Great British walks to take with your pup

With Autumn well on it’s way and the cooler weather a welcome relief for your dog, it’s a great time to get out and explore. Whether you’re after a challenging hike, or a calm stroll, there are plenty of dog-friendly walks in the UK to help you and your pup unwind.

The National Park of Snowdonia, Gwynedd

If you’re in North Wales, visiting Snowdonia is a must. And, there’s no need to leave your furry friend at home as dogs are welcome too! With lots of open space and new smells - Snowdonia is an adventure for you and your dog.

The park is home to the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon. If you’re planning to climb Snowdon with your dog, do your research ahead of time and plan a route that’s suitable for you both. There are lots of easy-access footpaths with moderate difficulty, whereas some difficult routes should be avoided at all costs.

In order not to disturb wildlife or livestock, you’ll need to keep your dog on the lead at all times. However, the steep walk will be enough to tire you both out, without the need to run around off-lead.

Have a think about the size, age and fitness levels of your dog. Smaller or older dogs may be safer taking one of the easier routes, such as Llanberis Path. If your dog is larger and active, try challenging yourself to a trickier route - Rhyd Ddu is a quieter route, so your dog will have more space to roam (from the safety of its lead, of course).

If climbing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do in Snowdonia for you and your dog. Explore the beautiful forests, stumble across waterfalls, and look out for rare wildlife.

Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst is a popular tourist spot in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. There’s a cafe, play park and even a Go-Ape tree top adventure on site, making it the perfect destination for a family day out.

If you fancy a stroll, follow the sculpture trail into the winding forest and keep your eye out for a number of unique pieces of art along the way. Expect to see mythical creatures within the branches of trees, crafted benches to rest your legs and even an archway made from recycled plastic bottles.

Dogs are welcome in the forest, but it's important to make sure they’re in sight at all times. If recall isn’t your dog's strong point, keep them on a lead.

Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, Dorset

Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean trips to the beach need to be. While the Autumn weather might put you off going for a dip in the sea, it won’t stop your dog from splashing around.

For beautiful coastal views and an uphill hike, head to Lulworth Cove on the South coast of England in Dorset. Once you’ve taken in the stunning views over the pebbled cove, head back towards the car park and look for the gates leading to a path up and over the mound.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be met with panoramic views out to sea. Continue to follow the path along the cliff top until you reach the steep path down to Durdle Door Beach. From here, you can enjoy fantastic aerial views of Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch which sits out above the sea.

Dogs are welcome on Durdle Door beach all year around. However, there are no bins on the beach, so make sure to take all rubbish with you when you leave.

Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire

Located in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland, walks around Loch Lomond are particularly popular with dog walkers. 

Famous for its impressive scenery and its many islands, the National Park is home to plenty of woodlands and wildlife. If you’re a thrill seeker, you could even try your hand at climbing or water sports.

There are lots of dog-friendly walking routes in the park, but a recommended stroll for dog-walkers is the West Loch Lomond Cycle and Footpath. The full walk is around 17 miles in total. However, the path is level and the walk itself is fairly easy.

If taking on the full walk isn’t for you (or your dog), the path takes you past Loch Lomond Shores where you can stop for a spot of shopping, as well as plenty of cafes. Take a leisurely stroll for a spot of lunch or a mooch in the shops and follow the path back.

If you do take on the full 17 mile walk, there’s a train station at either end of the path, so you can rest your tired feet (and paws) on the train home.

Always be conscious of the impact you’re having

Before you head off, think about the impact you’ll have on any place you visit. You want to ensure you leave each place exactly as you find it, without causing any damage to the wildlife.

If you’re heading out for a picnic, avoid any single-use plastic and instead opt for reusable drinks cups, lunch boxes and cutlery.

Even with potty trained pups, you can’t always control when your dog needs to go. So, make sure to clean up after your dog and keep an eye on them at all times so you don’t miss any mess.

If you’re worried about filling the bins with plastic poo bags, opt for eco-friendly or biodegradable bags instead.

What’s your favourite walking spot? Let us know in the comments.