These dog-friendly hikes are perfect for the coming months (Image: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
With temperatures expected to climb over the coming months, there’s never been a more perfect opportunity to venture outdoors and discover the Great Outdoors in glorious sunshine.
With this in mind, a new study has revealed the 10 finest dog-friendly hikes across the UK – with the prestigious number one position going to a trail in Yorkshire.
Based on average user ratings, the number of reviews and trail difficulty, outdoor specialists at Millets have compiled a top 10 list of the finest dog-friendly hikes throughout the UK to tackle this summer, reports Yorkshire Live.
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The Yorkshire hike has ranked first across the whole of the UK (Image: Getty Images)
UK’s best dog-friendly hikes
1. The Malham Landscape Trail – Yorkshire
Achieving an outstanding 9.37/10 overall, this Yorkshire route excels at combining stunning scenery with an accessible, well-signposted trail from start to finish.
The circular walk encompasses views of Janet’s Foss waterfall, the limestone gorge of Gordale Scar and the iconic Malham Cove, all within just five miles, establishing it as one of the most rewarding shorter hikes anywhere across the UK.
Two dog-friendly pubs in Malham village provide a convenient (and thoroughly well-earned) finishing point, solidifying this route’s status as a complete day out rather than simply a walk.
The Hawes End, Cat Bells and Derwent Circular hike takes the second spot when it comes to being dog-friendly (Image: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
2. Hawes End, Cat Bells and Derwent Circular – Lake District
Set in the Lake District, this 4.5-mile walk is a truly cherished trail, achieving 8.96 out of 10. Catbells stands as a genuine Lake District classic, with more than 4,000 walkers having awarded this route 4.8/5, establishing it as the second-highest-rated dog-friendly walk in the UK.
The route splits into two markedly different segments: a proper ascent to the Catbells summit, requiring some scrambling close to the top, followed by a leisurely lakeside stroll back alongside Derwentwater.
Walkers recommend completing the scramble on the way up and choosing the gentler southern route on the way down.
The Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular in the Lake District hike has ranked third (Image: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
3. Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular – Lake District
With a score of 8.76/10, the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular trail has claimed third position in the rankings.
This 4.4-mile walk takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. The trail showcases ancient woodland, a magnificent 65-foot waterfall, open fellside, and sweeping vistas across Ullswater, England’s second largest lake, all within under 5 miles.
Boasting 3,843 reviews and a rating of 4.8/5, it continues to be amongst the most popular routes in the Lakes. Dogs are generally acceptable off the lead, though notices at the gates request leads around cattle, so verifying on the day is crucial.
Yorkshire’s very own hiking trail has been ranked the most dog-friendly all across the UK (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Having appropriate equipment when venturing out on a walk with your pet is critical, particularly on the lengthier and more challenging routes.
Emma Johnson from Dog Owner’s Guide emphasises that weather conditions and terrain must always be carefully considered: “It is important to check the weather in advance and be prepared to change your route if the temperature or ground gets too hot. In an ideal world, I would always recommend planning walks for cooler, cloudier days.
“Livestock, cliffs, steep drops…all things to be mindful of depending on where you are and what your dog is like. And if your dog is off-lead, recall really matters. Not just in theory, but in real-life situations.”
Several Lake District hikes have ranked as some of the most dog-friendly across the UK (Image: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Emma has cautioned against one of the most frequent errors people commit when embarking on a hike with their four-legged companions, which is failing to bring sufficient water.
She elaborates: “One of the most common mistakes is not packing enough water or thinking there’ll be somewhere to refill when there isn’t. And honestly, sometimes it’s just not reading the moment. If your dog is slowing down or not enjoying it, it’s okay to turn back or cut the route short.
“In warmer temperatures, make sure to pack more water than you usually would, to keep yourself and your pooch hydrated, and I’d recommend bringing a cooling vest to cool your pet down.”
UK’s top 10 most dog-friendly hikes
- Malham Landscape Trail: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove – Yorkshire
- Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular – Lake District
- Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular – Lake District
- Buttermere Circular – Lake District
- Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley) – Glencoe
- Rydal Water and Cave Circular – Lake District
- Simonside and Dove Crag Circular – Northumberland
- Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn – Anglesey
- Box Hill, Lodge Hill and Juniper Hill Circular – Surrey
- Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Circular – Derbyshire