For adventurous dogs and their outdoor-loving owners, there’s nowhere better to explore than the UK. A treasure trove of treats and trails, it is home to some of the most mesmerising landscapes and best long-distance walking routes in the world. Whether you’re looking forward to completing short sections or can’t wait to conquer multi-day hikes, the diverse array offers endless opportunities for all.
From coastal paths to undulating mountain pistes, get ready to set foot and paw on some of the best dog-friendly National Trails for serious walkies. As ever, make sure you are familiar with your route and kitted out with the best safety gear before you go.
The Pennine Way
The 268-mile Pennine Way was the first of England’s National Trails. An iconic long-distance trail, it first opened in 1965 and connects Edale in the Peak District with Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders along a backbone of undulating mountains. Traversing hilly ridges across the Peaks, Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and on towards Scotland, it is one of the most challenging yet rewarding trails for keen canines and their companions. Don backpacks and get ready to tread foot and pawprints along this unique walk on England’s rocky spine. Whether you’re settling in for a few hours or a few days, this piece of hiking history is sure to inspire.
The North Downs Way
The North Downs Way is a 153-mile National Trail that tempts for serious walkies in nature. Wending through breathtaking countryside and coastalscapes, it runs from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent and lies within easy reach of the capital. Established in 1978, it’s generally regarded as being slightly gentler than its South Downs cousin and is well-known for its often-level terrain and manageable route sections. If you’re just dipping your toes and paws into long-distance hiking, this is certainly a great choice. To complete the whole thing, a goal of 13 miles a day for 12 days is generally advised. That said, the route can easily be broken up further for leisurely forays.
The South West Coast Path
One of the most well-known long-distance trails in the world, the South West Coast Path (SWCP) has become all the more famous recently due to its starring role in The Salt Path. Beloved for its silver-screen aesthetics, this 630-mile trail is also the longest National Trail in the UK and England’s longest waymarked footpath, making its appeal even more magnetic. To uncover the allure of the SWCP for yourself, don jacket and lead and pick up the route from one of many trailheads along the way. Beginning in Minehead in Somerset and finishing at Poole Harbour in Dorset, it extends along the coastlines of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset and passes countless coves, beaches, and villages along the way – pawfect for much-needed pick-me-ups.
The Cotswolds Way
There are few places more quintessentially storybook than the remarkably dog-friendly Cotswolds. A beautiful region famed for its rolling countryside and honey-hued hamlets, it is one of the most fairytale destinations for walking retreats throughout the year. Particularly enticing for walks led by eager pooches, the 102-mile Cotswolds Way traces the Cotswolds’ Jurassic escarpment from Bath in Somerset to Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. As well as charming scenery at every turn, dog-friendly attractions, such as Sudeley Castle Gardens and Hailes Abbey, are peppered along the way. For post-walkies refreshment, a huge number of dog-friendly eateries also await too, including the Eight Bells pub and Bantam Tea Rooms in Chipping Campden.
Hadrian’s Wall Path
One of the youngest yet most iconic of the UK’s dog-friendly National Trails is Hadrian’s Wall Path. Stretching from coast to coast across northern England, it starts in Wallsend in the east and covers 84 miles to reach Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Tracing an ancient wall built by the Romans to protect their northern frontier, this long-distance route retraces the footsteps of time and beckons for adventure. Step out into the Great Outdoors ready to soar spirits and set tails wagging. For a deeper insight into the ancient civilisations who once roamed the land here, you can also visit the dog-friendly Chesters Roman Fort and Museum near Walwick, Corbridge Roman Town, and Birdoswald Roman Fort in Gilsland.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
For canines who love nothing more than coastal stomps along clifftops and seashores, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is hard to resist. One of the best dog-friendly National Trails, it meanders for 186 miles along some of the most sensational coastline in the UK, from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. For one of the best introductions to the coast path and some of the best views, the section between St Govan’s and Angle is particularly special, heading past the dramatic Stack Rocks and Green Bridge of Wales en route. Meanwhile, the section from Nolton Haven to Caerfai rewards with a visit to the dog-friendly Newgale Sands, one of the biggest beaches in Wales, perfect for energetic zoomies and ocean paddles while on holiday with your dog in Pembrokeshire.
West Highland Way
The West Highland Way promises hours and days of walkies for those wishing for wilderness escapes. Scotland’s first official long-distance National Trail, it launched in 1980 and is generally completed from south to north, commencing in Milngavie and finishing in the renowned Fort William. If you’re seeking Scottish adventures, plan stages of the WHW and em-bark on unfurgettable exploration. With a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy along the way, each step provides something new to see, from atmospheric deer parks to magical lochs to snow-capped mountains. To add the cherry on the cake and the biscuit to the bowl, experienced walkers of the human and canine variety can also take on the legendary Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – which lies a stone’s throw from the town of Fort William.
Get Away for Walking Holiday With Your Dog
Looking for the most idyllic base for walking retreats? Wherever your adventures may take you, browse our collection of holiday homes and find the best property for tails and trails across the UK.
