Best rainy day dog walks in the UK
Date published: 20 Feb 2025
It's a tonne of fun exploring the great outdoors with your pup in tow, but unfortunately, the UK's hardly blessed with clear skies on a consistent basis. Sometimes, we have to deal with those rainy days, but you can't keep your dog cooped up just because of a downpour, or two.
Having said that, muddy paws aren't a great combination with clean floors, carpets or cars. So, what's the solution? The key is finding those perfect rainy day dog walks that offer a bit of shelter, well-maintained paths and some protection from the dreaded swampy terrain.
Here are some of the best spots in the UK where you and your pup can enjoy a drizzly adventure without needing a full-scale decontamination operation afterward.
1. Lydford Gorge, Devon
Tucked away in Dartmoor National Park, Lydford Gorge is a National Trust gem. With a mix of wooded trails, riverside walks and the stunning White Lady Waterfall, it's a magical spot even in the rain.
The dense canopy of trees offers decent shelter, and the well-maintained paths mean you won’t be wading through ankle-deep mud. Plus, the dramatic waterfall looks even more impressive when it’s been topped up by a downpour, so consider the rain an added bonus!
2. Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
A sprawling, dog-friendly woodland with a range of trails, Hamsterley Forest is a great choice for a rainy stroll.
The combo of pine and broadleaf trees provides plenty of cover, while the designated walking paths help keep the worst of the mud at bay. If your dog loves a bit of adventure, there are plenty of sniff-worthy detours to explore, ensuring a tail-wagging good time.
3. Grizedale Forest, Lake District
If you’re after a scenic and relatively mud-free walk, Grizedale Forest is ideal. Nestled between Coniston Water and Windermere, this forest is known for its art installations dotted along the trails.
More importantly, the paths are solid and gravel-based, so you won't find yourself knee-deep in sludge. And if your pup enjoys a bit of culture, they can ponder the sculptures while sniffing out new scents.
4. Faskally Forest, Perthshire
Near Pitlochry, Faskally Forest is a dream location for rainy walks. With towering trees, lochside views and well-kept trails, it's an atmospheric place to explore in all weather.
The thick woodland provides plenty of cover, and the sound of rain dripping through the leaves only adds to the charm. It’s the perfect place to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale - just with more wet dog smells.
5. The Pinewoods, Sandringham, Norfolk
Sandy soil is a lifesaver when the rain starts falling and that’s exactly what you’ll find in The Pinewoods. Located near the Sandringham Estate, this peaceful forest walk is lined with towering pine trees, offering fantastic shelter and minimal mud.
Your dog will love weaving in and out of the trees, and you’ll appreciate how much easier it is to clean their paws at the end.
6. Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
A hidden gem in Cornwall, Cardinham Woods features a network of well-maintained forest trails that are perfect for wet weather. The tall trees provide good coverage, and the designated paths keep things manageable, even after heavy rain.
Plus, there's a dog-friendly café nearby to warm up in afterwards. Nothing beats a hot drink while your soggy pup gives you the classic ‘feed me’ stare.
7. Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire
Nestled in the South Downs, this country park boasts a fantastic mix of woodland and gravel trails. It's a great option when the weather turns, as the paths drain well and the trees provide decent shelter.
Plus, if your pup does manage to get a bit mucky, there's a dog wash station on-site! That means you can avoid the dreaded muddy paw prints all over your car seats.
8. Rothiemurchus Forest, Cairngorms
Scotland’s Cairngorms are known for their dramatic beauty, and Rothiemurchus Forest is no exception.
The well-trodden trails wind through ancient pine forest, offering a sheltered escape from the rain. Just be prepared for some stunning scenery along the way! The fresh pine scent in the air and the occasional glimpse of wildlife make this one extra special.
9. The Vyne, Hampshire
A National Trust woodland with excellent paths and a lovely lakeside trail, The Vyne is a fantastic choice for a rainy day stroll.
The gravel trails mean less mud and the beautiful setting makes for an enjoyable walk, rain or shine. Your dog might not care about the grand 16th-century house in the distance, but they’ll certainly enjoy the smells of the woodland around it!
10. Beacon Fell Country Park, Lancashire
Situated in the Forest of Bowland, Beacon Fell is a fantastic walking spot with a mix of sheltered forest trails and open moorland.
The paths are well-marked and reasonably firm underfoot, making it a reliable option even after heavy rainfall. The gentle slopes offer just enough of a workout without leaving you gasping for breath - though your dog will still be raring to go!
11. Delamere Forest, Cheshire
Cheshire’s largest woodland, Delamere Forest, is packed with well-maintained trails that are perfect for wet weather walks.
The dense trees provide good cover, and there’s even a dog-friendly café on-site to grab a hot drink and dry off post-walk. If your pup is the social type, they’ll love meeting plenty of other rainproof dogs along the way!
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
