Dog Friendly Walks
Directory of dog friendly walks throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
We all know how much your four legged friend enjoys a good walk. We aim to have a comprehensive list of walks that are suitable for you and your dog throughout the UK. You have found the perfect holiday, now all you need is the perfect walk to make you holiday complete.
If you know of any walks that are particularly dog friendly you can add a walk HERE. We can then share your enjoyable experience with other dog owners.
How do I find a Walk?
We currently have 2 ways to locate a walk suitable for dog owners.
1) You can find a walk by selecting your region from the Regions below
Dog Friendly Walks Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk SEE HERE>>
Dog Friendly Walks Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamtonshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire SEE HERE>>
Dog Friendly Walks Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Yorkshire SEE HERE>>
Dog Friendly Walks Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex SEE HERE>>
Dog Friendly Walks Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire SEE HERE>>
Dog Friendly Walks Scotland SEE HERE>>>
Dog Friendly Walks Wales SEE HERE>>
or
2) You can carry out a search on the Ordnance Survey website, Just select your area and tick the dog walkers box. JUST CLICK ON THE BANNER TO SEARCH
East Anglia
Hertfordshire
Wormley Wood & Nut Wood. Near: Hoddesdon nr Hertford, Hertfordshire. Size:142.48 ha (352.08 acres). Grid ref:TL317057. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 166, Explorer 174. High on the list of “must see” woods is this national nature reserve with its vast expanse of ancient woodland populated by huge old oaks that feel centuries old. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Norfolk
Brancaster Beach is dog walk heaven with its miles of golden sand. Dogs just love it here, there is the opportunity for dogs to dig and paddle in the water. There are restrictions to this beach on certain times of the year, so before going for a walk with your dog it is best to check. parking is available, but there are charges at certain times of year
Reffley Wood - Near:King's Lynn, Norfolk. Size: 52.34 ha (129.33 acres) Grid ref:TF655218. Many flowers associated with ancient woodland thrive along the wide rides, including bluebells, primrose and wild garlic. Generally a flat site, some paths stay dry throughout the year while others can become particularly wet in winter. Bear in mind that sections of the wood may be closed for management work at certain times. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Suffolk
Pound Farm Near:Great Glemham, Suffolk. Size:89.67 ha (221.58 acres)Grid ref:TM322630. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 156,Explorer 212 Set in a rolling landscape of farmland, woodland and hedgerows, Pound Farm is making an important contribution to replenishing East Anglia’s lost heritage. Open and welcoming, the meadows are attractive in early summer with their swaying grasses and colourful mix of oxeye daisy, meadow buttercup, bird's foot trefoil, salad burnet, black medick, selfheal and yarrow. A great place for children to play. An extensive ride network, open spaces, information boards and car parking facilities are provided to bring maximum enjoyment to visitors. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
North of England - Cheshire | Co Durham | Lancashire | Northumberland | Yorkshire
Scotland
Balloch Castle Country Park - Balloch Castle Country Park lies within the 170 square miles, which constitute the Loch Lomond Regional Park in Scotland. There are picnic area’s for the whole family to sit and relax and has great views of the loch. It was designated in order to preserve the countryside and it is registered as an area of national scenic significance.
South East
Buckinghamshire
College Wood Near: Nash, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. Size:52.19 ha (128.96 acres). Grid ref: SP791330. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 152, Explorer 192. Muntjac deer, rabbits and badgers feature among the wildlife population in this ancient coppice woodland, which sits on the lip of a plateau. Historically part of the Whaddon chasehunting forest, College Wood was once divided into three coppices by ditch and bank and surrounded by common pasture. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
East Sussex
Ashdown Forest - Woodland / Forest Walk - Off A22 near Wych Cross, East Sussex. The Ashdown Forest is well know for being the home of Winnie-the-poo. Covering an area of 6,500 acres, approx 60% heathland, and 40% forests. Dogs to be kept on a lead of no more than 2 metres long between 1st March and 31st July - the main breeding period for ground-nesting birds or at any time of the year near livestock.
Sheffield Park & The Bluebell Railway - Walking in this area takes you through a variety of landscapes inlcludng the site of the steam trains on the Bluebell Railway. A detailed East Sussex map is useful for walking in this area but details of the local walks can be obtained from the ticket offices. Dogs are welcome on most of the trains on this line for a small fee (Guide dogs are free) which means you can walk one way and get the train back.
The Cuckoo Trail- This walk follows the path of a disused railway line. 13 miles of surfaced pathway suitable for cycling, horse riding and dog walking and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park passing through Horam, Hailsham & Polegate. There are picnic benches dotted along the route, and plenty of woodland, verges of wild flowers, and wildlife to see. Dogs should be kept under control.
Beachey Head- An area of outstanding beauty with breathtaking sea views. Situated near Eastbourne, this walk takes you over part of the south downs way. You can walk between East Dean and Birling Gap or just park at one of the car parks at beachey head itself for a shorter walk. Please remember to keep your dog away from the cliffs edge or keep your dog on a short lead if you are walking near to the edge. When you are finished, don't foret to stop for refreshments in the pub. Although dogs are not allowed in the pub itself, there are plenty of tables outside where they will welcome your four legged friend.
Kent
Camber Sands - Beach Walk - Follow road signs from Rye in Kent. With 7 miles of blue flag beaches and sand dunes, it is a great place to walk your dogs. Between May and September, parts of the beach are closed to dogs, but there is still plenty of beach where they can be walked, and if they haven't had enough exercise, try the sand dunes. Please remember to clean up after your dog.
Bedgebury Pinetum - Woodland / Forest Walk - Bedgebury National Pinetum is signposted from the A21 on the Flimwell bypass on the B2079 road to Goudhurst. Bedgebury is a 2000 acre forest, which has over 10km of newly surfaced family cycle tracks, and plenty of places to walk your dogs. Dogs should be kept on leads within the pinetum, and there are plenty of bins, so please clear up after your dog. There is a car park at the Bedgebury Pinetum, but it is not cheap!
Bewl Water Reservoir - Near Lamberhurst, Kent. A 12½ mile Round Reservoir Route is open to walkers all year round. The track passes through beautiful countryside of species rich woodland and meadow and, for part of the route, takes to quiet country lanes to circumnavigate the Nature Reserve. The walk can take up to 5 hours and there are many beautiful places to sit and enjoy a picnic - a great way to relax and unwind.
Shorne Woods Country Park Near Cobham, Kent. Signposted from the A2 just south of Gravesend. Shorne Woods Country Park has nearly 300 acres of woodland to explore and enjoy. It houses a magnificent sustainable Visitor Centre, with café, toilets, gift shop and visitor information, which is a great first stop to find out about all that the park has to offer. Out in the park, there are a huge variety of trails to explore, from the Trim Trail for those with fitness in mind to an Easy Access Trail for those less mobile. The park has two adventure play areas,(one of which is suitable for older children). A further 18km of trails are also open to the public. These include the Heritage Trail, passing some of the most interesting historical features of the park, such as the foundations of a ruined medieval manor house and former RAF air raid shelters from WWII; the Explorer Trail, a challenging route taking in some of the best wild flowers, fungi and wetland areas of the park; and the Darnley Trail, a 10km circular route for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians through Shorne Wood Country Park and out into the local area through Cobham Park and Ashenbank, skirting the edges of Ranscombe Farm and Jeskyns.
Surrey
Happy Valley & Farthing Downs is in the Old Coulsdon area, not far from Croydon, Surrey. It consists of over 252 Acres of hills and valleys, forming part of the south downs. It consists of meadows, woodlands, nature trails and a network of dog friendly footpaths. There is also horseriding in the area so keep dogs under control near the bridleways.
Glover's Wood Near:Charlwood, Surrey. Size:25.56 ha (63.16 acres). Grid ref:TQ227406. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 187, Explorer 146. Situated in a well wooded part of Surrey, it has good connections to other woodland and semi-natural habitats in the area, by hedgerows, shaws and watercourses. The Trust owns three other local woodlands all within two miles - Edolph's Copse, Ricketts Wood and Hammond’s Copse. The network of paths and wide rides provide access to all areas of the wood. Glover's can be a confusing place when walking, so a way marked trail has been installed. A private management access route exists in the northeast of the site. This is a Woodland Trust walk.
Oxfordshire
Cherwell Valley is in Oxfordshire in the Cherwell Valley. It starts in Upper Heyford where you can park. The walk travels along the Oxford Canal and the River Cherwell and is mostly off-road, great news for dogs that love to be off lead. On this walk you see some fantastic wildlife like kingfishers, ducks and swans, you will also get to see canal boots alone the tow path.
Island Pond Wood Near: Launton, Oxfordshire Size: 4.17 ha (10.30 acres)Grid ref:SP609222 OS map sheets:OS Landranger 164, Explorer 191, Explorer 192 Island Pond Wood is a woodland creation project that was implemented as part of the Woodland Trust's Woods on Your Doorstep scheme. It was planted in 1999 by the local community who still take an active part in its management today. It has been created on 4.29 hectares of improved grassland and stands close to the centre of the Village of Launton. The area is flat and lays wet during the winter months.
South West
Cornwall
The Camel Trail- This dog friendly walk follows the path of a disused railway line. 11 miles of traffic free safe walking, mainly level pathways suitable for cycling and dog walking. The trail joins the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstowe and takes you through beautiful Woodland and Costal areas of Cornwall.
Kings Wood Near: London Apprentice nr St. Austell, Cornwall. Size:58.61 ha (144.83 acres) Grid ref:SX007487. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 204, Explorer 105, Explorer 107. Lying on a steep valley side of the Pentewan Valley, Kings Wood is well loved and well used by local communities, thanks in part to its prominence on the local landscape. Visible from local homes, amenities and roads from St Austell to Mevagissey, it is a popular spot for dog walking, recreation and for people with a keen interest in the natural environment. This is a Woodland Trust Walk
Devon
The Tarka Trail- Over 30 miles of traffic free walking or cycling for you and your dogs. Following the route of a disused railway line, the path stretches between Braunton & Meeth in North Devon. A variety of scenary through unspoil countryside.
The South West Coast Path - Westward Ho to 'The Thatched Inn' at Abbotsham, North Devon - Aprox 4 miles each way (Note: all styles have a dog gate next to them). Travel to Westward Ho by car or by bus from Barnstaple and start the walk heading west along the sea front, with the sea on your right. The first mile of the walk is on a made path so is suitable for pushchairs & wheelchairs. Continue on the path through the gate and after a further mile cross the first style on your left and head up the hill. At the top turn left along the edge of the field until you come to the road. Turn right on to the road, then right at the T Junction following signs to Abbotsham. When you reach the village take a left and you will find 'The Thatched Inn' 50 yards on your left. The pub is dog friendly and serves fantastic food, so it is a great place to stop for refreshments. You can then retrace your steps back to Westward Ho, or jump on a bus. The coastal path follows the coast line for miles, so the walk can be extended if you prefer.
Dorset
Duncliffe Wood Near:Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Size:92.16 ha (227.73 acres). Grid ref:ST826222. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 183, Explorer 129. Prominent on the summits of Duncliffe Hill, just west of Shaftesbury, and rising out of Blackmoor Vale, this large ancient woodland site can be spotted from miles around. A designated site of nature conservation interest, it has a rich mix of woodland species, including what are reported to be the oldest living things in Dorset - a scattering of coppice stools of small-leaved limes. Surrounding the woodland, the landscape is characterised by sweeping valleys and rounded hills with woodland dominating the scarp faces. Upper Greens and hills and scarps are a major feature here and often used as the setting for historic parks and ancient woodland. This is a Woodland Trust Walk
Gloucestershire
Cadora Woods Near:Redbrook, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire. Size:111.7 ha (276.02 acres).Grid ref:SO536076. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 162, Explorer 14, Outdoor Leisure 14 The look, character and richness of Cadora Woods, part of the striking landscape of the lower Wye valley, is in the process of change. Among its most notable features is a rich supply of old trees, thought to derive from the original natural woodland and a large number of archaeological features. Split into a number of compartments, a section of the site - Bigsweir Woods, is a site of special scientific interest while Causeway Grove is an ancient coppiced woodland now mainly dominated by sycamore. This is a Woodland Trust Walk
Wales