s upper reaches before descending back down to the hause. A second smaller circuit then passes around the church to offer views across Howtown, the slopes of Pikewassa/Steel Fell and a visit to Lanty’s Tarn.
 
A visit may also be made to the church. Afterwards reward yourself with a fabulous tea at the gorgeous, dog-friendly Sharrow Bay Hotel.

Length of walk: 1 3/4 miles
Time: 1 hour (ascent and descent)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Stay at: Hause Hall or Stag Cottage on the Rowley Estates
 


Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in the Lake District 

 

 

The Cotswolds


 

Walk to Broadway Tower, Cotswolds

 

One of the best walks in the Cotswolds is the walk up to Broadway Tower, an enchanting folly and the Cotswolds highest castle for breathtaking views.

The walk will lead you and your furry friend through the picturesque high street of Broadway before hiking along the historic tracks up to the Tower which welcomes doggie visitors!

Here you can both enjoy the spectacular views across the Severn Vale into Wales. There’s also a visitor centre and a fabulous dog-friendly cafe – Morris & Brown cafe at the top.

Length of walk: 4 miles
Time: 2½ -3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, best suited to walkers and their pets who can handle the few steep sections and stiles.

 

Stay at: Cotswold View and Shepherd’s Cottage in Gloucestershire, or The Lygon Arms in Worcestershire. 

 

Explore our full collection of dog-friendly Cotswolds holidays




Scotland

 

 

Coulin Resort walk – Torridon

 

The Torridon Hills in Scotland offer the most fantastic walks, with beautiful lochs, rolling hills and stunning scenery throughout. There are plenty of walks to choose from at every level and the Torridon Hotel even offer guided walks of the area. 

One of the easiest walks is the walk around Coulin Resort, which passes by Loch Clair and around Loch Coulin. This walk is simple and flat but if offers spectacular views of Beinn Eighe and Liathach across the waters. 

Length of walk: 5 and a half miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Stay at: The Gairloch Hotel or the Coal House Hotel, both in the Scottish Highlands



Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in the Scottish Highlands




East Sussex

 

 

Rye to Camber. Approximately 45 minutes to the sea/1 hour to the beach.

 

Medieval coastal town Rye is not only super-dog friendly but has some wonderful dog-friendly walks to the beach. Here is one of our favourites: 
 
Leave Rye walking along New Road, pass Rye Bay Fish and cross the bridge.
Turn immediately right at the end of the bridge and either choose to walk along the banks of the River Rother or straight ahead through the fields towards Camber.
 
Both are completely flat and easy for everyone. If the weather’s fine head for Camber Beach, a wide expanse of sandy beach and coffee from the Kit Kat Cafe. Or, you could just do the loop along the river and back which will take about one hour in total rather than two hours if you return to Rye.

Length of walk: 4.3 miles
Time: 2 hours there and back
Difficulty: Easy



Explore our full selection of dog-friendly holidays in East Sussex

  • You may also like
  • Most popular articles

A Family for Amelie

Sam Robinson of ‘The Cross’ boutique talks about life with her gorgeous Staffie-cross rescue dog, Amelie

read more
  • Top categories
  • Top tags
  • Sign up for our newsletter