If you need to stretch your legs further than a short stroll to your local park, there are loads of wide-open spaces where you can walk your dog in this country.
We’re very lucky in the UK to have so many large public areas, as well as the freedom to roam and very cheap access to privately-owned estates. At some locations, you could hike for miles without seeing another soul.
Now that coronavirus restrictions are easing, many of these public spaces are opening up again for visitors for the first time for months.
So if you’re looking for peaceful places to walk your dog, consider these wide-open spaces where you can soak up the scenery, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy time outdoors with your four-legged friend.
National Parks
The UK has a total of 15 national parks where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes on waymarked trails. From the high peaks of the Lake District to the woodland walks of the New Forest, there are some amazing places to explore with your dog.
Each national park has its own distinct character, facilities and regulations. All national parks allow access for dog walkers, although there may be parts where dogs are restricted or leads are required. There are many farms within these parks, so extra care should be taken around livestock.
All the national parks are located in or near popular holiday locations and have become tourist destinations in their own right, so they attract many millions of visitors each year. However, with thousands of square miles of open land, there is plenty of room to spread out.
Located in the middle of the country, with easy access for large numbers of people, the Peak District remains one of the most visited national parks. Even here, there are many quiet corners of the park and miles of trails where you will see hardly any other people.
For an even greater chance of dog-walking solitude, try Exmoor National Park which straddles North Devon and Somerset. Or head further north to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales or the vast expanse of the Cairngorms, where you really can get away from it all.
Covid-19 Update
National Parks UK has a four-step guide for people thinking of visiting a National Park during COVID-related restrictions.
- Know and follow the latest Government advice
- Plan ahead – check the latest local information
- If it feels too crowded, it is too crowded. Stay 2 metres apart.
- Be kind out there. Be considerate of local residents and other park users; and be kind to nature.
Public Beaches
If you’re fortunate enough to live near the coast, or visiting the seaside on holiday, a trip to the beach should give you all the space you desire for a long walk with your dog. Even in the height of the summer, if you pick the right beach at the right time of day, you may find you’re the only one there.
A majority of the beaches in this country are open to the public. Most are owned by the Crown Estate, the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall, which allow free access for all.
Furthermore, a lot of the land surrounding the coast is managed by the National Trust and is open to dog walkers.
Long, remote beaches are plentiful around the coast of Britain. From the tip of Scotland to the toe of Cornwall, you’ll find beautiful, sandy beaches where you can roam free with your four-legged friend.
Some of our favourite dog walking beaches include Perranporth, Gwithian and Whitsand Beaches in Cornwall, as well as Saunton Sands, Bantham and Slapton Sands in Devon. But let’s not forget the long stretches of sand in Dorset, Norfolk, Northumberland and on the coasts of Wales and Scotland, where dogs can scamper freely.
Some local councils impose dog bans and seasonal restrictions on selected beaches at certain times of the year, so it’s wise to consult local information when visiting a new area with your dog.
Public Footpaths
The UK is also unique in the size of its network of public footpaths, which criss-cross fields and villages throughout the country.
When visiting a new destination on holiday, pick up an Ordnance Survey map or download an app to research the dog walking opportunities nearby.
For lengthier walks, check out sections of the long-distance National Trail, which pass through areas of exceptional natural beauty. These include the Pennine Way, Offa’s Dyke and the Cotswold Way, where you can enjoy peaceful walks through glorious countryside with all the space you could desire.
If you’re holidaying near the sea, there are a variety of trails for you and your dog to enjoy. The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile continuous path that connects coastal access through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Then there’s the Norfolk Coast Path and Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales, with limitless escapism for you and your dog.
Covid-19 Update
National Trails offers this advice for visitors:
- Avoid crowds
- Keep your distance from people outside your household. Public Health England recommends keeping 2 metres away from people as a precaution.
- Take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
- Follow the Countryside Code. Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home. Keep dogs under effective control and leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
- Respect other people and protect the natural environment. Remember your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods.
National Trust Estates
The National Trust is a dog-friendly institution. It owns huge swathes of the British coast and countryside, and has opened up much of its land to the dog-loving public.
There is free access to a lot of the Trust’s land, but some estates charge an entrance fee. If you have a dog, it’s well worth the price of annual membership to explore the amazing grounds and gardens operated by the National Trust.
Here in Cornwall, one of our favourite places to walk the dog is at Penrose, where you can combine a walk around the woods and parkland of this grand estate with a stroll around Loe Pool and across the beach at Loe Bar.
There are many other spectacular walks for dogs and their owners to enjoy at National Trust properties throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Trust has this excellent guide outlining some of its best places for dog walking.
If you’re venturing north of the border, you should consult the National Trust for Scotland website to find out where you can stroll with your dog. There are some impressive properties and vast estates all over the country, including parts of the Highlands with its challenging trails and rugged peaks.
Covid-19 Update
The National Trust closed all its properties during lockdown. It is now gradually reopening and more than 100 gardens and parks in England and Northern Ireland are open through advanced booking. Gardens and parklands in Wales begin reopening from Monday 6 July. All houses remain closed. See the Trust’s guide to booking a visit.
Book Your Dog Friendly Holiday
If you’re looking for new areas where you can explore wide-open spaces and get some much-needed fresh air on your holiday, please browse our huge choice of dog-friendly accommodation in some of the country’s most beautiful areas.
