The best dog walks in the UK
Date published: 27 Mar 2026
Some trips are planned around landmarks. Others revolve around where your dog can run free. With so many incredible places to walk dogs across the UK, it’s easy to turn a simple break into something far more memorable. Think big views, fresh air and routes that feel just as rewarding for you as they do for them.
From windswept coastal paths to quiet woodland trails, the UK is packed with dog walks that go well beyond your usual loop around the park. These are the kinds of routes that make you slow down, take it all in and maybe stop for a photo or two along the way.
Whether you're chasing sea views, hilltop panoramas or somewhere your dog can properly stretch their legs, this list rounds up some of the best spots by region. All that’s left to do is pick your favourite and start planning.
South West England – Valley of Rocks, Exmoor
Wild, rugged and a little bit otherworldly, the Valley of Rocks is Exmoor at its most dramatic. This coastal walk weaves between towering rock formations with sheer drops to the Bristol Channel below, often with wild goats watching on. It’s not overly long, but every step feels cinematic, making it perfect for a rewarding dog walk without committing to a full-day hike.
Alternative: South West Coast Path – Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
South East England – Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex
Big views, rolling hills and that unmistakable white-cliff coastline – the Seven Sisters walk is a classic for a reason. Expect a series of ups and downs as you follow the cliffs, with uninterrupted sea views throughout. There’s plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs, and on a clear day, it’s hard to beat anywhere in the south of England. Bracing, beautiful and endlessly photogenic.
Alternative: Devil’s Dyke, South Downs
East of England – Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk
If your dog prefers open space over steep climbs, this one’s a winner. Blakeney offers vast salt marshes, shingle ridges and those famous Norfolk big skies that seem to go on forever. It’s a peaceful, windswept kind of beauty, with the chance to spot seals if you’re lucky. Flat, expansive and wonderfully quiet, it’s ideal for long, unhurried walks by the coast.
Alternative: Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk
The Cotswolds – Broadway Tower Circular
This is classic Cotswolds countryside done right. The circular route around Broadway Tower takes in rolling hills, patchwork fields and pockets of woodland, all tied together with far-reaching views. It’s an easy-going walk with just enough elevation to keep things interesting, and plenty of spots to pause and take it all in. Expect postcard-perfect scenery from start to finish.
Alternative: Cleeve Hill circular
The Midlands – The Long Mynd, Shropshire Hills
For space, solitude and sweeping views, the Long Mynd is hard to beat. This upland plateau offers miles of open heathland and criss-crossing paths, so you can tailor your route depending on how far you and your dog want to go. It feels wonderfully remote without being difficult to access, and the wide valleys and ridgelines make every walk feel like a proper escape.
Alternative: Malvern Hills ridge walk
North West England – Buttermere Lake Circular, Lake District
If you’re after a Lake District walk that delivers maximum scenery without a tough climb, Buttermere is a standout. The circular route hugs the shoreline, with constant views of craggy peaks reflected in the water. It’s relatively flat and easy to follow, making it ideal for dogs, while still feeling every bit as dramatic as the higher fells. A real crowd-pleaser.
Alternative: Tarn Hows circular
Yorkshire – Malham Cove & Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales
This is Yorkshire at its most dramatic. The walk links together Malham Cove’s towering limestone amphitheatre with the rugged gorge of Gordale Scar, creating a route packed with standout moments. There’s a mix of terrain underfoot, from riverside paths to rocky sections, keeping things interesting for both you and your dog. It’s varied, memorable and well worth the effort.
Alternative: Roseberry Topping
North East England – Bamburgh to Budle Bay
Few places do beach walks quite like Northumberland. This stretch from Bamburgh to Budle Bay combines vast sandy shores with views of Bamburgh Castle rising behind you. It’s gloriously open, often blissfully quiet, and perfect for dogs that love a good run on the sand. Add in big skies and fresh sea air, and you’ve got a walk you’ll want to repeat.
Alternative: Hadrian’s Wall – Steel Rigg to Housesteads
North Wales – Newborough Forest & Llanddwyn Island
Why choose between forest and beach when you can have both? Newborough Forest leads through tall pine trees and shaded trails before opening out onto a huge sandy beach and the tidal Llanddwyn Island. It’s a walk that keeps changing as you go, with plenty of space for dogs to explore. Scenic, varied and a little bit magical in places.
Alternative: Llyn Idwal circular
South Wales – Four Waterfalls Walk, Brecon Beacons
This one’s all about the journey. Winding through woodland and along riverbanks, the Four Waterfalls Walk links a series of impressive cascades, including the chance to walk behind one of them. It can be muddy in places, but that’s part of the fun, especially for dogs that enjoy a splash. Expect a proper sense of adventure from start to finish.
Alternative: Worm’s Head, Gower
Scottish Highlands – Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Short, steep and seriously rewarding, the walk to the Old Man of Storr packs a lot into a relatively small distance. The path climbs to one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, with sweeping views across Skye and the surrounding coastline. It’s popular, but for good reason – the scenery is on another level. A must-do if you’re staying nearby.
Alternative: Glen Nevis riverside walk
Central & Southern Scotland – Ben A’an, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Ben A’an might not be the tallest hill in the Trossachs, but it delivers one of the best views. The climb is short and punchy, leading to a summit that looks out over Loch Katrine and the surrounding peaks. It’s a great option if you want that classic Scottish landscape without committing to a full mountain day. Small hill, big payoff.
Alternative: The Hermitage, Dunkeld
Northern Ireland – Causeway Coast Way
Dramatic from start to finish, this stretch of the Causeway Coast Way delivers cliffs, sea views and one of the UK’s most famous natural wonders. Walking between the Giant’s Causeway and Dunseverick Castle, you’ll pass rugged coastline and crashing waves with plenty to keep both you and your dog engaged. It’s wild, scenic and unforgettable.
Alternative: Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains
Now you’ve got plenty of inspiration for your next adventure, it’s time to turn those plans into something real. Whether you’re after remote dog-friendly cottages tucked away in the countryside or cottages by the sea with sandy walks on your doorstep, you’ll find the perfect base to match your route.
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.
