Britain's best dog walks, according to 1,800 UK dog owners

There are dog walks, and then there are dog walks worth packing the car, the children, three water bottles, a suspicious number of snacks and the dog’s least-filthy towel for.

Animal Friends surveyed 1,800 UK dog owners as part of research commissioned in July 2026 to find the routes they would most like to visit.* The resulting top 20 stretches from mountain lakes and vast beaches to city parks, historic estates and manageable woodland trails across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And it seems walkies matter to owners almost as much as they do to dogs. More than three-quarters of owners say walking their dog is one of the best parts of their day, while 95% say their dog’s enjoyment is either their biggest priority or just as important as their own when choosing where to go.

That doesn’t mean we’re all setting off for Snowdonia every Saturday morning, of course. Two-thirds of owners stick to familiar routes because they’re convenient, while 45% return to the same places because they feel safer.

Even so, 79% admit feeling guilty that their dog walks aren’t more adventurous. Which feels rather harsh when you have, after all, taken the dog outside rather than leaving them to stare meaningfully at the lead for another hour.

If you are ready to break out of the local-park loop, here are all 20 of the UK’s ultimate dog walks, with the practical information families need before setting off.

What makes the perfect dog walk?

Finding a walk that keeps everyone happy isn't always straightforward. Whether you're heading out with energetic children, a curious dog or simply looking for somewhere new to explore together, the right route can make all the difference.

Facilities matter too. Nearly 8 in 10 owners say cafés, water stations or places to pick up treats would make them more likely to venture further afield. Among Gen Z dog owners, that rises to 94%.

That helps explain why this list includes more than remote mountain trails. There are short forest loops, accessible paths, city parks and historic town walks too - all useful when your family’s idea of a good day out includes toilets and somewhere to buy lunch.

1. Rydal Water Circular, Lake District

• Best for: Active families, dramatic scenery and dogs that like a proper adventure

• Distance: 3.85 miles

• Time: Around 2 hours 20 minutes

• Difficulty: Hard

Taking in Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Cave and views across Grasmere and Rydal Water, this is the walk UK dog owners most wanted to tackle. It packs plenty into a relatively short distance, but don’t let the mileage fool you: steep climbs, rocky sections and exposed fell terrain make it one for confident walkers and fit dogs.

Keep dogs close and on lead around livestock, open water, rocky ground and steep drops. The reward is some of the Lake District’s best scenery and enough interesting terrain to tire out even the dog who normally returns home and immediately brings you a ball.

2. Bolderwood Radnor Trail, New Forest

• Best for: A relaxed woodland walk with younger children

• Distance: 1.9 miles

• Time: Around one hour

• Difficulty: Easy

This peaceful New Forest loop runs through ancient woodland, past Bratley Water and close to the deer viewing platform. The forest paths are generally smooth, although there are a few slopes, making it one of the more manageable choices for families.

Dogs will need to be kept under close control and on a lead around free-roaming ponies, deer and road crossings. There are toilets, picnic areas and visitor facilities near the car park, which takes some of the logistical sting out of a family day out.

3. Baggy Point Circular, North Devon

• Best for: Coastal views without an all-day hike

• Distance: 2.8 miles

• Time: Around 1.5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Baggy Point offers classic South West Coast Path scenery: cliffs, open countryside and sweeping views across the sea. It feels like a proper coastal adventure without requiring everyone to spend six hours marching into a headwind.

There are exposed cliff edges, livestock and uneven paths to contend with, so dogs should be kept on a lead where needed. The route can become slippery after rain, and there isn’t much shelter if the weather turns – which, in the UK, it occasionally does.

4. Bamburgh Beach and Dunes Circular, Northumberland

• Best for: Beach-loving dogs and castle views

• Distance: Four miles

• Time: Around two hours

• Difficulty: Easy

Bamburgh gives you a huge sandy beach, rolling dunes and one of the most impressive backdrops of any dog walk in the country. There’s plenty of room to explore, and the castle views make even a grey, windswept walk feel worth the journey.

Check tides before visiting and keep dogs under control around nesting birds, dunes and busy stretches of beach. The soft sand can also be more tiring than it looks, particularly for older dogs and smaller children.

5. Major Oak Trail, Sherwood Forest

• Best for: History, woodland and an easy family outing

• Distance: 1.5 miles

• Time: Around 45 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

This short Sherwood Forest route leads through ancient woodland to the Major Oak, famously associated with Robin Hood. It’s an easy sell to children, while dogs get shaded paths and a forest full of smells to investigate.

The route is one of Sherwood Forest’s more accessible options, although paths can become muddy after rain. It can also get busy during school holidays, so dogs may need to stay on a lead around the visitor centre and Major Oak.

6. Richmond Park Tamsin Trail, London

• Best for: A long countryside-style walk without leaving London

• Distance: 7.3 miles

• Time: Around 2.5 to three hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

The Tamsin Trail loops around Richmond Park, passing open grassland, woodland, ponds and herds of free-roaming deer. It’s the longest walk in the top 20 and offers a genuine half-day outing without requiring an escape from the capital.

Dogs must be kept under very close control around deer, particularly during mating and calving seasons. The paths are shared with cyclists, runners and horse riders too, so this isn’t the place for selective hearing when someone calls their dog back.

7. Holkham Beach and Pinewoods Circular, Norfolk

• Best for: Wide-open beaches and dogs with energy to burn

• Distance: Four to five miles

• Time: Around two hours

• Difficulty: Easy

Holkham combines enormous stretches of sand with dunes and pine forest, giving dogs plenty of variety and families a walk that feels satisfyingly wild. The woodland return also offers some welcome shade after the open beach.

Watch out for seasonal restrictions protecting nesting birds, and check tides before setting off. The sand can be tiring, and the beach is exposed to both sun and wind, sometimes within the same 20 minutes.

8. Cwm Idwal Circular, Eryri

Image credit: Eryri National Park Authority

• Best for: Mountain scenery without climbing a major summit

• Distance: 3.1 miles

• Time: Around two hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

This circular route around Llyn Idwal gives families a taste of Eryri’s dramatic mountain landscape without committing to a full summit walk. Expect rocky paths, towering mountain walls and views that make the packed lunch seem unusually scenic.

The terrain is rough and uneven, and mountain weather can change quickly. Dogs should be kept on a secure lead around livestock, open water, protected habitats and exposed sections.

9. Mam Tor Circular, Peak District

• Best for: Big views and families who enjoy a challenge

• Distance: Five miles

• Time: Two to three hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Starting in Castleton, this route climbs through Cave Dale towards Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. It’s a classic Peak District walk with limestone scenery, exposed ridges and panoramic views from the summit.

There are steep climbs, rocky paths and livestock along the route, so it’s better suited to older children and dogs used to longer walks. Pack layers even when the village feels warm: Mam Tor has a habit of being noticeably breezier at the top.

10. Ridding Wood Trail, Grizedale Forest

• Best for: A short, accessible woodland walk

• Distance: One mile

• Time: 30 to 45 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

This gentle Grizedale Forest loop follows wide, surfaced paths through oak woodland, passing streams and outdoor sculptures along the way. It is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it a practical option for mixed-age family groups.

The route is short enough for older dogs, younger children or days when nobody has the stamina for a grand expedition. There are toilets, a café and picnic areas near the visitor centre too.

11. Hampstead Heath Circular, London

• Best for: City dogs who like having room to roam

• Distance: Three miles

• Time: One to 1.5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy

Hampstead Heath manages to squeeze woodland, ponds, open meadows and panoramic city views into one varied urban walk. Starting at Parliament Hill, the circular route heads across the Heath towards the ponds and Kenwood before looping back.

It can get very busy, particularly at weekends, and paths often become muddy after rain. Look out for water-safety notices around the ponds, including warnings about blue-green algae during warmer weather.

12. High Lodge Heritage Trail, Thetford Forest

• Best for: Pushchairs, wheelchairs and easy family walking

• Distance: 2.6 miles

• Time: Around 1.5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy

High Lodge is one of the most accessible walks on the list, with wide, surfaced woodland paths and shorter route options available. It’s a good choice for families who want fresh air without steep climbs, narrow stiles or the inevitable debate about who is carrying the toddler.

Dogs should be kept under control around cyclists, families and the busy visitor centre. There are toilets, picnic areas, refreshments and play facilities nearby.

13. Steel Rigg and Crag Lough Circular, Hadrian’s Wall

• Best for: History, wild scenery and adventurous dogs

• Distance: 4.5 miles

• Time: Two to three hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Following one of the most dramatic sections of Hadrian’s Wall, this walk includes ridgeline views, historic ruins and the cliffs above Crag Lough. It is rugged, exposed and undeniably impressive.

There are steep climbs, slippery sections and significant drops along the route. Dogs need to stay on a lead around livestock, cattle, historic structures and cliff edges, and walkers should be prepared for fast-changing weather.

14. Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Circular, Anglesey

• Best for: A bit of everything

• Distance: Five miles

• Time: Around three hours

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This route combines pine forest, dunes, beach and the atmospheric scenery of Llanddwyn Island. Few walks offer quite as much variety, which makes it a strong choice for dogs that become bored with a single landscape.

Access to the island depends on the tide, so check times before travelling. There may also be seasonal restrictions around wildlife and nesting birds, dogs will need to stay on lead around the wild ponies, and the sand can be hard work for older dogs and younger walkers.

15. Wells Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace Circular, Somerset

• Best for: A gentle walk with cafés and civilisation close by

• Distance: One to two miles

• Time: Around one hour

• Difficulty: Easy

Not every great dog walk needs hiking boots. This mostly level route passes Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, the Bishop’s Palace moat and Vicar’s Close, making it a relaxed option for families, older dogs or anyone who likes their exercise with the possibility of cake afterwards.

Dogs should remain on a lead around roads, crowds and water features. Attraction-specific rules may apply if you plan to enter the cathedral or palace grounds.

16. Wallington River Walk, Northumberland

• Best for: Woodland, riverside scenery and a slower-paced day out

• Distance: Four miles

• Time: 1.5 to two hours

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Set within the Wallington Estate, this route takes in woodland, gardens and stretches of the River Wansbeck. It offers a quieter, more sheltered alternative to Northumberland’s exposed coastal and upland walks.

Paths can become muddy after rain, and stepping stones may be inaccessible when river levels are high. Dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock, gardens, wildlife and the river.

17. Box Hill Circular, Surrey

• Best for: Families who like hills, views and earning their lunch

• Distance: Four miles

• Time: Around two hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Box Hill’s circular route combines woodland, chalk grassland, River Mole views and a series of steep ascents and descents. The viewpoints are excellent, but you will have to work for them.

There are long staircases, uneven chalk paths and river crossings, and the route is unsuitable for pushchairs. Keep dogs under control around livestock, steep slopes and busy visitor areas, particularly at weekends.

18. Giant’s Causeway Blue Trail, County Antrim

• Best for: Iconic scenery and a shorter walk

• Distance: 0.8 miles

• Time: Around 30 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

The Blue Trail runs from the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre down towards the famous basalt columns. It’s the shortest walk on the list, but the distinctive coastal landscape gives it more drama than many routes five times its length.

The approach path is surfaced, although it is steep in places, and the basalt stones can be extremely slippery when wet. Dogs should remain on a lead around the rocks, crowds and shuttle-bus route.

19. Tollymore River Trail, County Down

• Best for: Woodland, waterfalls and dogs that love to sniff

• Distance: 3.3 miles

• Time: 1.5 to two hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

This forest trail follows the Shimna and Spinkwee rivers through Tollymore Forest Park, passing stone bridges, cascades and dense woodland beneath the Mourne Mountains.

Expect tree roots, steps, uneven paths and slippery riverside sections. Dogs should be kept under control around fast-moving water, wildlife, bridges and any active forestry areas.

20. Tintern Abbey and Devil’s Pulpit Circular, Wye Valley

• Best for: Historic views and a longer woodland challenge

• Distance: Five miles

• Time: Around 3.5 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Starting near Tintern Abbey, this route crosses the River Wye before climbing steeply through woodland to the Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint. From there, you can look back across the valley towards the abbey ruins below.

This is one of the more demanding routes, with steep climbs, muddy tracks and sections where navigation can be trickier. Keep dogs close around livestock, road crossings and exposed viewpoints.

Before setting off with your dog

Real life may vary, particularly once children, weather and an unexpected encounter with a cow are involved.

Animal Friends’ research found that 95% of dog owners feel confident identifying risks on a walk, yet only 40% actively consider water safety when choosing a route. Before letting your dog swim or paddle, check for local warnings, fast currents, steep banks and signs of blue-green algae.

It’s also worth checking:

• local dog restrictions and seasonal wildlife guidance

• tide times on coastal routes

• the weather forecast for mountain or exposed walks

• parking charges and opening times

• whether the route suits your dog’s age, fitness and confidence

• whether facilities and cafés allow dogs inside.

And pack more water than you think you’ll need. The dog will drink half of it, and one of the children will inevitably knock the rest over.

Match your walk to your dog’s personality

About Animal Friends

Animal Friends was founded in 1998 with a simple mission: to support animal welfare and help pets live happy, healthy lives. 

Over the years, the company has contributed more than £10 million to animal welfare charities and conservation organisations in the UK and around the world, supporting projects that protect vulnerable animals and the people who care for them.

Through its charitable giving and community initiatives, Animal Friends aims to make a positive difference beyond pet ownership - helping to create a better future for animals everywhere.

Charitable work undertaken by Animal Friends Insurance is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

*Source: survey of 1,800 UK dog owners, with most dog-walking questions asked of 1,787 owners who walk their dog.