Something For Everyone: Britain's Best Dog Walks

For some, walking the dog is all about routine; the same route at the same time, everyday. For others though, seeking out new areas to explore with a pooch, whether their own or a clients is habitual.

Britain has some remarkable destinations that are best enjoyed on foot, and with canine company. The strong point that the UK can boast in particular is the sheer variety of dog walks to choose from.

Whether you’re located near the coast, in a big city or somewhere more rural, you’re never too far away from that perfect stroll.

Here are five of the country’s best dog walks you should explore…

For nature lovers...

The New Forest, Hampshire

The famous New Forest pony isn’t the only animal you can spot on a saunter around this beautiful area of Hampshire. Donkeys and cattle are also commonplace, but take in the area of Bolderwood, near Lyndhurst, on your travels and you will undoubtedly spot a number of the resident fallow deer.

Dogs are welcome (but must remain on leads) on the numerous walking routes on offer, with a mix of distances to suit all. The loop to the viewing platform to spot the grazing deer will take 10 minutes, but for the more determined dog walker, the Radnor Trail takes in two-and-a-half miles of countryside with a couple of steep climbs.

For sanctuary in the city...

Chiswick House and Gardens, West London

The impressive Neo-Palladian architecture of Chiswick House stands as an imposing, yet still charming, centrepiece to the surrounding gardens in this picturesque part of west London. The Grade I Listed building, completed in 1729, stands within 65 acres of pretty gardens.

Dogs are welcome in most parts of the grounds, allowing walkers to catch a glimpse of much of the Italian-inspired water-features and sculptures including the Classic Bridge and Temple. On a hot day your dog can afford a cool down in the pooch-friendly section of the lake that dissects much of the grounds too.

Get a quote for your insurance

When running a pet business it's important to protect yourself if the worst were to happen. Get your quote for annual Pet Business Insurance today, with instant quotes and cover available.

GET A QUOTE

For that remote feeling...

The North York Moors, Yorkshire

Few places in England can match the sheer ruggedness of the Yorkshire Moors. However, for all that the exposure and wild-nature of the area it is still fair to call it a pretty location to explore.

One recommended loop takes walkers on a four-and-a-half mile circuit from the picturesque villages of Hutton-Le-Hole and Lastingham and back again. Steep climbs up the hills that make up much of the route enable those willing to tackle it some splendid views of the North Yorkshire countryside. Taking in charming villages, a large number of livestock and a handful of interesting attractions including the Ryedale Folk Museum, this is a walk well worth the effort.

For wonderful waterways...

The Grand Union Canal, Hertfordshire

Stretching from London to Birmingham over 177 miles, the Grand Union Canal is a serious waterway! One of the top spots to enjoy the water and everything that lives on and around it is in Hertfordshire.

The area around the town of Rickmansworth also offers a number of pleasant walks for those with or indeed without dogs.

Kingfishers and egrets can be spotted as you follow the canal towards Croxley Green and into Cassiobury Park on the outskirts of Watford.

The park and house of which it takes it’s name has regal connections with the 4th Earl of Essex originally owning the park, while Cassiobury Park has been a stopover point for both Winston Churchill and the future Edward VII in the past.

For coastal exploration...

Rhosilli Bay, Gower

Rhosilli Bay is not only the first place in the UK to be described as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ but was also once ranked as the 11th best beach in the world! As well as a wide, attractive, dog-friendly beach, you can find lots of historical things to see on a loop of the area.

From the cliffs and small town of Rhosilli, take in the Bronze Age cairns and the World War II radar station, before heading back up the beach and spotting what remains of the 1987 wreck of the Helvetica. With the sea breeze in the air, there are few better coastal walks than this one in south-west Wales.

Ready to take your canine clients on some of these amazing walks? Make sure you have full dog walking insurance in place to protect you if the worst were to happen.

Related Blogs

Our Guide To Dog Walking Qualifications

There are now a number of courses you can take to ensure you're the best professional dog walker you can be. We've taken a look at your options.

Writing Your Dog Walking Contracts

You should always have a written agreement in place before taking on anyone's dog. We've broken down what you should include in your contract.

Protecting Yourself When Dog Walking

Your safety is as important as that of the dogs and other animals in your care when operating your business, but what should you look out for?