Hidden gems to explore during National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and a perfect opportunity to make the most of precious time walking outdoors with our canine companions. We’ve teamed up with our friends at the National Trust to shine light on some of the Trust’s scenic hidden gems, ideal for an extra special dog walk. Choose from coastal walks, stunning gardens, parklands and of course dog friendly cafes for well-deserved treats!

Morden Hall Park, London is an ancient landscape providing a green oasis in south London. Here dogs are very welcome in the Park and Stableyard café (but need to be on leads around buildings, the rose garden, playground and boardwalk).

@National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Heart

Coleton Fishacre in Devon offers gorgeous gardens and stunning coastal walks. Dogs can enjoy the beautiful gardens if on lead, and join for refreshments at Café Coleton. Tethering rings are located by the house.

At Greenway, Devon, dogs can walk through the garden with their owners and then be rewarded with a tasty snack in the Barn Gallery Café. There’s also a shop stocked with pet essentials and accessories, and in the summer the cafe serves doggie ice cream! Tethering rings are available in the courtyard. For those who may be keen canoeists or kayakers, you can even paddle upriver to Greenway and land at the picturesque Greenway Quay – but, don’t forget to get in touch with the Greenway Ferry Company, which you can do by calling 01803 844010.

Lorna Doone Valley, Devon, offers a beautiful setting for hiking adventures - a mystical valley surrounded by peaceful walks in the countryside. Dogs are welcome in the tea room too.

@National Trust Images/Fisheye Images

At Blickling, Norfolk, dogs enjoying this great day out will love the aptly named Muddy Boots café and the outside Farmyard café, a perfect spot for refreshments after a good walk around the impressive estate. Dogs can explore around the park if kept on lead. It’s also worth noting that Blickling Bounders provides a weekly social dog walk for those keen on meeting friends to walk and talk.

Dunwich Heath, Suffolk provides a huge dogs welcome! 'Woof', walk and beach access. Toys, bowls and treats are readily available. Dogs are required to be on leads in the heath from March through to September for the safety of breeding wildlife.

Ickworth, Suffolk - dogs are welcome when on leads (assistance dogs only in the Italianate Garden and Walled Garden). It is certainly worth visiting the Welcome Point and Plant shop in the main car park where you can borrow leads, poo bags and pick up some dog treats too.

Souter, Tyne & Wear – everyone will enjoy these wonderful walks and the opportunity to explore the lighthouse grounds. Leads are required when in the cafe and of course, when near cliff edges for safety.

@National Trust Images/John Millar

Tredeger, Wales. Dogs can sniff their way around the wonderful parkland, formal gardens and then relax at the café. Visitors can discover the parkland in a different way by following the free, self-led sensory trail. The trail encourages different senses to be explored, not just eyes, but also ears, nose and fingertips (and paws!) during the sensory experience that the parkland has to offer. Or, take the popular 40-minute lakeside walk which includes a stunning of view of the mansion house, lined by the magnificent Oak Avenue.

Rowallane Garden, County Down, the wallane Garden will offer a heaven of exploration for both dog and owner. The garden is ideal for leisurely walks, refreshments in the cafe or just simply relaxing on a seat in the walled garden. There is a special area for dogs who love a good off lead run as well, plus leads are available to borrow if you forget yours!

Find out more about our partnership with the National Trust here or check out our tail-waggingly tasty co-branded range of soft bites, the perfect treat for your pup while exploring these hidden gems.