Date published: 17 Oct 2025

Some walks are nice. But the really great ones? They end at the pub. Add a wagging tail into the mix and you’ve got the holy trinity of British weekends: dog-friendly walks, a cold pint, and a very content canine snoozing under the table.
Luckily, the UK does this combo brilliantly. From coastal clifftops to woodland trails, there are endless routes that roll straight into pubs where muddy boots – and muddy paws – are part of the furniture.
We’ve picked a few of our favourites, each with scenery worth the effort and a pub worth the reward. Lace up, leash up, and don’t be surprised if your dog starts leading you straight to the bar.
This is Lake District walking at its best: a steady climb up Stickle Ghyll with waterfalls tumbling alongside, leading to the dramatic mountain bowl of Stickle Tarn. It’s moderately challenging, but the views will distract you from the huffing and puffing (and your dog will probably make it look effortless).
Back in the valley, The Sticklebarn is waiting with roaring fires, hearty food, and water bowls for thirsty pups. Feeling energetic? The “Five Pubs Walk” loops the valley with Sticklebarn as a star stop.
Monmouth is a cracking base for exploring the Wye Valley, with riverside trails and forest paths that seem purpose-built for wagging tails. Follow stretches of the Peregrine Path or climb into the wooded hills for sweeping views across the valley.
When you return, The Punch House in Monmouth town centre rolls out the red carpet for four-legged visitors – think dog beds, water bowls, and more pats than your pup knows what to do with.
The Hertfordshire countryside is tailor-made for lazy afternoons and unhurried walks. From Brent Pelham, you’ll wander through farmland, winding lanes and patches of ancient woodland – plenty of sniffing opportunities for your dog, and all at a gentle pace.
Afterwards, The Black Horse pub delivers exactly what you want: a cosy atmosphere, decent food, and a warm welcome for both humans and hounds.
North Devon’s coast is wild, rugged and utterly beautiful. Starting from Mortehoe, join the South West Coast Path for clifftop trails, sweeping sea views and the odd hidden cove for the dog to investigate.
You’ll feel miles from anywhere (in the best way). Once you loop back into the village, The Ship Aground awaits with hearty portions, local ales, and a biscuit or two behind the bar for visiting pups.
A shorter but spectacular coastal walk, this three-mile route takes you from the village of Georgeham out towards Baggy Point. Think salty air, headland views and wide open beaches perfect for canine zoomies.
When you’re ready to refuel, The Kings Arms in Georgeham ticks every box: rustic beams, hearty food and a garden that’s just right for lounging with your dog after a seaside stroll.
Burnham Beeches is a haven of ancient woodland and heathland just waiting to be explored. A circular five-mile loop takes you past gnarled trees, open glades and babbling streams – an easy adventure for you and your dog.
The Blackwood Arms nearby is as welcoming as they come, with a dog-friendly beer garden, water bowls on hand and a proper country pub feel that makes you want to linger.
Staunton sits on the edge of the Forest of Dean, giving you instant access to miles of woodland trails. Walks here are a mix of shady beech groves, open viewpoints and gentle streams where dogs can splash about.
Back in the village, The White Horse pub offers roaring fires in winter, open space for pups to sprawl, and the kind of hearty pub food that’s perfect after a day outdoors.
For a proper stomp in Lancashire, head up Rivington Pike. The climb isn’t too fierce (ignore the awful staircase at the end – there’s a gentle loop around the other side), and the reward is sweeping views across the Pennines and, on clear days, out to the coast.
Dogs will adore the wide-open moorland and all the scents it carries. The Blundell Arms in Horwich is the ideal post-walk stop, with generous plates of food and a reputation for welcoming four-legged customers as warmly as the two-legged ones.
Beacon Fell near Preston is a brilliant all-rounder, with waymarked trails through woods, meadows and up to breezy hilltops. You can tailor the distance to suit your dog’s energy – from gentle loops to more adventurous hikes.
Once you’ve had your fill of fresh air, The Roebuck in Bilsborrow offers a traditional country pub atmosphere, dog-friendly touches, and exactly the sort of hearty meal you’ll be craving.
The waterfalls at Aysgarth are among the Yorkshire Dales’ most famous sights, and they’re at their best after rainfall when the cascades thunder through the limestone.
Dogs will love padding along the riverside trails, with options for both short strolls and longer rambles. Round things off at the George & Dragon Inn, where a warm welcome, good food and a dog-friendly atmosphere come as standard.
Feeling inspired and in the mood for a getaway with a few walks and pubs thrown in? Check out our last-minute dog-friendly holiday cottages for something in the near future, or why not check out our remote dog-friendly cottages for some of the most scenic walks the UK has to offer – and don’t worry, even remote destinations still have a pub or two.
Ian'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.










