12 of the best Autumn dog walks
Date published: 10 Oct 2025
Planning dog holidays in October? You couldn’t have picked a better time. Cooler weather, quieter trails and fiery autumn colours make this the dream season for long walks with your four-legged sidekick. From forests to lakeshores, the landscapes are as spectacular as they are paw-friendly.
Across the UK, you’ll find no shortage of dog friendly walks that really come into their own in autumn. Think leaf-strewn woodland paths, windswept beaches finally open to pups again, and crisp countryside air that puts a spring in every step.
We’ve rounded up some of the best autumn dog walks from Scotland to the South Coast. Whether you’re after big views, peaceful waterside strolls or just an excuse for muddy boots and wagging tails, these are the routes guaranteed to make October walks the highlight of your holiday.
Epping Forest, Essex
Autumn in Epping Forest is basically nature showing off. The ancient oaks and hornbeams burst into fiery reds and golden yellows, turning every path into a leaf-crunching catwalk for your pup.
With trails ranging from quick strolls to proper rambles, you can choose your own adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for deer darting through the trees – though your dog might spot them first. Flask of tea optional, muddy paws guaranteed.
Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Part stately home, part doggy playground – Gibside is autumn walk perfection. Golden tree-lined avenues stretch out like leafy runways, and riverside paths give plenty of sniffing opportunities for curious noses.
The walled garden is glorious when the seasons shift, and the woodland crunch underfoot makes every step feel like a soundtrack. Whether you’re wrangling kids or just indulging in a peaceful wander with your pooch, it ticks every autumnal box.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Forget summer crowds – autumn is when the Jurassic Coast feels like yours alone. The cliffs look extra dramatic against moody skies, the beaches are wind-whipped and wonderful, and your dog can zoom across the sand like they’re starring in their own nature documentary.
Between the fresh sea air and the views that stretch forever, it’s the kind of walk that blows away cobwebs (and probably your hat too).
New Forest, Hampshire
In autumn, the New Forest is basically a fairy tale. Woodland glows orange, ponies wander nonchalantly across the heath, and the air smells of damp leaves and woodsmoke.
Trails twist through ancient trees before opening onto wide heathland where dogs can run themselves silly. With wildlife at every turn and postcard-worthy scenery, it’s a walk where even your dog will pause to admire the view (briefly, before chasing sticks again).
Attingham Park, Shropshire
Attingham Park delivers countryside grandeur with a dog-friendly twist. Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colour across its deer park, riverside trails and sweeping lawns.
Dogs on leads get to strut around like four-legged aristocrats, while you soak up the stately vibes. It’s the kind of place where you feel fancy just for walking – even if your pup insists on rolling in something unmentionable along the way.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Cool, quirky and brimming with character – Hebden Bridge does autumn in style. Wander up through Hardcastle Crags for wooded valleys blazing with colour, or tackle the hillsides for those moody Calder Valley views.
Your dog will love the mix of riverside sniffs and open moorland zoomies, while you’ll secretly love that every trail seems to lead back to a café or pub. It’s Yorkshire charm with extra crunch underfoot.
Peak District, Derbyshire
Autumn in the Peaks is a mood – fiery hillsides, bracing breezes and your dog bounding along like they own the place. The Mam Tor circular is a classic, with ridge-top views that’ll make you forget about your aching calves.
Paths are well-marked, the scenery is cinematic, and there’s usually a pub lurking nearby to thaw out in afterwards. This is Peak District walking at its leaf-crunching best.
Derwentwater, Cumbria
Derwentwater in autumn is a stunner. The trees around the lake glow gold and red, and when the water’s still, the reflections are pure postcard material.
Dogs will be in heaven with lakeside paths, woodland detours and the odd splash in the shallows. It’s serene, scenic and just the right side of wild – with Keswick’s famously dog-friendly pubs waiting to round off the day.
Cairngorms, Scotland
Big skies, russet hillsides and forests full of pine and gold – autumn in the Cairngorms is next-level beautiful. This is Scotland’s largest national park, so you can go big with a mountain hike or keep it easy with riverside strolls.
Either way, the fresh air will put a spring in every paw step. Bonus points if you spot red squirrels or stags among the scenery – though your dog may be too busy charging ahead to notice.
Lake Vyrnwy, Wales
Peaceful, scenic and ridiculously photogenic, Lake Vyrnwy is made for autumn exploring. The circular trail gives you woodlands dripping in colour, wide lakeside views and plenty of paw-friendly paths to keep tails wagging.
Add mirrored reflections on the water and the sense of being miles from anywhere, and you’ve got a day that feels properly restorative. Just don’t forget the flask and biscuits – for both of you.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Kielder Forest is basically adventure central. Endless trails wind through towering pines, skirt the huge reservoir and stretch out across open moorland.
Autumn paints it all in shades of gold and copper, while red squirrels flit through the trees above. It’s the kind of place where you and your dog can really stretch your legs – and with skies this big, even the selfies look epic.
Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire
Autumn is when Cleethorpes Beach hands the sand back to the dogs. With summer restrictions lifted, miles of shoreline open up for zoomies, ball-chasing and salty-ear flapping in the wind.
Fewer crowds mean more space, the air’s bracing, and the skies are often dramatic enough to make you feel like you’re in a film. Throw in a fish and chips pit-stop and you’ve nailed the perfect off-season seaside walk.
There are plenty of excellent opportunities for a fun autumn walk with your furry pal, and we’ve got some fantastic accommodation options if you’re looking for an October walking break together. Whether you want dog-friendly cottages with last-minute availability, or a luxury cottage to spoil your pup, we’ve got you covered.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
