South East Dog Friendly Walks
South East
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Berkshire
Burham Beeches - Lots of different walks, although you could easily get lost withuot a map. There are animals in some parts of the walk, ponds and wildlife. The Stag pub which is dog friendly is on the walk too.
Dinton Pastures - Several different footpaths to follow, each ranging from 1.5 km - 1 mile to around 5 km - 3 miles. With 7 lakes, 2 rivers and several meadows. There is plenty of wildlife to see along the way (will need to keep your dog on a lead in some places), water for your dog to have a quick paddle. Recommended dog friendly walk as there is a dog drinking bowl, poop bags and dog bins for visitors to use. Make a day of it with a picnic in the a picnic area, ideal for the whole family.
Queen Anne’s Ride, Windsor Great Park - A walk with plenty to see, polo ponies being exercised along the way, copper statue of Elizabeth II on horseback. When you have reached the peak of the hill you can turn around to see the view of Windsor Castle in the distance. Keep your eyes pealed for the deer.
Virginia Waters Lake, Great Windsor Park - Windsor Great Park offers thousands of acres of open parkland for dog walking, and welcomes many dog owners throughout the year. The extensive network of paths and tracks is ideal for the more energetic. A walk or run around Virginia Water lake is 4.5 miles - or 6 miles if you start and finish at The Savill Garden. The Crown Estate has provided dog bins across the Great Park for your convenience. Please use these bins for your bagged dog waste.
Buckinghamshire
Ashridge Estate, Aldbury - Owned by the National Trust, The Ashridge Estate provides both parkland and ancient woodland to explore following well marked paths.
The Ridgeway Trail, Chilterns - This trail covers 87 miles from Overton Hill (Wiltshire) in the West to Ivinghoe Beacon (Buckinghamshire) in the East. Any sections of this trail can be followed, but the section to the east of the trail between Wendover and Ivinghoe Beacon covers 11.8 miles of varried terrain through woodland, across cannals with beautful views from the Ridge.
The Chiltern Open Air Museum - This is a dog friendly day out rather than just a dog walk as there is plenty to see and do including a 3/4 mile woodland walk. Dogs must be kept on short leads and are not allowed in the historic buildings. The 45 acre site has many historic features to look at and refreshments are on site. There are dog poo bins around the site so please clean up after your dog. Please note that there is an admission charge (Adults £7.50, Children £5, Family Ticket £22).
College Wood - Near: Nash, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. Size:52.19 ha (128.96 acres). Grid ref: SP791330. OS map sheets:OS, 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.
Firecrest Trail, Wendover Woods - Firecrest Trail can be started from Main entrance in Wendover Woods. Wendover and Aylesbury is the nearest town or village. Signposted from the B4009 between Wendover and Tring. The main entrance can be found 250 yards along the St Leonards Road on the right. OS Grid Reference: SP 887 105. Starting in the main parking area take this mildly challenging trail through the many different habitats within Wendover Woods. In the areas of Norway Spruce you maybe lucky enough to see the elusive Firecrest bird. It is an immigrant to this country and can only be seen during its breeding season, between April and August. The trail also winds through an area of grassland that becomes a profusion of wild flowers in the summer. A small pond close by makes an interesting resting point to watch the hive of wildlife activity, with changing flora and fauna throughout the year. Further along the trail, enjoy the bluebells in spring beneath the beech and the peaceful location of the bird hide. Follow the Purple Markers. Length of trail:2.8 miles. Approximate time of trail:2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Copice Trail, Hodgemore - Coppice trail can be started from Car park in Hodgemoor. Chalfont St. Giles is the nearest town or village. Just off the A355 Beaconsfield to Amersham Road, Hodgemoor's car park is approximately 1 mile along Bottrells Lane on the right hand side. The entrance to Bottrells Lane lies behind a lay-by opposite the Magpies Public House. OS Grid Reference: SU 966 939. The coppice trail winds through the small tracks within the wood through areas or bracken, moss covered trees and past two ponds. Length of trail:2 miles. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Butterfly Trail, Shabbington - Butterfly trail can be started from Car park in Shabbington which is part of Bernwood Forest. Oakley is the nearest town or village. Bernwood is situated east of Oxford between Stanton St. John and Oakley. The carpark can be found at Grid reference SP 612 118. This circular waymarked route leads through a number of habitats including oak woodland, spruce woodland and wild flower rides. In addition to the many wild flower and butterfly species you will see wild service trees and you are likely to see deer if you are quiet. At the start of 2001 extensive management work was carried out at Bernwood. Many of the rides were widened to allow the sun to reach a greater area. We hope that the wild flowers will continue to thrive and colonise this larger area. In turn, with more wild flowers the butterfly populations will also increase. Length of trail:2 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour. This is a Forestry Commission 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.
White Horse View Trail, Friston Forest - White Horse View can be started from Litlington Road in Friston Forest. Seaford is the nearest town or village. Signposted from the A259 at Seven Sisters Country Park. Litlington Road car park can be found on the right hand side, approximately half a mile along this minor road, past the turning to West Dean village. OS Grid Reference: TQ 518 002. A gentle walk following forest tracks between plantations. Used mainly as a dog walking route in the winter, but as the main attraction in the summer. Follow the White Markers. Length of trail:4KM miles. Approximate time of trail:1 1/2 hrs. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Abbots Amble, Abbots Wood, Hailsham - Abbots Amble can be started from Abbots Wood Car Park in Abbots Wood which is part of Abbots Wood. Hailsham is the nearest town or village. Follow road signs off the A22 between Hailsham and Polegate and the A27 at Wilmington. OS Grid Reference: TQ 555, 073. The Abbots Amble is a partially surfaced route leading to the lake. Taking visitors through a variety of habitats, including bluebell woods with oak trees. Douglas Fir plantations hold wildlife such as Goldcrests and Roe deer, which can be seen from the trail. Follow the Yellow Markings. Length of trail:2.5 km miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Hampshire
Wilverley Wander, The New Forest - Wilverley Wander can be started from Wilverley Plain in New Forest. Between Brockenhurst and Burley is the nearest town or village. By car: Wilverley Plain is located half way between Burley and Brockenhurst on the Burley Road. OS Grid Reference: SU 254 010. This trail takes you through Wilverley Inclosure which was first enclosed (fenced) in 1775. The first trees planted did not grow, so the inclosure was"thrown open" to the Forest in 1808, but in 1809 it was re-fenced and planted with oaks. Some of these oaks can still be seen around the car parks and scattered around the inclosure. The inclosure today is a mixture of confirs and broadleaves, old and young, with some open areas making it a beautiful and interesting place to walk. The surface has been classed as moderatly smooth and gravelled. Trail waymarking: Green from Wilverley Plain car park and Yellow from Wilverley Inclosure (barbecue) car park. Length of trail:2 miles. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Old Oak Trail, Wickham - Old Oak Trail can be started from West Walk Car park in West Walk which is part of Bere. Wickham is the nearest town or village. Travel north along the Wickham Common to Newtown Road. The access point is approximately 1 mile along this road on the left. OS Grid Reference: SU 596 122. The 'Old Oak Trail' is in the North Boarhunt part of the forest, on the other side of Hundred Acres Road. Please park in the West Walk Car Park and take care when crossing the road. The trail takes you through part of the forest where there are still some oak trees planted in Napoleonic times to provide timber for ship building. These trees, planted in 1828, now provide a habitat for specialist oak feeding moths, bats, and rare species of lichens, as well as many birds and insects. The walk gives a different atmosphere to that of a conifer plantation and is worth a visit, but the trail is not surfaced and is therefore not suitable for pushcairs or wheelchairs. In wet weather it will become muddy so suitable footwear should be worn. The trail leads you to a clearfelled area, which is an example of conifer plantation being removed and the site being left for natural regeneration. Two hundred oak trees have been planted by the local parishioners, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, and there is a clear view of Portsdown Hill and Nelson's monument. The site is currently being used by the ground nesting and nocturnal Nightjar, a summer visitor from Africa, and has a colourful display of foxgloves in May/June. Please control your dog and do not allow it to disturb ground nesting birds. Follow the Green Markers. Length of trail:1.2 miles. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Isle of Wight
Firestone Copse - Firestone Copse is part of The Forests of the Isle of Wight. Ryde is the nearest town or village. Follow the minor road from Kite Hill on the A3054 just before Wootton Bridge. OS Grid Reference: SZ 555 913. Firestone is an attractive area of forest, notable for its wide-ranging tree species, from Oak to soaring spires of Grand Fir. From the car park and picnic area, visitors may explore way-marked trails to Wootton Creek or delight in flower rich grassy rides. In summer, these are particularly good places to glimpse the many butterflies found here; amoungst them White and Red Admirals, Marbled Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Gatekeepers and Fritillaries. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Parkhurst Forest - Parkhurst Forest is part of The Forests of the Isle of Wight. Newport is the nearest town or village. The entrance to this wood can be found approximately 1 mile west, along the A3054 from Newport. OS Grid Reference: SZ 472 906. The attractive setting of the car park and adjacent picnic site is the start point of two themed trails, taking the walker along pleasant contrasting routes through the forest. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
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 - Goudhurst is the nearest town or village. Bedgebury's main entrance is located on the B2079, half a mile from the A21. Bedgebury lies 10 miles South East of Tunbridge Wells and 16 miles North West of Hastings and is less than an hour's drive from South East London. OS Grid Reference: TQ 715 332. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for walking, cycling, riding and playing in a spectacular world of trees. The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and provides a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons. In addition, the two thousand-acre Bedgebury Forest now offers miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking, Go Ape and adventure play for all ages and abilities. The new Visitor Centre has a cycle franchise, refreshments, showers and an education/community room. As a location for healthy outdoor activity in a beautiful setting, Bedgebury is in a class of its own. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Kings Wood - Challock is the nearest town or village. Directions by car from the M2 take the A251 towards Ashford. From the M20 take the A28 towards Canterbury and the A251 towards Faversham. The car park and entrance to King's Wood is situated off the A251 1km along the road to Wye. As an ancient woodland site, King's Wood is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The main species of tree include Sweet Chestnut, Corsican Pine and Douglas Fir. To enjoy the best of the forest you may wish to take our Beech walk and see the unusual sculptures dotted around. The Forest car park is well positioned for picnic areas and the children's play area. Designed for younger children, a number of unusual play structures have been created to represent creatures of the forest. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
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.
Blean Woods - Near: Canterbury, Kent. Size:95.85 ha (236.85 acres) Grid ref:TR097592. OS map sheets: Explorer 149. Blean Wood forms part of the most extensive areas of broadleaved woodland in Britain with open areas of acidic grassland and heath. A generally level site with paths and rides concentrated on the boundaries of the property so limiting opportunities for visitors to explore the site. Visitors tend to use the eastern part of the property most frequently. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Dering Wood - Near: Pluckley, Kent. Size: 125.46 ha (310.02 acres) Grid ref: TQ900441. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 189, Explorer 137. The wood is home to more than 25 species of butterfly and rare beetles and renowned for its stunning display of spring bluebells and wood anemones. Oak and hornbeam coppice covers much of Dering, a distinctive feature of the southeast. While there are areas of high forest and dense scrubby woodland, mature coppice dominates. Typical of Weald woodlands, underfoot can get very wet and muddy in winter but is well served with access tracks. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Hucking Estate - Near: Hollingbourne, Kent. Size: 234.88 ha (580.40 acres)Grid ref:TQ843575. OS map sheets: Explorer 148. Five miles north of Maidstone, in Kent's Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the Hucking Estate, a 232 hectare mix of farmland and woods with a wealth of archaeological "gems". A series of paths, including two waymarked trails, guide visitors through areas of coppiced ash, sweet chestnut, sycamore and hornbeam, passing fine examples of mature beech and oak toward new woodland creation schemes. An extensive planting programme, sees 78 hectares of new broadleaved woodland being created. 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: 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.
Stoke Wood - Near: Stoke Lyne, Oxfordshire Size:35.61 ha (87.99 acres) Grid ref:SP554277. OS map sheets: Explorer 191. Set in the midst of an otherwise flat landscape, Stoke Wood, just six kilometres north west of Bicester, is something of a local landmark, visible from all directions. This is an ancient woodland site with several open glades and a small meadow which provide important habitats for invertebrates. More interest comes from the bluebells, primroses and orchids which can be found in the wood along with adder’s tongue on the edge of the central ride. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Surrey
Chobham Common - There are many short walks that can be walked on the common, or they can be joined together to make a longer walk. Fishpool - This is a large and tranquil pond fringed by silver birch. From the Fishpool car park in the S.E. corner of the Common, walk a hundred yards along the track going south through the open heather hillside to the pond which will be found screened by the trees. The path can be followed all the way round the pond.
Monks Walk - This is a stroll along wide paths, through woods which are initially scots pine but soon give way to birch before open heath is reached. Monk's Walk starts at the sharp bend in the north-east corner of Gracious Pond Road. Parking is in a 'lay-by' west of the bend. Although there may seem to be a multitude of paths, it really does not matter which you take - they all lead gently up hill through the woods, then to open glades and eventually down to Monk's Walk Pond. It has the advantage of being a circular walk (that is to say when retracing your steps you are unlikely to find the path that you originally followed, nevertheless, will be led back to where you started!).
Marden Park - Near:Woldingham, Surrey. Size:67.63 ha (167.12 acres). Grid ref:TQ369539. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 187, Explorer 146. High on the South Downs, within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will find Marden Park Woods, the largest site owned by the Woodland Trust in the county. This expanse of varying woodland habitats - a bit of a draw for visitors - is actually made up of Marden Park and Great Church Wood. The North Downs Way and the six-mile Woldingham Countryside Walk both run through the site which is well served by an extensive network of maintained permissive footpaths while a surfaced bridleway allows riders a safe route through part of the woods. This is a Woodland Trust walk.
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.
Lodge Pind Trail, Alice Holt Forest Centre - Lodge Pond Trail can be started from Main entrance in Alice Holt Forest Centre which is part of Alice Holt Forest. Farnham is the nearest town or village. From the A31 turn off at Farnham onto the A325. Stay on the A325 for approximately 3 miles. From Portsmouth and Petersfield take the A325 towards Farnham. At the Halfway House Pub on the A325 turn off the main road following signs for Alice Holt Forest. The entrance is 300 yards along this road on the left. The Lodge Pond Trail is a very attactive route which takes you into the heart of the forest. After taking you past the exciting play structures on the Habitat Trail it then leads you away from the hustle and bustle as it passes through mixed broadleaf woodland and open mature pine forest. The highlight of the walk however is Lodge Pond. This is an excellent trail for all the family as it offers both the excitement of the play areas and the serenity of the peaceful woodland. Follow the Blue Markers. Length of trail:2.5m miles. This is a Forestry Commission Walk
West Sussex
Eartham Woods - Chichester is the nearest town or village. Eartham Wood is just east of the A285 between Chichester and Petworth. From Chichester take the second right turn to Eartham, the wood entrance and car park are on the left after 400 metres. OS Grid Reference: SU939106. An attractive beech woodland on the edge of the South Downs, with a small gravel car park and picnic site. A network of gravel roads and hard tracks provides easy walking all year round. There is informal access on foot throughout Eartham Wood. Most tracks and gravel roads are passable all year round. Stout footwear is recommended in wet weather. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.