DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS TO GET YOUR TAILS WAGGING
January; the month where many of us make new resolutions for the year ahead. Our intentions quite often focus on becoming healthier, getting out and about or doing more regular exercise. But it’s not just us who can benefit… we’re sure your four-legged friend would love more time exploring the outdoors with you too. Plus, it’s Walk Your Dog Month! That’s why we’ve selected a range of dog-friendly walks across the UK with good accessibility for inspiration.
So, whether you’re looking for a walk close to home or you’re ready for a new adventure, we’re sure to have a walk or two that will get your tail wagging.
Wales
RHOSSILI BAY, GOWER
Rhossili Bay is a 3-mile stretch of coastline and sand, perfect for dreamy dog walks. Voted Wales’ Best Beach in 2018, and placing 3rd in the UK for TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards (it’s been in the top 10 for the last 6 years!), The Times also nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog-friendly beach’.
Walkers can explore picturesque clifftop walks, race four-legged friends across the sand and possibly spot a seal or dolphin playing in the surf. This stretch of coastline also encompasses one of Gower’s most famous landmarks, Worms Head.
While breath-taking, Rhossili Bay is better suited to those with greater mobility, as the beach is accessed via steps. However, those who don’t fancy a ramble can still enjoy an easier stroll towards the Coastwatch Centre and soak in the views across the Bay.
With dog-friendly hotels nearby, it’s a wonderful place to visit while exploring what Wales has to offer.
PENYCLODDIAU, FLINTSHIRE
For fit dogs and owners who like the sound of steep climbs, Penycloddiau is the site of a huge Iron age hill fort. It’s best attacked from the North where the ascent is slightly gentler. You and your pooch will be rewarded with stunning views over Snowdon!
South West
CARDINHAM WOODS, CORNWALL
With plenty of wildlife, beautiful views and a bubbling stream, Cardinham Woods makes for a perfect springtime walk with your dog. With four well-maintained walking trails for different abilities, it’s sure to get your heart pumping (and their tail wagging!). Larger dogs might also enjoy one of three cycling trails if you’re looking for a little more adventure.
The Woods Café is a perfect place for a pit stop as it’s renowned for its outstanding Cornish cream tea! Alternatively, you can enjoy the BBQ and picnic areas where your dog can rest and refuel with you.
ASHTON COURT ESTATE, BRISTOL
For posh pooches, explore these vast grounds – 850 acres in fact! Ashton Court’s mix of woodlands and fields is so big you can expect to spend all day here. Be sure to stop off in one of the dog-friendly cafes too.
South East
SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK, KENT
With its eco-friendly visitor centre, varied wildlife and 292 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands and meadows, Shorne Woods makes for a wonderful day out.
It has over 2 miles of easy-access routes designed for wheelchair users and buggies, so you and your dog can comfortably explore one of the many walking trails with a route that suits your ability and available time.
Explore Kent’s wildlife and woodlands, plus appreciate the history of Shorne Woods while you picnic and play in its once clay extraction pits from the 1920s. Now flat grassy expanses, the old clay pits are also home to the outdoor kitchen with eco-friendly wood-fired pizza oven – a delicious way to end your day.
OTTER TRAIL, OTTERBOURNE, HAMPSHIRE
A lovely long circular walk – about an hour and a half – through glorious woodland. Simply wander into Otterbourne Wood, join the Itchen Navigation Route, then mosey along the river edge on your way back. Try not to pounce on the wildlife.
North
THE PEAK DISTRICT
Thinking of enjoying a staycation this year? The Peak District has something for everybody hidden its valleys and hills; whether you’re looking for a long walk and a picnic, or want to try some of the local dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
Some of our favourite walking options include the historic Ladybower Reservoir with stunning views, wildlife and multiple easy routes. The Heights of Abraham, with its uphill walk, is ideal for those wanting to up the pace of your usual walkies. Want the views without the workout? You and your furry friend can take the cable cars to the top where you can explore the summit or stop for somewhere to rest.
For curious four-legged explorers who want to walk a little further, the Monsal Trail offers something a little different, running along a former railway line and complete with tunnels. (While the tunnels are lit during the day, don’t forget a torch for safety!)
CHOPWELL WOODS, ROWLANDS GILL, GATESHEAD
A delightful gem where trails for different abilities to pass through woodland and by rivers. The shortest route is just a third of a mile, the longest is 4.6 miles and passes by beautiful sculptures. You can even try out geocaching for the hunters among you to find hidden objects.
Central England
HARTSHOLME PARK, LINCOLN
Covering more than 200 acres, Hartsholme Park is a Green Flag Award-winning park boasting wooded areas filled with wildlife, scenic walks around the reservoir and Victorian landscaped gardens.
There’s plenty of space for your dog to roam and play, plus a picnic area, visitor centre and café when you fancy a change of pace.
Nearby, you can also find plenty of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, so you can have plenty of time at Hartsholme Park before exploring the historic city of Lincoln itself.
PHOTO: ANDREW SCOTT
MORTIMER FOREST, HEREFORDSHIRE
A moderate 1.5 mile trail through woodland, where you’ll discover archaeological features, you can sniff out quarries, charcoal-burning platforms, saw pits and a medieval farmstead!
Scotland
BALMEDIE BEACH, SCOTLAND
Just north of Aberdeen, Balmedie Beach is the perfect location for a day of walking with your dog. With an impressive 14 miles of natural dunes to explore and several miles of beach and boardwalk paths to venture, you can walk as far as you and your furry friend desire.
Receiving a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Balmedie Beach consistently receives great reviews from its visitors, thanks to its beauty, history and wealth of wildlife. In fact, its interesting natural geography and wildlife have made it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Walkers can visit Forvie Nature Reserve or marvel at some remnants from WWII defences, which can still be found along the shoreline today.
Whether your dog wants to race along the sand as you admire the wildlife or venture into the sea for a spot of paddling, walkies at Balmedie Beach are sure to set their tails wagging.
BEECRAIGS COUNTRY PARK, NR LINLITHGOW, WEST LOTHIAN
Just west of Edinburgh, nestled high in the Bathgate Hills, is the near 1000-acre Beecraigs country park. With three looping walking tracks, from 2.4 to 4.2 miles, a lovely loch and a Cockleroy – a small hill with great views. Plenty of room for ball chasing.
Wherever you are in the country, these walks are sure to provide you and your four-legged friend with some fond memories. Just remember to bring plenty of water and treats to ensure you and your dog are hydrated as you explore the woodlands and dunes, especially on warmer days.
Do you have a favourite walk that you and your dog love to explore? Share your walks and photos on our Facebook page, tag us in your photos on Instagram and mention us on Twitter, we’d love to see and share with fellow Butcher’s fans.
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