Wiltshire is home to lots of walks, from brisk walks along the Ridgeway through to shorter ambles along the riverbanks. If you like to bring your four-legged friend on holiday with you, we have some great suggestions of top places to walk your dog here in Wiltshire.
You can start your walking adventure at the World Heritage site of Avebury where the Ridgeway trail offers 87 miles of walking for a dog-friendly holiday. Or tackle the Kennet & Avon Canal, walk to the market town of Bradford on Avon or take a circular stroll around the gorgeous National Trust village of Lacock. Make sure to visit fabulous Stourhead or take a steep path up to the Wiltshire Downs. Expect fabulous views, fresh air, interesting haunts and historic sites along the way.
Castle Combe
Some say it’s the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we would definitely recommend a walk with your hound around the streets of Castle Combe. Luckily there is very little traffic and once you have navigated your way around the village you can take a circular walk through the fields or a walk to the delightful nearby village of Ford.
STAY AT: The Manor House Hotel, Wiltshire
Stanton Country Park
A 185-acre dog-friendly country park, there are 36 acres that are a designated Nature Reserve which include the lake, woodland and grassland. The park features a gorgeous lake which you can walk around with your dog feeling at one with nature. The Park is full of wonderful wildlife as well as ancient woodlands and meadows filled with wildflowers and some great wood sculptures. Mostly flat, the Park makes for a great day out and there are also footpaths to the villages of Stanton Fitzwarren and Blunsdon.
STAY AT: The Highworth, Wiltshire
Stourhead
There are some gorgeous dog walks in this fabulous National Trust property which has 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside and a wonderful collection of trees and shrubs with a show-stopping lake, beautiful buildings, grottos and follies dotted around the landscaped gardens. There are four estate walks recommended with dogs which include the Bonham Wood walk, Stourhead Park Hill walk, King Alfred’s tower walk and the Whitesheet Hill Walk.
STAY AT: Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire
Lacock Walk
Enjoy walking around this beautifully preserved Cotswolds village with oodles of charm. The village walk takes you around the mediaeval village of Lacock with its charming cottages and picture perfect country views. The walk starts at the car park where you follow the sign posted path to the village pass Locock Abbey, passing the church and a bridge finally ending up in the High Street. The walk takes around 30 minutes. Stop off for a reviving drink at the super dog-friendly Red Lion.
STAY AT: The Methuen Arms, Wiltshire
Avebury to Windmill Hill Walk
Start this walk at the National Trust Avebury Car Park taking you through the village with the chance to divert and walk the stones. There is also a dog-friendly cafe and a National Trust museum in Avebury. Climb up to the hill fort on Windmill Hill with its fabulous views across the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside before you descend to the nature reserve and village of Yatesbury. The final part of the walk takes you past the long barrow and stone avenue back to Avebury.
STAY AT: Alexandra House, Wiltshire
Corsham Court
Corsham Court is a privately owned stately home set in a gorgeous park designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown with a fabulous art collection. A great dog walk with plenty of variety for your dog, you can walk around the lake, woods and fields. You can let your dogs off in parts of the grounds although it’s best to be careful and keep them on the lead and under control when sheep are around. There is a free car park and you can enjoy a picnic by the lake, or there are several cafes in the village.
STAY AT: The King’s Arms, Wiltshire
Lydiard Park
Lydiard House is a Grade I listed Palladian house with stunning parkland close to Swindon. Although dogs are not allowed in the house itself the grounds are equally as beautiful as the interior. With over 260 acres of landscape including woodlands, lawns, lakes and pasture, there are plenty of varied routes for you and your dog to explore. Enjoy the natural beauty of the tranquil lakes where you will see plenty of wildlife and there are lots of areas suitable for picnics as well as a cafe.
STAY AT: Whatley Manor, Wiltshire
Bradford on Avon to Freshford
This fantastic dog walk in the Wiltshire countryside includes a stroll along the canal and aqueduct. You and your best furry friend can meandre alongside the River Avon, and after your tranquil waterside walk your path will take you through fields and woodland to the beautiful village of Freshford. Stop off at The Inn, a handsome gastropub with open fires where you and your hound will both be welcome for some refreshments. You will also pass the Cross Gun pub on your walk.
STAY AT: Homewood Hotel & Spa, Somerset
Black Dog Halt, Calne
Start your walk from Castle Park in the Wiltshire market town of Calne. This walk takes you along the remains of old canal ways and rail roads and then follows the Sustrans National Cycle Route 403 along the way. Very flat and easy going, this walk feels very rural when you leave the park behind. The ‘Halt’ is the private rail station which used to serve the Bowood Estate and you can still see the structure of the stop; and the goods platform remains in place as does a section of the passenger platform. The station house also remains, although now a private residence.
STAY AT: The White Hart, Wiltshire
Broad Chalke and Fifield Downs
This circular walk is an opportunity for you and your four legged friend to walk through truly exceptional surroundings as you stroll through Cranborne Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The last stretch of the walk takes you by the clear waters of a chalk stream, where your dog can enjoy a paddle. After that you will need to cross some cattle fields, although you can avoid that by walking a short distance along the village road. Stop at the Queen’s Head Inn for refreshments in Broad Chalke Village, a delightful village named as one of 50 best villages by the Sunday Times.
STAY AT: The King John Inn, Wiltshire