Nine dog-friendly walks in Wales
Dog walks should never have to feel like a chore, which is why it’s important to find new places to explore with our furry friends. Whether you’re looking for an easy-going coastal walk or fancy scaling the heights of a rugged mountain range, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from one of our dog-friendly cottages in Wales!
1. Snowdon
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Nine miles
Terrain: Mountainous
Can’t decide between England and Wales for your next break? Wales is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK - and Snowdon is no exception. The Snowdonia National Park attracts thousands of tourists each year, and for good reason. If you fancy taking on the highest peak, the easiest route is the Llanberis Path which takes around six hours there and back.
Dog-friendly cottage: The Granary is a cosy cottage for two in the scenic surroundings of Caernarfon.
Dog-friendly pit stop: A handy cafe sits atop of Snowdon - the Summit Visitor Centre is great for refuelling after a strenuous hike to the summit.
2. Henrhyd Falls & Nant Llech
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Three and a half miles
Terrain: Woodland
The Brecon Beacons are a stunning collection of mountain ranges in South Wales, and are home to plenty of hidden gems within them. Henrhyd Falls can be found within the county of Powys, just outside the small village of Coelbren. There is a national trust car park close to the waterfall, but it's worth doing the Henrhyd Falls & Nant Llech route through the forest to make the most of your day out.
Dog-friendly cottage: Bwthyn Tre-faen is a pretty barn conversion sleeping up to two guests, ideally located near the town of Brecon and 11 miles from Coelbren.
Dog-friendly pit stop: After a good walk, head into The Abercrave Inn for a well-deserved pub lunch.
3. St David’s Head
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just under four miles
Terrain: Grassland
Experience the coastal beauty of Pembrokeshire with the popular St David’s Head coastal route. This scenic walk should take you around an hour and a half to complete, during which you’ll explore craggy outcrops, beautiful beaches, and historic monuments.
Dog-friendly cottage: Carn Llidi Cottage is a lovely four-bedroom cottage in Haverfordwest, allowing up to two dogs.
Dog-friendly pit stop: St Davids Gin & Kitchen serves up a delicious and varied menu (as well as plenty of good gin, of course!)
4. Pen y Fan
Difficulty: Hard
Walk length: Four miles
Terrain: Mountainous
If you’ll be stopping in South Wales or the Brecon Beacons, be sure to check out Pen y Fan. A steep, yet rewarding route, the Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and beyond. While this route should only take around two and a half hours to complete, it’s very steep and strenuous. Be sure to pack a cup of tea and sandwiches for the top!
Dog-friendly cottage: Pets stay free at the homely four-bedroom 1 Harp Terrace in the town of Brecon.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Enjoy a hearty pub lunch at the traditional and cosy Tanners Arms in Brecon.
5. Aber Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two and a half miles
Terrain: Grassland
An easy and scenic stroll for families and dog walkers, the route to Aber Falls in Abergwyngregyn is very straightforward and well-waymarked from the car park. On warm summer days, dogs will love splashing by the water’s edge while you sit and admire the view!
Dog-friendly cottage: Tu Hwnt i'r Afon is a cosy Welsh cottage sleeping up to five guests, in the town of Bethesda.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Take a drive over to the town of Bangor to enjoy a delicious lunch at the popular Blue Sky Cafe.
6. Marloes Sands
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Just under a mile
Terrain: Sandy beach
Yet another beauty spot from Pembrokeshire on our list! This pretty stretch of golden sand is perfect for letting the dogs run and play in its open spaces. The views are absolutely stunning from Marloes Sands. Be sure to keep an eye out for the islands of Skokholm and Gateholm.
Dog-friendly cottage: Collingwood is a pleasant two-bedroom home in the quaint village of Marloes.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Head over to The Lobster Pot Inn for a good choice of pub lunches and real ales.
7. Porthdinllaen Circular Walk
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just under three miles
Terrain: Headland and beach
Experience breathtaking views of the Llyn Peninsula’s northern coast from the Porthdinllaen Circular Walk. Best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, once you’re done you can pop into the scenic village of Morfa Nefyn for even more sightseeing opportunities.
Dog-friendly cottage: Porth Awyr is a delightful two-bedroom home in the small village of Llangwnadl.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Pop into The Cliffs at Morfa Nefyn for a traditional seaside lunch - fish and chips!
8. Benllech Beach
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Just over a mile
Terrain: Sandy beach
If you love nothing more than beautiful coastlines and sandy beaches, then Benllech Beach is the place for you! Nearby, you will also find the Anglesey Coastal Path which offers even more fantastic walking routes. There are various car parks around the beach so you don’t have to walk too far if you don’t feel like it.
Dog-friendly cottage: Beach Lookout is a stylish two-bedroom home in Benllech, with gorgeous views over the coast.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Visit the nearby Tavern on the Bay for gastro pub grub with a view.
9. Mawddach Estuary
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Nine and a half miles
Terrain: Flat
The pretty Mawddach Estuary spans nine and a half miles between the towns of Dolgellau and Barmouth. Along the way, you’ll walk through two lovely RSPB nature reserves - both sites of special scientific interest.
Dog-friendly cottage: Cae Tanws Bach is a lovely little cottage for two, ideally located in the town of Dolgellau.
Dog-friendly pit stop: Head over to The Gatehouse Steakhouse in Dolgellau for delicious steaks.
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