Being a dog mum or dad means walks all year round, even in cold temperatures. So why not take a chance to discover the stunning British countryside on your ‘walkies’ with some of our favourite winter dog walks? We’ve also got a couple of tips for winter walks with your furry friend. Make sure to check your dog’s paws for painful ice balls after any snowy adventures. And, of course, don’t forget your winter coat!
Location: Yorkshire Dales
Difficulty: Medium/hard
Walk length: Eight and a half miles
Terrain: Grassy slopes
Walk your dog through craggy limestone hills and past tumbling waterfalls on the Settle to Stainforth Circular. Starting in the pretty market town of Settle, you’ll climb a few steep hills to reach the rich landscape of caves, scars and meadows in Yorkshire. It’s a challenging but rewarding route that’s great exercise for your dog.
Location: Lake District National Park
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Five miles
Terrain: Woodland and rocky
Walk the Dodd Wood and Dodd Fell circular route for incredible views over Bassenthwaite Lake and beyond. One of the most accessible fells in the Lake District, its well-marked tracks make it perfect for walking your dog in the winter weather too.
Location: Cairngorms National Park
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Seven and a half miles
Terrain: Tracks and paths
Covered in a beautiful blanket of snow, enjoy stunning views of the Cairngorms on the Morrone Ascent route. With temperatures dropping in the winter months, don’t forget to wrap your dog up warm in their own dog coat.
Location: Snowdonia National Park
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Four miles
Terrain: Maintained paths
The Rhaeadar Aber Falls walk takes you through the diverse landscape of Snowdonia. You’ll pass sites of archaeological interest, enjoy panoramic views out to Anglesey and visit the beautiful Rhaeadar Fawr waterfalls. Take a long lead with you as dogs will love the open fields for burning off some energy.
Location: Norfolk
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two and a half miles
Terrain: Open fields and woodland
If you’re a history buff then you’ll love the Felbrigg Hall trail. Located in Norfolk, you’ll pass historic buildings dating back to the 18th century. Walk through woodlands, open fields and past an enchanting lake. This route is dog-friendly, but dog owners should keep their four-legged friends on a lead.
Location: Cornwall
Difficulty: Hard
Walk length: Seven miles
Terrain: Even trails but steep and rugged in places
Cornwall has some beautiful beaches so who’s to say they can’t be enjoyed in cold weather too? This Padstow to Harlyn Bay walk can be challenging but mentally stimulating for your pets. There are two dog-friendly beaches en route, and a pub to stay warm in with local Cornish ales.
Location: Suffolk
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Seven miles
Terrain: Flat grass and gravel paths with moderate slopes
Take a walk through history on the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale route. This picturesque National Trust walk takes you through an area made famous by 18th-century artist John Constable. Your dog will definitely enjoy spending time in the green countryside of Suffolk!
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