11 dog-friendly walks to take your pooch this spring

1. Buck’s Mill & Peppercombe Castle

Location: Devon

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 4.7 miles

Duration: Two hours

Enjoy a walk along one of the UK’s most scenic coastal paths in Devon. The Buck’s Mill & Peppercombe Castle trail takes you through ancient woodland and across remote sandy beaches. Take a detour to the dog-friendly Hoops Inn for a halfway point refuel.

2. Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke

Location: East Sussex

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: Seven miles

Duration: Three hours

Walk the Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke trail in spring and be greeted with an abundance of cheery spring flowers and diverse wildlife. Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers stunning views over the South Downs and the sea, too. Your dog will love the vast countryside to run around in. 

Starting point: Ditchling Beacon, Westmeston, Brighton BN6 8XG

3. Sutton Bank and the White Horse

Location: Yorkshire

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.75 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours

Planning a visit to Yorkshire? Sutton Bank and the White Horse is a rewarding route. You’ll get to see the famous white horse that was carved into limestone back in 1857, as well as some of the best views in the country from the top of Sutton Bank. And the rolling hills are great exercise for your pooch!

Starting point: Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH

4. Crabhadail Beach Walk

Location: Scotland

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: Five miles

Duration: Four hours

With flower-filled meadows, crystal clear shores, and dramatic mountains, the Crabhadail Beach Walk is definitely one of the most scenic dog walks in the UK. If you can get past the tricky climb at the beginning, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Scotland’s wild landscapes.

Starting point: Huisinis, Isle of Harris HS3 3AY

5. Loweswater Circuit

Location: Lake District

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: Two hours

You don’t always have to climb high to get the best views. Loweswater Circuit is a gentle stroll around the lake with a backdrop of the magnificent fells in the Lake District. It’s perfect for smaller or older dogs who don’t have the energy for hiking with you. Walkthrough the woodland and admire the spring wildlife, and maybe spot a red squirrel if you’re lucky!

Starting point: Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU

6. Shepherds Cairn Walk

Location: Northumberland

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: Six miles

Duration: 3.5 hours

Shepherds Cairn Walk is a memorial walk to two shepherds who lost their lives here in 1962. You’ll pass by a headstone to commemorate them, as well as plenty of beautiful wildflowers and walk through open fields. It’s a gorgeous spring walk for seeing the countryside in Northumberland.

Starting point:The Cheviot, Wooler NE71 6TT

7. Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest

Location: Peak District

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.5 miles

Duration: Four hours

Strap on your walking boots and head for the panoramic Peak District. You’ll get to see wild woodland, beautiful meadows and a butterfly-shaped reservoir on the Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest walk. There are plenty of trails nearby for your pet to let off some more steam too, like Sadler’s Way and Millstone Grit. 

Staring point: Buxton Old Rd, Macclesfield SK11 0AP

8. Deviock Trail at Cardinham Woods

Location: Cornwall

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 1.5 miles

Duration: Four hours

This tranquil woodland walk in Cornwall takes you on a gentle climb through the forest, passing by carpets of bluebells and wildflowers. Reach the top and you might even spot the deer who call Cardinham Woods home. Your pooch will love having a paddle in the streams too. 

Starting point: Cardinham Woods, Bodmin PL30 4AL

9. Erddig French

Location: Wrexham

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours

Walk around a majestic Grade-I listed country house on the Erddig French trail. Ramble along the river, over pretty meadows and through woodland. This area of Wrexham is brimming with wildlife too, perfect for those who love to bird watch. Well-behaved dogs are welcome here, but must be kept on a lead. There’s acres of parkland though for them to sniff around and discover.

Address: Erddig Car Park, ​​Wrexham LL13 0YT

10. Portstewart Strand Dune and Estuary

Location: Northern Ireland

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: Two hours

Portstewart Strand Dune and Estuary sees you venture through 6,000-year-old sand dunes. You and your pooch can enjoy one of Northern Ireland’s best beaches and walk along the river at Bann Estuary. The route is buzzing with pollinating insects in spring, and has a parade of colourful wildflowers.

Starting point: Portstewart Strand, Portstewart BT55 7PG

11. The Valley of Rocks

Location: Devon

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.5 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours

This spectacular coastline walk takes you around dramatic sea cliffs, known as the Valley of Rocks. Breathe in the fresh, salty sea air and take in this gorgeous seascape in Devon with your four-legged friend in tow. These craggy cliffs are home to feral goats, so you might spot a few scrambling on the cliff edge!

Starting point: Exmoor National Park, Dulverton TA22 9HL