The UK's most dog friendly & scenic dog walks

As Brits make the most of exploring the UK for their days out and dog walks, these mesmerising images show some of the most scenic places for dog walks in the UK – including Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, and Cheddar Gorge.

Our recent survey of 2,000 UK dog owners discovered the most popular destinations to enjoy – with the Yorkshire Dales taking first place in the top 40 list.

Some of the preferred destinations for a dog walk were found to be beside the sea (44 per cent), with the Southwest being home to many top spots. Cornwall took two spots in the top five, whilst Devon also featured several times in the list with Doone Valley and Baggy Point.

It also emerged that three in 10 owners enjoy strolls by lakes, with the Lake District’s Derwentwater taking the second spot in the top 40. A further 39 per cent opt for walks in a forest, while 28 per cent chose national parks.
Over half of the top 40 locations in the survey are cared for, or partially cared for by Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust. The charity, in partnership with Forthglade, has launched the Dogs Welcome Project, which is committed to making sure everyone is welcome at its places, whether you are a visitor with a dog or one looking to avoid dogs. The project is also improving the facilities for canine visitors and their humans. Check out the top 40, see a few highlights or click here to check out many more fantastic National Trust places to visit for a very warm dogs welcome.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Nobody ever forgets their first sight of Blickling. The stunning Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Surrounding the house, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the historic parkland is great for exploring. Pick up a map at reception to view the way-marked walks and enjoy discovering intriguing landmarks, stunning views, and wildlife. There are a few restrictions to be aware of as dogs are not permitted on the main driveway, in the house, East Wing or formal garden. But with over 4,600 acres to explore, Blickling's parkland is certainly wonderful for walkies.

©National Trust Images/ Fisheye Images

Baggy Point, Devon

With views of the coastline towards Bideford Bay and Hartland, Baggy Point provides wonderful walks of varying lengths and challenges, whether after a gentle pace or a hike to justify a rewarding pub lunch. From birdwatching, searching for beautiful wildflowers, or even seal spotting, the wonderful rugged coastal views guarantee memorable adventures together with canine companions.

©National Trust Images/John Millar

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Visited by over half a million people a year, many visiting with dogs to enjoy walking in the vast outdoor spaces. Attingham inspires a sense of beauty, space, and awe. Admire the Berwicks' 18^th Century estate with 200 acres of parkland, a regency mansion, huge organic walled garden, large playfield, and of course miles of walks.

©National Trust Images/David Sellman

Lorna Doone Valley, Devon

The well-known 'Doone village' is often described as a mystical place and makes for a lovely walk. Stroll through picturesque countryside, cross moorland and walk beside rivers that meander through gently rounded hills, woods, bridleways and footbridges – the variety will ensure a great adventure for all and probably a special lunch and a good night’s sleep! A perfect way to get lost in the peace of nature.

©National Trust Images/Mark Johnson

Check out the top 40 most scenic dog walking routes and why not consider these for your next walking adventure!

1. Yorkshire Dales
2. Derwentwater, Lake District
3. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
4. Lizard Point, Cornwall
5. Holywell beach, Cornwall
6. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
7. Ullswater, Cumbria
8. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
9. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
10. The Roaches, Peak District
11. Richmond Park, London
12. The Seven Sisters, South Downs
13. Durham Coast, Durham
14. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
15. The Langdales, Cumbria
16. Pen y Fan, Wales
17. Rhosili Bay, South Wales
18. Doone Valley, North Devon
19. Golden Cap, Dorset
20. Cragside, Northumberland
21. Sheringham Park, Norfolk
22. Clifton Downs, Bristol
23. Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight
24. Kinmel Bay, Wales
25. Baggy Point, North Devon
26. Clent Hills, Worcestershire
27. Bath Skyline Walk, Bath
28. Hengistbury Head, Dorset
29. Hatfield Forest, Essex
30. Heaven’s Gate, Wiltshire
31. Orwell Country Park, Ipswich
32. Lyme, Cheshire
33. Blicking Estate, Norfolk
34. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
35. Flatford, Suffolk
36. Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge
37. Whiteford Burrows, North Gower Coast
38. Laverstock Down, Salisbury
39. Green Chain Walk, London
40. Attingham Park, Shropshire

Learn more about the National Trust’s dog friendly places to visit and the newly launched Dogs Welcome project at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Please visit the property pages for updated visiting detail for each of the places you may wish to visit.