As the days become longer and brighter, we’ve picked out our favourite doggy walking destinations that are sure to get tails wagging. From spectacular lakeside strolls in the Lake District to beautiful beach walks in Cornwall, here are our top dog walking holiday picks for humans and furry friends that just love exploring the great outdoors.
Lake District
One of the most popular dog-friendly holiday destinations, the Lake District is home to some of the most spectacular walking trails in the country. Surrounded as it is by fabulous scenery, rugged fell mountains to trek, from Cat Bells to Scafell Pike, and with plenty of places for water-loving pups to paddle, the Lake District is the perfect place for a dog-friendly adventure with your best furry friend.
Our favourite dog walks
Windermere
The largest natural lake in the Lake District National Park and England, Windermere is a long thin lake at 10.5 miles long and one mile wide.
Take the lakeshore path from Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station, where you’ll enjoy stunning views across the lake. When it’s time for a pit stop, you and your four-legged friend can pop into the dog-friendly café in the Courtyard, with lots of tasty dog treats on the menu as well as a refreshing water bowl.
Eskdale Valley
The Eskdale Valley is a true gem of the Lake District, offering natural beauty in abundance. Home to rolling hills, the glistening River Esk, the magnificent Scafell mountain range, and Stanley force – a spectacular, 60-foot-high waterfall, there’s so much for you and your curious canine to explore.
Head to Dalegarth Station and you’ll discover a route full of narrow footbridges, ghyll crossings, gorges and majestic woodlands. Keep following the path and you’ll eventually stumble across the waterfall. You can even hop on the dog-friendly La’al Ratty steam train and take a scenic ride through the impossibly picturesque valley.
Peak District
The second destination on our list is the absolute doggy paradise that is the Peak District. England’s first national park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Peak District is home to some absolutely breathtaking countryside, featuring windswept moorlands, wild woodlands, riverside rambles and mystical caves. Offering plenty of riverside trails, hillside hikes and scenic strolls, the Peak District landscape is a wonderful place for a dog-friendly walking holiday.
Our favourite dog walks
Bakewell to Chatsworth
Bakewell, of course, famous for its delicious treat, and Chatsworth famous for inspiring Pride and Prejudice, are both fabulous places to visit – and superb dog walking spots!
Roughly 9.6km long, this delightful route starts at Bakewell and takes you through beautiful meadows, Manners Wood, the River Derwent and leads up to the infamous Chatsworth House. Your best furry friend can enjoy galloping around the fields, sniffing out the mystical woodlands and paddling in the river. There’s also a dog-friendly cafe, outdoor seating and a doggy drinking station at Chatsworth for thirsty pups.
Hathersage to Stanage Edge
One of the most popular hiking routes in the Peak District, this route also makes for a wonderful dog-friendly walk. With unrivalled scenic views and varied landscape, we couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
Start in the picturesque hillside village of Hathersage and ramble through the valley, exploring the very countryside that inspired Charlotte Bronte, as well as the historic North Leeds Hall – the home of the real-life Eyre family. You’ll eventually reach the staggering 6km long escarpment of Stanage Edge – one of the most famous landscapes in the Peak District.
Here you’ll find stunning views, encompassing Mam Tor and Kinder Scout – two more fabulous walks in the park. Upon returning to Hathersage, you and your pup can put your paws up at the charming dog-friendly Millstone Country Inn pub.
Cornwall
Another doggy hot spot, Cornwall has everything you’d want from a dog-friendly holiday destination – gorgeous sandy beaches, stunning countryside, and miles of wonderful walking trails and scenic coastal paths. You and your dog will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walking routes in Cornwall; whether they fancy a seaside stroll or rural ramble, there’s something for every hound.
Our favourite dog walks
Cawsands to Whitsands Bay
This lovely 5.2-mile walk is sure to give your dog plenty of exercise, with lots of dog-friendly beaches and pubs to pass along the way. From Cawsand to Rame Head, the walk is fairly easy and level, however, there are some steep descents between Rame Head and Whitsands Bay.
The route takes in both sides of the Rame peninsular with picturesque views, and you may even spot migrant birds during spring and autumn, including gannets, divers, harriers, skuas and possibly even honey buzzards.
Poldhu to Mullion Cove
Around 4 miles long, this beautiful beachside walk takes you through the Lizard, part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Starting at the lovely Poldhu cove, stroll across the shores until you reach Mullion Cove – an impossibly pretty white sandy beach that dogs absolutely adore. When it’s time to put paws up, the nearby Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa is totally dog-friendly and makes for the perfect base to explore the coastal delights of Cornwall with your best furry friend.
Scottish Highlands
With spellbinding landscapes and paw-inspiring scenery, the Scottish Highlands is a magnificent natural playground which begs to be explored by both doggies and their human companions. You and your pooch can embark on an adventure through the mountains, snoop out the mysterious lochs, or stroll along the captivating coastline.
Our favourite dog walks
The Hermitage, Perthshire
Home to the historic site of Killiecrankine and the amazing Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, Perthshire is a fantastic place for doggy adventures.
We highly recommend the 1.5m walking route at The Hermitage, which weaves through an enchanting forest of towering Douglas firs, past the folly Ossiane’s Hall and along the banks of the River Braan, where you and your pooch will discover the tumbling waterfall at Black Linn Falls.
Dunscaith Castle, Isle of Skye
There are many fabulous dog walking routes on the Isle of Syke, but we’ve picked this one out as one of our favourites. With breathtaking scenery and sensational views, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable walk with your canine companion.
Head to Dunscaith Castle in Tokavaig by crossing the road bridge into Skye on the A87, then turning left onto the A851. Then, on foot, follow the shoreline path to the castle ruin. From the castle, you and your hound can amble along the seaside track from Tokavaig bay to Ord, taking in the magnificent views out to the Small Isles and the Cuillins.
Yorkshire Dales
Steeped in stunning scenery and home to an abundance of wildlife and plenty of dog-friendly pubs, the Yorkshire Dales is an absolute doggy dreamland. You and your hound will love exploring the magnificent landscape; with its beautiful rural trails, picture-perfect villages and endless rolling hills that epitomise true English countryside.
Our favourite dog walks
Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls makes for a fantastic family day out, especially with furry friends in tow! Stroll along the banks, marvel at the three stunning waterfalls, find a nice spot for a picnic, and have a paddle with your pooch in the beautiful water.
Start and finish at the Aysgarth Falls National Park Ventre. When it comes to routes, there are a series of different paths and trails to explore, stretching across roughly 2 miles, so you and your hound can decide how adventurous you want to be. When you’ve finished exploring, you can sit back and relax at one of the local dog-friendly pubs or tea shops.
Horse Head Moor and Deepdale
Enjoy sensational views of the Three peaks as you walk up the Horse Head Pass, along the remote moorland ridge and returning along the banks of the River Wharfe. Although fairly challenging, this route is well worth the trek!
Start at Yockenthwaite and follow the bridleway signed to Halton Gill. The track will take you across a large green area called the Hagg, where your pup will love stretching their legs. Then, at the top of the pass, you’ll find a route to the fell summit, where you’ll discover the most spectacular views of the Three Peaks.
Proceed down across the moorland ridge, eventually leading out to the beautiful river Wharfe, and follow the Dales Ways footpath towards Deepdale. You’ll then see signposts back to your starting point in Yockenthwaite.
✨ Feeling inspired? ✨
Check out our ‘wonderful for walkies’ collection, featuring fabulous dog-friendly hotels and cottages located in some of the most picturesque areas of the country. These doggy destinations are absolutely perfect for unforgettable walking holidays with your best furry friend.
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