Are you looking for a new trail to discover with your dog? We've got lots of ideas to get your pup's tail wagging. Whether you're looking for a walk at the beach, countryside or woods, we've got you covered!
Beach dog walks
Of all the places to walk your dog, the beach is an all-time favourite with most dog owners. It's great for both ourselves as well as for our furry friends: the fresh air, open landscape and activity will make both of you feel refreshed.
Before heading off on a dog walk along the coast, you'll need to find out whether the place you're thinking of is a dog friendly beach.
Kent
Reculver Country Park
Walk along the sea wall towards Minnis Bay or head the other way along the cliff tops or beach.
Beacon Hill Herne Bay
Main pathways are surfaced with unmade footpaths also making their way to the sea. Path along the shore line as well as an upper pathway linked by a steep incline. Toilets and refreshments at The Kings Hall.
Long Rock, Whitstable
The car park is located in a residential area next to Swalecliffe Recreation Ground. Easy access onto cycle paths and footpaths that follow the coast line either towards Herne Bay or the other way to Whitstable.
Tankerton Slopes, Whitstable
Adjacent to Long Rock with easy free parking along the road at the top of Tankerton Slopes. Great coastal walk into whitstable town centre. Dogs on leads only May to September at certain points along the beach.
South Swale Nature Reserve, Whitstable
This there and back walk allows you to walk either along the beach when the tide allows or along the grass bank behind the sea wall. Part of the Saxon Shore Way.
Oare Marshes
Waymarker trail from the sea wall next to watch house. Stay on circular trail. Dogs on leads.
Leysdown Coastal Park
Circular walk around The Swale National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppy.
Minster Leas
Nice walk along the promenade. Easy parking, cafe and toilets. See further details for beach dog restrictions.
Barton's Point Coastal Park
40 acres of outstanding natural beauty with salt water lake, nature trails, adventure playground and minature steam railway for the kids to name a few..
The Old Brickworks, Sittingbourne
Part of the Saxon Shore Way with easy parking a great village pub nearby.
Princess Walk, Margate
A walk along the cliff tops with surfaced pathways and grassed areas. Access to various beeches along the way but dog restrictions apply to beaches and promenades.
The Contra Trail, Ramsgate
Long out and back walk from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay Country Park.
Countryside and woodland dog walks
Kent
Platt Wood, Sevenoaks
Accessed by a footpath to the right of the church. Lots of footpaths spread over 43 acres of woodland and is part of the 'Weald Way' walk. Roadside parking.
Oldbury Hill and Styants Wood, Sevenoaks
166 acres of woodland with good network of paths including two way marked circular trails.
Hucking Woodland Estate, Maidstone
Amazing woodland walks with great views. Easy free parking
Blue Bell Hill Reserve, Chatham
Chalk grassland, scrub and woodland set on the hillside with amazing views across the weald. Some steep and uneven pathways.
Great Winter Walks for You and Your Dog
Wrap up warm and take a wander on these wagtastic winter walks.
As Christmas approaches and winter sets in, the colder weather shouldn’t deter you from going on a nice long walk with your furry friend. There are lots of beautiful places across the country that are pawfect for a festive stroll. We’ve selected our favourites from across the UK and Ireland, so why not wrap up warm and try out one of these wagtastic winter walks.
Bushy Park, England
Perhaps less well known, but no less beautiful, Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s eight Royal Parks. Home to the famous Chestnut Avenue and located near Hampton Court Palace, this park has a mixture of woods, gardens, ponds and grasslands for you and your pooch to explore.
Plan your walk at Bushy Park here.
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Heading north of the border for the festive season? Why not plan a trip to one of the Royal family’s residencies at Balmoral Castle. During August, September and October the grounds, gardens and exhibitions are closed to the Public as The Royal Family are in residence, but come the winter, there is lots for you and your dog to enjoy at this magnificent (and dog-friendly!) estate.
Plan your walk at Balmoral Castle here.
Carreg Cennen Castle, Wales
The striking Carreg Cennen Castle, which was voted the most romantic castle in Wales by viewers of BBC’s Countryfile, is located on the western fringe of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The surrounding land is a great place for a dog walk! This great walking map of the area, courtesy of BBC Wales, routes out a 5.5mile circular walk that your dog will absolutely adore!
Plan your walk at Carreg Cennen Castle here.
Glenariff Forest Park, Northern Ireland
According to Discover Northern Ireland, “Winter creates the perfect backdrop to explore this mature woodland.” There are various lovely trails that you and your dog can enjoy, including several walking trails through the forest which give spectacular views and glimpses of wildlife. Dogs must remain on the lead, but there are plenty of sights and sounds that you can both enjoy as you ramble.
Plan your walk at Glenariff Forest Park here.
Ballycotton Cliffs, Republic of Ireland
For wonderful views and a lovely winter walk then head to Ballycotton Cliffs in Co. Cork. The Ballycotton Cliff walk is from the village of Ballycotton to Ballyandreen beach along a cliff track. The route covers 5 miles and is rich in wildlife. Once you and your dog have completed the walk, you can stop in to the village for a hot drink to warm you up.
Plan your walk at Ballycotton Cliffs here.
The summer months open the floodgates for beach goers, but it also means that they close for dogs. Many public beaches have restrictions during summer months that forbid four-legged visitors.
So where can you take your pooch 365 days of the year? Britain is bursting with some great dog-friendly trails. Our friends at GoCompare have searched for the best dog adventures to be had in each British region and shared the below infographic.
A great dog walk is somewhere that is mutually interesting for you and your furry friend. Each spot has an interesting fact; for example, Catbells Lakeland Walk in the northwest was featured in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The summertime is the best time to bump up the steps on your fitness tracker and each spot shows you the number of steps you’ll take on your travels. Additional steps can be added in chasing your hound, they probably won’t want to leave.
As always ensure your dog is safe and comfortable in the heat. Avoid walking them at peak times and always carry water so they can have a drink to cool down. Keep dogs cool whilst travelling as cars can get really hot, making it an uncomfortable ride for your waggy-tailed friend. You can also read our 10 ways to keep your dog cool before you em-bark on an adventure.
If you’re too busy to take your pup out on a great walk this weekend, then why not find a lovely local dog lover who would love to take them for an extra walk? Just for the love of dogs and not for profit! Or perhaps you don't have a dog yet to take on walks. Take a look at the members in your area now.
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