WALK YOUR DOG MONTH
Dog walks to suit everyone!
WALK YOUR DOG MONTH
Dog walks to suit everyone!
To celebrate #WalkYourDogMonth, the team at Dog Friendly Destinations have collated a few of their favourite dog walks. Come rain or come shine … or even snow, our canine companions are always ready to exercise their little paws and explore the great outdoors with their best humans.
If you’re looking to sniff out somewhere new in 2024, read on.
BEST FOR SUNRISE VIEWS
CRASTER TO DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
A popular walk but if you’re happy to set your alarm, you’ll be treated to a reasonably clear pathway as well as the most amazing skies. Park at Craster Tourist Information Centre; there should be plenty of space early in the morning. From there, it’s simply a short stroll through the village, on to the picturesque harbour and along the seafront towards Dunstanburgh Castle.
TENBY, PEMBROKESHIRE
The busy seaside town of Tenby on the Pembrokeshire coast is a favourite with families, but few seem to arise early enough to enjoy the sunrise. While the cliff-backed Castle Beach is a great spot for pups to play (other than May through September when restrictions apply), we recommend heading up to Castle Hill. Overlooking the beach and with panoramic views over to St Catherine’s Island & Fort, it’s a stunning spot to watch the sun slowly illuminate the sand below.
ARTHUR’S SEAT, EDINBURGH
A top spot offering panoramic views over Edinburgh and out to the coast, if you’re ever in Scotland’s capital, take the time to enjoy up sunrise stroll up Salisbury Crags to the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are a must, especially on a windy day.
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
BOLTON ABBEY & THE STRID, NORTH YORKSHIRE
The dramatic arch of Bolton Abbey is perhaps one of the most iconic silhouettes in North Yorkshire and has been immortalised in a series of paintings. It’s the epitome of a peaceful riverside scene, complete with stepping stones and a small sandy beach. Dog owners can explore several walking trails which wind their way through Strid Wood, including a designated ‘off-lead zone’.
Find more dog friendly days out in North Yorkshire.
DELAMERE FOREST, CHESHIRE
Delamere Forest offers walking trails aplenty. It’s an amazing setting for a dog friendly adventure whether you have an hour or two to spare or instead want to spend the whole day exploring the different pathways. The trails are easy to follow, passing through shady trees, alongside meres and up to glorious viewpoints. If you’re visiting with children as well as four-legged friends, we recommend the Linmere trail.
WALKS ON THE WILDER SIDE
STEALL FALLS, FORT WILLIAM, HIGHLANDS
A visit to Scotland’s second-highest waterfall is guaranteed to take your
breath away. The drive to the car park alone is worth the trip, taking you along a narrowing road through the stunning valley of Glen Nevis. With a single drop cascade of 120 metres, this waterfall was formed by two different glaciers melting and eroding the rockface over 10,000 years ago. Harry Potter fans may recognise the falls as the backdrop of various Quidditch matches and the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire.
THE SANDSTONE TRAIL: TARPORLEY TO BURWARDSLEY, CHESHIRE
The fourth section of the popular 55-kilometre Sandstone Trail is our favourite. Beginning in Tarporley and ending at Upper Burwardsley, it takes you through countryside, along woodland tracks and past both Beeston and Peckforton Castles. Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the former – entrance fees apply but it’s free for English Heritage members. The views are more than worth the slight climb.
Find more dog walks in Cheshire.
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE A TIPPLE OR TWO
PANT DU VINEYARD, SNOWDONIA
Pant Du Vineyard and orchard is located on the stunning slopes of the Nantlle Valley in Snowdonia. With breath-taking views of Snowdon and the surrounding mountains, as well as spectacular views of the sea across Caernarfon Bay, it’s an idyllic location for a day out with your dog. Four-legged friends are welcome to join you on one of the guided tours.
VALLEY FARM VINEYARDS, SUFFOLK
Nestled in an idyllic part of Suffolk, not far from the coast at Southwold in the Waveney Valley, dogs on leads are more than welcome to partake in a tour of Valley Farm Vineyards. We recommend the ‘pizza and tour’. Enjoy a guided tour and a tasting session, followed by building your own pizza which is then cooked for you in the wood-fired oven.
ONE FOR THE LOVERS OF LEGENDS
GELERT’S GRAVE, BEDDGELERT, NORTH WALES
The faithful dog of Welsh Prince, Llewelyn the Great, Llewelyn is believed to have slayed Gelert thinking that his trusty dog had killed his baby son. However, the brave animal was simply protecting the child from a predatory wolf. A remorseful Llewelyn then buried Gelert close to the river and supposedly never smiled again. Don’t let Llewelyn’s grief stop you
from taking a walk from the village of Beddgelert to Gelert’s Grave as it’s been voted one of the best short walks in Snowdonia. We recommend following this lovely National Trust trail.
The Ruff and Tumble dog drying essentials for walks!
The double-layered cotton towelling Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat is a must-have for winter dog walks. Wet and muddy dogs cause havoc in cars and homes and, more importantly, are freezing cold and need their joints protecting! The twin layers actively wick wet from fur whilst simultaneously warming the dog's joints and drying efficiently. Drying Coats for wet dogs are the quickest and easiest way to dry and warm your dog.
Drying Mitts are best used with a Drying Coat for wet dogs. Ruff and Tumble Drying Mitts are for wiping and cleaning muddy and wet paws, stopping paw prints and mud streaks in their tracks. Made of two layers of natural cotton towelling, the Mitts go up to the elbows, protecting the owner whilst cleaning muddy dogs' paws.