Dog Walking Inspiration: Best Places & Spaces to Walk Your Pup
There's no doubt about it – exercise is essential for both you and your four-legged friend! A great excuse to get out the house, dog walks provide you and your pup with a chance to get moving, exploring and even socialising! Key to your pet's health and general wellbeing, walks also bring opportunities for mental stimulation and behavioural training, and they're even said to develop the bond between you and your furry companion. A non-negotiable part of daily routine, dog walks can, however, become a little monotonous over time, especially if you take the same routes on a regular basis. To help you shake things up a bit, we're here with some ideas of fresh places and spaces to explore with your pooch, including everything from coastlines to national parks and moorlands. Whether you're heading off for a brisk stroll, a gentle saunter or a full-on hike with your loyal companion, unexplored locations will inject a new lease of life into your quotidian shared adventures. Ready to be inspired? Read on....
Where to take your dog on a day out? Coastal trails and the beach are calling!
There are numerous reasons why beaches are a great place to take your dog! First off, long stretches of coastline provide ample space for your dog to roam around and to be let off the leash (dependent on the rules of the seafront in question, of course). Whether sandy, pebbled or rocky, coastal environments also let your pawed pal pad across different terrains – a welcome change from the muddy parks or concrete roads more often trodden. The beauty of the beach is that it also provides your pup with the opportunity to dip their paws in the sea or frolic in the waves. Although certain dog breeds are more keen swimmers than others, letting your pet perform some doggy paddle is a great way for guaranteeing they get their exercise in. Gentler than running, it's worth noting that swimming is a particularly good form of physical activity for older dogs or dogs with joint problems. All in all, catching some waves promises fun and excitement for any pooch, as well as a chance to cool down on a warm day! Just ensure your dog doesn't drink any sea water, to avoid risk of sickness.
If you're in quest of fresh sea air and a scenic leisurely stroll, why not head to Rhossili Bay Beach in Swansea. Previously voted the UK's number 1 dog-friendly beach, this coastal treasure will let you combine a clifftop walk with a stroll along golden sands, all while you enjoy breathtaking views out towards the Atlantic. If you hope to be mesmerised by lapping waves in one direction and a quaint castle in the other, Bamburgh Beach is another prime place to walk your pup. And if neither location is nearby, do some research and find a practical alternative. Since the UK's coastline stretches a mighty 7700 miles, your pick of coastal walks is far from limited!
Looking for more good places to go with your furry friend? Follow a few dog-friendly National Trust walks
There's no end of National Trust trails waiting to be uncovered by you and your furry friend! Whether you're hoping to hit up a hill, enjoy a relaxed ramble through countryside, explore the quiet grounds of a secluded family estate, or are in need of accessible walks, there's a pathway earmarked just for you! Research the rich repertoire of walks the National Trust has to offer and filter the options by pawprint rating, to find a route that's fit for your doggo. If you're a culture vulture pet parent, Norfolk's Blickling Estate is a beautiful location to enjoy a day out with your puppy, with dog-friendly zones and experiences clearly signposted. The grounds span parkland, woodland and farmland, providing the perfect occasion for a varied walk. Even better, you can stop off at the dog-friendly Muddy Boots cafe to refuel, as a post-excursion treat. Corfe Castle in Devon is another special spot for a dog walk. So long as you keep your canine companion on a lead, you're free to explore the castle ruins here that date back to the English Civil War, as well as the stunning surrounding landscape that, on a fine day, promises views as far as the Isle of Wight. If you fancy soaking up history and enjoying rolling hills and river side wanders with your most loyal companion, this is the place! From the harbour village of Boscastle in Cornwall to Foremark – Derbyshire's nature reserve boasting 230 acres of open countryside as well as a glistening reservoir – there are hundreds of National Trust trails waiting to be trodden. That means hundreds of new dog walking routes, and hundreds of unforgettable outdoor adventures against breathtaking British backdrops!
Head to a national park for enjoyable walks in stunning locations, such as the Lake District or the New Forest
Renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, national parks are a dog walker's paradise. Their untouched natural landscapes offer a haven of exploration for your pup and spectacular views for you, making them win-win dog walking locations. And with 15 of them to pick from within the UK, you're spoilt for choice! For an uphill hike, explore some of the more easily conquerable summits in the likes of the Lake District, Peak District or the Brecon Beacons. For stunning sea views, why not trail the Pembrokeshire Coast or head to the chalky cliffs of the South Downs. Visit the Trossachs in Scotland and lead your pup on a partial lap around Loch Lomond or, to lose yourself in green foliage and acres of ancient woodland, discover the age-old charms of the New Forest. What are you waiting for? Plan your visit today!
Meander in moorlands
Moors are a great place to walk your canine companion! These uncultivated upland habitats are characterised by low-growing vegetation. Full of wildlife and diversity, these expansive peaty environments, covered in grass, moss and bracken, offer any pup endless opportunities for exploration. With so many sights, smells and textures to take in as well as different types of undergrowth to root around in, they're a playground for curious pups! What's more, some dog-friendly moorlands even have designated dog paddling areas where your pet can take a splash in select rivers, lakes or burbling streams. When visiting heaths, just make sure you respect the regulations for that particular area, and that, while wandering, you keep your dog under close control to minimise disturbance to any wildlife you meet along the way. Our suggestions of not-to-miss moorlands? Marsden Moor in the South Pennines has miles of footpaths just waiting to be walked, while Moors Valley in the South of England, made up of hectares upon hectares of heathland and woodland, guarantees fun not just for you and your dog but for all the family, with picnic spots, high ropes and even its own steam train railway to offer! Meanwhile, Exmoor, with its blue water backdrop, and the North York Moors, which stretch as far as the eye can see, promise unprecedented views.
Awe-inspiring walkies await
While it's easy to fall into the pattern of going on the same old dog walks and following the same old routes, with a bit of forethought, taking your pup for a wander can become an opportunity for daily adventure. Shift your mindset and seek out new sights, taking the above locations as a starting point. For further inspiration, including more specific canine-friendly spots, follow our guide to some of the best dog walks in the UK. Get that dog lead at the ready and enjoy an invigorating escapade – it's time to get as excited as your pup!
