Cooler weather, colourful landscapes and crowd-free trails for mile-upon-mile of walkies with your four-legged friends. Autumn is the paw-fect season to explore beautiful Britain on foot – from the forests to the fells, the valleys to the viewpoints. Time then, to lace up your walking boots and strike out on our top ten autumn walks to enjoy with your hound at your heels.
1. Haresfield Beacon Walk, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
If you want to scamper through the fallen leaves, bathe in the dappled woodland glow and bask in breathtaking views, you can’t beat an autumn hike to Haresfield Beacon with your canine companion. Gallivant across grasslands high up on the Cotswold scarp, looking out for iron age barrows, tunnel through woodland canopies, peer out over the Forest of Dean and step foot on the Cotswold Way. Choose from one of our many cosy Cotswold cottages to retreat to when the cool evening draws in.
Distance: 4.8 miles
Level: Challenging
Terrain: Hilly woodland tracks and grassy paths.
Facilities: Car park and refreshments kiosk.
Map and info >
2. Vindolanda and Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
You and your pooch will love this stroll along the most scenic section of Hadrian’s Wall. Caper deep into the rolling countryside of Northumberland, as autumn turns the verdant moorland into pleats of gold and yellow abundant with wild plants, birdlife and brightly coloured waxcaps (fungi). Paws to delve deeper into history at the Vindolanda Roman Fort, and gen up on the area at the National Landscape Discovery Centre. This is one of the best places for a doggy day out in Northumberland.
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly footpaths.
Facilities: National Landscape Discovery Centre at The Sill, and dog-friendly food and drink at the Twice Brewed Inn, Hexham.
Map and info >
3. Tarn Hows Circular Walk, Lake District
An all-time favourite for dog-friendly autumn breaks, the Lake District is dripping in jaw-dropping wilderness begging to be explored with your hound at your heels. However, you don’t have to clamber up cloud-scraping peaks to enjoy it in all its autumn glory. All members of the family can enjoy the level, accessible route around the tree-lined Tarn Hows, where the colourful canopies and towering peaks are reflected in the glassy lake. if you want something more strenuous, check out our guide to the highest mountains in the Lakes to walk with a dog.
Distance: 2 miles
Level: Easy
Terrain: Firm gravel path, easily accessible for buggies and wheelchairs.
Facilities: Tramper all-terrain scooters available to borrow. Car park and WC.
Map and info >
4. Porlock Bay, Exmoor, Devon
With its enchanting fusion of forests, moorland, cliffs and coastline, Exmoor is a dog walkers’ paradise and one of our favourite places for dog walking holidays in the UK. As you tackle this 8.5-mile hike from the beaches to the mighty sea cliffs at Hurlstone Point, the saltwater breeze will whip a rosy glow to your cheeks as you climb to eye-popping views, spot wildlife in the marshlands, dip into russet-hued forests and meander along country lanes. Once your senses are filled with nature’s delights, fuel up on autumn’s bounty in the dog-friendly, historic Ship Inn at Porlock Weir.
Distance: 8.5 miles
Level: Moderate/ challenging
Terrain: Coastal footpaths, beaches, forest trails and country lanes.
Facilities: Parking, pub and toilets at Porlock Weir.
Map and info >
5. Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk, Brecon Beacons, Wales
If you’re looking for thigh-burning hikes, head-spinning views and huge open spaces to wear out high-spirited hounds, hit the peaks of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Keep your dog on lead for this heart-pumping walk to the summit of southern Britain’s highest mountain, and bask in the views of rolling hills and the town of Brecon. The Brecon Beacons is one of our favourite places for walking and on our list of the dog-friendliest destinations in the whole of Wales.
Distance: 4 miles
Level: Moderate/ strenuous
Terrain: Well-marked footpaths, hilly terrain and steep steps near the summit.
Facilities: Limited parking at Pont ar Daf.
Map and info >
6. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Gloucestershire
Art lovers and dog walkers will love this nature ‘gallery’ – a series of sculptures and artworks immersed in the golden canopies of the Forest of Dean. Stand under the stained-glass ‘Cathedral’ that reflects the autumn rays in mesmerising shards of colourful light, follow ‘The Iron Road’ along a stretch of disused railway embankment, and seek out the steel-wire deer sculptures hidden in the trees. This waymarked trail offers an incredible and unique way to snuffle through the Forest of Dean with your four-legged friend.
Distance: 4.8 miles
Level: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails
Facilities: Café, toilets, play area and parking. Downloadable map and audio guide.
Map and info >
7. Tideswell Dale, Miller’s Dale and the Monsal Trail, Peak District, Derbyshire
Often overlooked in favour of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, the Peak District is blessed with an enviable mix of woodland, valleys, peaks and wide-open countryside that’s ablaze with colour during autumn. While the Monsal Trail often tops the list of paw-friendly walks, this 8.5-mile former railway line can get busy with cyclists. So instead, head a little deeper into the dales and trails on this circular route that wends along the River Wye (paw-fect for a paddle), along limestone cliffs and into the glens, before picking up the popular Monsal Trail for just a short distance.
Distance: 6.6 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Hills, limestone cliffs, riverside paths and some of the tarmac Monsal Trail.
Facilities: WC at Monsal Head and Miller’s Dale car parks.
Map and info >
8. Lyndhurst Parish Walk, New Forest, Hampshire
Out of over 140 miles of trails criss-crossing the New Forest, this diverse route comes up trumps for an autumn amble through diverse landscapes and ancient woodland, with plenty of paw-friendly pit stops in country pubs on route. Circumnavigate the New Forest’s ‘Capital’, walking over the famous Bolton’s Bench, bounding across wide-open heathland, and capering back along country lanes. Get more inspiration in this list of the top dog walks in the New Forest.
Distance: 8.5 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Heathland, woodland and country lanes.
Facilities: The route passes the paw-friendly New Forest Inn and The Waterloo Arms, where water bowls and treats will be waiting. There are toilets in the car park at the start of the walk.
Map and info >
9. Harlyn and Trevose Head, Cornwall
Lap up the breathtaking Cornish coastal scenery and breathe in the fresh sea air on this stunning circular walk near Padstow. Scamper along the sugary sands of Constantine Beach and hunt for sea glass on the way to neighbouring Booby’s Bay. From here follow the coastal path around the dramatic Trevose Head (be sure to keep your dog on a lead past the collapsed sea cave) to the serene, sheltered sands of Mother Ivey’s Bay and onto the surfing and dog-walkers paradise of Harlyn. It’s the perfect stroll for an autumnal day in Cornwall. For other things to do in the area, see our guide on must-see dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall.
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Beaches and cliff path – keep your dog on a lead close to the edges. There is one high stile where your dog may need assistance.
Facilities: Shop for picnic supplies at Constantine, and a beach café at Harlyn.
Map and info >
10. Langdon Hill Walk, Dorset
Dogs and their owners will revel in the russet hues and rustling leaves of the Scots pine and larch woodland on the edge of Dorset’s highest cliffs. This easygoing trail on the Golden Cap Estate provides the perfect fusion of a forest to frolic in, alongside spectacular views of the Dorset coastline – without having to tackle any calf-busting hills. For other adventures in this area with your four-legged friend, see our selection of the best dog walks in Dorset.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Level: Easy
Terrain: An old Forestry Commission path; gets muddy in places
Facilities: Car park, WC, picnic area, and Felicity’s Farm Shop and café nearby serving dog-friendly ice cream.
Map and info >
Pack Your Walking Boots for a Dog-Friendly Autumn Break
Inspired to hit some of Britain’s best dog walks in autumn? Check out our collection of dog-friendly cottages in stunning locations around the UK and find the perfect base for your autumn staycation.
