The UK's most dog friendly & scenic dog walks

from a recent survey of UK dog owners

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.
Yorkshire dales

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.

Blickling Estate

©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.

Baggy Point

©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' 18th Century estate with 200 acres of parkland, a regency mansion, huge  organic walled garden, large playfield, and of course miles of walks.

Attingham Park

©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. 

Lorna Doone

©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.