The UK's best dog walks

If you’re staying to the northwest of London or in the Chiltern Hills, check out Black Park near Wexham, which spans over 500 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows. There are lots of dog-friendly trails as well as stuff for the rest of the family, like nature paths and an adventure playground. Follow the clearly marked 5km route or pick your own way through the interconnected glades, and you might spot a cinema backdrop as Pinewood Studios is only a stone’s throw away. Areas where you need to keep your dog on a lead, or avoid, are clearly marked, there’s good disabled access and a café.

Length: 3 miles

Time: 1 hour

More Info: countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk/black-park

Stay At: Hurley Riverside Park, Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NE

Web: hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

The Peak District is spoiled for great dog walks, and this is another gem. It’s a short circular walk through the magical Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, following a moss-lined brook and woodland ravine, full of great sniffs and water to frolic in. Footbridges criss-cross the ravine in places, overlooking the cascade, before levelling out into bridleways as you return to the start point. The ground can be uneven in places, with boulders and rocks, while it’s an ascent of around 122m in total, so one for the more active. Parking is free, and you and your four-legged friend can take refreshment at The Three Merry Lads pub which is only a mile away.

Length: 1.7 miles

Time: 1 hour

More Info: letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk

Stay At: Waleswood Caravan & Camping Park, Delves Lane, Waleswood, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S26 5RN

Web: waleswood.co.uk

All dog walkers appreciate a gentle, traffic-free route and this Amman Valley riverside walk delivers, with stunning views, clean air and very little challenge, making it great for all sorts of people and older dogs.

Nestled between the Black Mountain to the north and Betws Mountain to the south, the clearly signposted path follows the River Amman where you’ll pass through woodland, parks, river pools and villages, perfect for refreshments and to take in some of the local history. There’s ample parking at the Black Mountain Centre in Upper Brynamman and in Ammanford.

Length: 5.5 miles

Time: 3 hours

More Info: discovercarmarthenshire.com

Stay At: South Wales Touring Park – Llwynifan Farm, Fferm Llwynifan Farm, Llangennech, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 8AX

Web: southwalescaravansite.co.uk

This is a walk that combines natural beauty with natural history, and even a spooky village, abandoned since World War II. It’s not a long trek and there are no challenging hills, but access is mostly via gravel paths, and there are no facilities en route, so pack some provisions and, as always, plenty of water for your buddy.

Parking in Tyneham village, you’ll emerge on Worbarrow Beach in around 20 minutes, then get to explore the huge crescent of the bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, designated by UNESCO as England's only natural World Heritage Site. Dogs are welcome all year off the lead, so enjoy a splash, and see if you can compare paws with the fossilised dinosaur footprints in the cliffs at the promontory at the Bay's easternend.

Length: 2 miles

Time: 1 hour

More Info: visit-dorset.com

Stay At: Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

Web: bagwellfarm.co.uk

Just inland from Brighton, Stanmer Park’s Great Wood is a gem for dog walkers, offering 5,000 acres of free-roaming access all year round, and it’s especially good in the summer if you want to keep your furry pal cool under the green canopy.

You can get food and drink at the Stanmer House Café or Tea Rooms,where your dog will of course be happy to help taste-test the menu, or settle down with a picnic, enveloped in the wood while their senses go wild for the sounds and smells. Parking is free and ample.

Length: 3 miles

Time: 2 hours

More Info: woodlandtrust.org.uk

Stay At: Tanner Farm Park, Goudhurst Road, Marden, Kent TN12 9ND

Web: tannerfarmpark.co.uk

This leisurely stroll takes you along the banks of the River Welland as it makes its way towards the North Sea. Like most of the surrounding counties, it’s forgiving in its lack of hills, and makes up for any lack of verticality with big, beautiful skies, while the riverbanks allow easy in-and-out access for water-loving dogs. The lack of strain makes it a great walk for chatting to friends and family, while there’s plenty of choice in Market Deeping to fill up on post-perambulation cake.

Length: 2.7 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

More Info: market-deeping.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Stay At: Keal Lodge, Back Lane, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire PE6 8RT

Web: keallodge.co.uk

This ancient landslip on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Ridge may look vertiginous, but despite some steep and uneven paths, and a little light scrambling, a circuit around the top is not too taxing for active types and clear to follow. Stunning whatever the weather, you can park at the summit of the road between Staffin and Uig, and then take the circuit, which passes iconic formations like the Prison and the Needle, while enjoying sensational views that stretch out over northern Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Some sections are exposed, so remember to take your dog's coat if he or she suffers from the chills.

Length: 4 miles

Time: 3.5 hours

More Info: walkhighlands.co.uk

Stay At: Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Loch, Greshornish, Edinbane IV51 9PS

Web: campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

This extended walk is great doggy exercise and provides stunning coastal views. It’s long but not too challenging and, whether you finish at Craster or Low Newton, there’ll be fresh fish or crab waiting for hungry hounds. There are miles of sandy beaches interspersed with even paths, and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are perfectly positioned for a stop along the way. This route is lovely in winter when the sea wind empties out the fair-weather types, letting you and your dog walk in splendid isolation.

Length: 8 miles

Time: 3 hours

More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk

Stay At: Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Dunstan, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TQ

Web: campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

This gentle walk along the Broads takes in some glorious Norfolk scenery, with a historic and unspoiled village, thirteenth century church, drainage mill and extensive reed beds at the edge of a mere, full of exciting aromas for your dog. Only 1m above sea level, and with no inclines to speak of, it’s a flat and unchallenging stroll, though the paths can get slippery for ill-shod bipeds in wet weather. As it’s only a stone’s throw from Horsey Beach, you can pick up some snacks from the friendly people at Horsey Staithe Stores, and extend your jaunt out to the water. There’s also the excellent dog-friendly Nelson Head pub for libations.

Length: 4.5 miles

Time: 2 hours

More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk

Stay At: Clippesby Hall, Hall Road, Clippesby, Norfolk, NR29 3BL

Web: clippesbyhall.com

This walk takes in the UK’s fifth-highest waterfall, the 60m Grey Mare’s Tail, as well as the stunning shores of Loch Skeen and other great views across the craggy hills. The grassy paths are well maintained with steep climbs in places and some care is needed above the ravine, so leads are advisable there. Parking is free, and if you want a shorter walk, you can turn back at the waterfall and its viewing platform below, which is only 10 minutes from the car park. There are no facilities, but Moffat is only 10 miles away, which has a great range of dog-friendly pubs and cafés.

Length: 3 miles

Time: 2 hours

More Info: walkhighlands.co.uk

Stay At: Silvercraigs Caravan Park, Silvercraigs Road, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway DG6 4BH

Web: silvercraigscaravanpark.co.uk

This cute – and aptly named – woodland walk within the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark offers a variety of terrain from deep conifer forest to twinkling lake shores, making it an energetic and stimulating experience for you and your pets. It mixes a linear trail with a circular section ascending Little Dog Hill, from which you get fantastic 360º views across the uplands, and even out to Donegal Bay on a clear day. There’s a dedicated car park, the main paths are clearly marked forest tracks, and the local village of Derrygonnelly has plenty of amenities for some post-walk relaxation.

Length: 2.5 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

More Info: marblearchcavesgeopark.com

Stay At: Blaney Caravan Park, 323 Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen BT93 7ER

Web: blaneycaravanpark.com

This quintessentially Cornish walk has plenty to offer a dog and their human. The route loops along the headland past the daymark cross on Dodman Point and takes in wonderful views, though make sure dogs are safely on a lead if they’re not experienced cliff walkers or if they're likely to chase wildlife. The walk passes by several year-round dog-friendly beaches if paws need wetting, and if you start and end the jaunt in Gorran Haven, part of the Cornish Riviera, you can get an ice cream to cool your tongues. You can also park in the National Trust car park at Penare.

Length: 4.7 miles

Time: 3 hours

More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk

Stay At: Heligan Caravan & Camping Park, St Ewe, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EL

Web: heligancampsite.com

There’s no denying the spectacular scenery of Snowdonia, but it has plenty to offer your four-legged friends, too. A great example is the Devil’s Kitchen walk that takes in a pleasing, mostly circular route around the crystal-clear water of Llyn Idwal under craggy Cwn Idwal. As with anywhere in the national park, there can be wildlife and livestock about so, if unsure, keep your dog on a lead. The walk isn’t particularly challenging by mountain standards, but there is steep ground and uneven paths in places. Handily, parking is just off the A5, with a visitor centre, toilets and a friendly snack bar for thirsty pups.

Length: 3 miles

Time: 3 hours

More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk

Stay At: Bodnant Caravan Park, Nebo Road, Llanrwst, Conwy LL26 0SD

Web: bodnant-caravan-park.co.uk