Top 10 Dog Walks in Great Britain

Dog walks are an essential part of your companion’s life, and it’s vitally important to make sure that these walks are varied, occasionally including exciting new adventures! Dogs are always intrigued by new sights, smells and sounds, which is why they’ll always appreciate the opportunity to explore somewhere that they haven’t been before!

Whether it’s a challenging hike through a national park, taking on a woodland trail, or a coastal stroll, Great Britain offers plenty of stunning scenery waiting to be explored! Due to the country’s diverse, vast countryside, there’s always somewhere near you that’s just a short drive away - just make sure not to forget the car harness for your pooch!

While there’s hundreds of exciting dog walks in Great Britain, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 (in no particular order) based on different regions across England, Wales, and Scotland. Keep reading to find your next scenic destination!

England’s Diverse Dog Walking Gems

All throughout the country, England offers plenty of stunning locations which remain very popular amongst dog walkers. From stunning coastlines, to tranquil countrysides, to vast forests, there’s plenty to choose from - but we’ve listed some of our favourites below:

The Lake District National Park (North West)

If you’re excited by the idea of towering mountains, stunning lakes, and picturesque waterfalls, The Lake District is the perfect place for you to visit with your dog. The location is filled with plenty of breathtaking dog-friendly walks, with routes suitable for all fitness levels!

In particular, we’d recommend the Derwentwater Walk, a very popular 10-mile loop offering gorgeous woodland scenery, and exceptional views of the Derwentwater lake. On top of the beautiful surroundings, there are plenty of dog-friendly picnic stops, cafés, and restaurants that you can stop by on your walk!

Please be aware that The Lake District is home to plenty of challenging walkways, which can get even more tricky in the event of poor weather! That’s why it’s always crucial to make sure that your dog is equipped with a durable tag that is built to endure even the wildest adventures. If you’re looking for highly durable dog tags, make sure to explore our reinforced range here.

The South Downs Way (South East)

If you’re looking for an (almost) endless adventure, you’ll love The South Downs Way. This 100-mile-long trail stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne, offering dog-friendly walking through the picturesque South Downs National Park. This beautiful route entails rolling hills, woodland, and chalk grasslands, providing a diverse landscape for you and your dog to enjoy.

If you and your dog are incredibly keen hikers, you can make a holiday of the occasion and take on the whole route, which usually takes most walkers roughly 8-9 days. However, if this long expedition isn’t for you, there are plenty of stunning views and highlights, which you can check out by visiting the link here.

Northumberland Coast Path (North East)

Being based in the North East ourselves, we’re very familiar with the stunning dog walks that the area has to offer. However, our top pick has got to be the Northumberland Coast Path, a fantastic 62-mile route running along a stunning coastline, with plenty of attractions to stop by. If you’re intrigued by the idea of sandy beaches, historic castles, and charming fishing villages.

In our opinion, Bamburgh Beach is unmissable! This long, wide, sandy beach is perfect for letting your dog off the lead, allowing them to stretch their legs with all the open space. However, the ‘icing on the cake’ is ultimately the astonishing views of Bamburgh Castle that you can see from the beach - the perfect combination for history lovers and beach-loving pups! 

If you’re planning on visiting Bamburgh Beach, you’ll find the following guide incredibly helpful for your walk - read it here!

The Peak District National Park (The Midlands)

The UK’s first National Park, the Peak District, makes the perfect playground for energetic pups. With its rugged hills, beautiful moorlands, and picturesque dales, the Peak District makes for an excellent walking destination for you and your dogs. 

If you’re a fan of more challenging walks, we’d recommend taking on the Mam Tor Circular walk. This loop will take you all around the famous mountain, whilst offering some exceptional views of the area. You should make sure to plan your trip before you arrive, as this route can become very busy at peak times. If you’re looking to plan your trip in advance, we’d recommend reading this useful guide here.

Haldon Forest (South West)

Located in the stunning county of Devon, Haldon Forest offers plenty of fantastic adventures for you and your dog. Popular for its activities, wildlife, and abundance of trails, Haldon Forest is a fantastic place for you to let your dog experience plenty of new senses!

In particular, we’d like to recommend The Raptor Trail. This challenging walkway is fantastic for confident walkers, and for your furry friends too. It is even suitable for most mobility scooters and for all-terrain mobility scooters. Dogs are welcome off-lead in most areas, allowing them to explore their surroundings, and there are even dog-friendly cafes and water bowls to keep your dog refreshed.

Wales’ Wonderful Walkways

Wales is home to some of the most iconic mountain and coastal walks in Great Britain. While the whole country has a lot to offer, particularly where thrilling dog walks are concerned, we’ve managed to narrow down our recommended walkways, which we’ve shared below:

Pembrokeshire Coast Path (South Wales)

If you thought that the South Downs Way was long (which it most certainly is), would you dare to take on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path in South Wales? If you don’t decide to take on 13-17 days of walking, you can certainly take your dog to some of the hotspots along the way, which will certainly make for a wonderful day out with your dog.

We’d like to put forward the Freshwater West Beach as our recommendation for your dog walk, the perfect location for your dog to stretch their legs along this sandy beach. If your dog likes to paddle in the sea, just be aware that strong currents and rips can occur - never let your dog in the water during strong weather conditions. 

When allowing your dog to swim in the sea, you must make sure that their tag is designed to be resilient against wear and tear. If you’re looking for a highly durable dog tag before you head out on your adventures, click here.

Snowdonia National Park (North Wales)

Draping itself along the edge of Wales, Snowdonia National Park is one of Great Britain’s most popular locations for a dog walking holiday. While ascending Mount Snowdon itself may be very challenging, there are many lower-level walks for all abilities.

One of these walks is the Llyn Padarn Circular Walk, a gentle 3.4 mile loop around the lake that is perfect for dogs of all ages and abilities. On this walk, you’ll be able to see fantastic views of Mount Snowdon and the Dinorwig slate quarries, as well as the surrounding mountains and lake-side paths. 

Scotland’s Stunning Scenery

For the wildest adventures, Scotland provides unbeatable landscapes and unique beauty. Whatever you look for in dog walks, there’s no doubt that Scotland will have it. Once again, it was a difficult task, but we’ve managed to list our favourite places to take your dog in Scotland, which you can read below:

The West Highland Way (Scottish Highlands)

The West Highland Way is an iconic route and one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Stretching 96 miles from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, all the way to Fort William in the majestic Scottish Highlands, this trail showcases some of Scotland's most magnificent scenery. But not only that, it is home to some of the country’s best dog walks!

As previously mentioned in some of the other locations we’ve mentioned, the most enthusiastic hikers can complete this route in roughly 6-8 days. However, there are plenty of shorter, scenic walkways that you can take on, such as the woodland walk around Glencoe Lochan. This walkway is very dog-friendly, offering gentle, flat trails that allow dogs of all breeds and ages to make the most of!

The Old Man of Storr (Isle of Skye)

Widely photographed, and arguably the most famous walk on the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr offers some unbelievable views, straight out of a postcard! This incredible destination is perfect for confident walkers and their adventurous dogs who are ready for a truly challenging and rewarding hike.

The route is roughly 3 miles long, often taking hikers around 2-3h to complete at an average pace. If you’re up to the challenge, The Old Man of Storr is definitely worth the visit, just make sure that you’re prepared for the steep sections, and that you take extra precaution if you decide to take on the walk while it’s raining! You will also need to make sure that you’re aware of the Control of Dogs Order 1992, stating that ID is a legal requirement for dogs in a public area. If you’re looking for a durable tag that’s sure to last, make sure to click here.

Brodie Castle & Estate (Moray, Scotland)

Rounding off our top 10 dog walks in Great Britain is a trip to Brodie Castle & Estate! Located in the Moray countryside, this stunning castle makes for a fantastic day out for you and your furry friends! If a relaxed, picturesque walk is more your style, Brodie Castle & Estate is an adventure you won’t want to miss out on!

One of the most popular routes is the Castle Path and Pond Walk, an easy 1.5-mile loop that is both flat and buggy-friendly. Starting at the Playful Garden, you can stroll through the historic Victorian shrubbery and admire the tree-lined avenues. After that, you reach the pond where you can enjoy watching the ducks and swans - and if you’re lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel from one of the observation areas! Just make sure to remember your dog’s lead to be mindful of the resident wildlife and livestock.

Summary

No matter which of these fantastic locations you choose for your dog walks, your dog’s safety should always be your top priority. Adventures can sometimes lead to unexpected separation, and a durable, legible tag ensures that no matter where your dog wanders off to, you will have the peace of mind that they’re retrievable.

If you’re looking for a tag that’s proven to endure even the wildest of adventures, we’ve got just the thing for you. We craft our reinforced brass tags with outstanding durability, ensuring that your pet is protected through years of exploring. What makes our reinforced dog tags so durable is the result of our high standard of craftsmanship, ensuring each tag:

• Is crafted using high quality materials

• Features your wording in deep engraving with a black infill.

• Includes a stainless steel split ring hole lining to slow wear and tear.

If you’re looking to get yours, visit the link here! 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, make sure to get in touch with us at: sales@engravingstudios.co.uk or 01642 688990.