The UK's 6 Best Dog Walks This Winter
Winter is on the way which means short days, warm woolly clothes and evenings tucked up at home. If you're a dog lover, though, you'll still be walking daily, whatever winter throws at you. To keep your canine companion a happy and safer pet, you'll be out walking come rain, shine or even snow. We've made it easy for you to find somewhere great to walk this winter with our guide to some of the best, most scenic dog walks across the country.
Whether you're looking for long open views on a crisp and clear day, or a woodland where you can stay sheltered out of the bitter wind, there's a perfect winter dog walk here for everyone. So grab a hat and scarf and find some winter adventures with your furry friend.
1. Cairndow, Loch Fyne, Argyll and Bute
Slightly northwest of the more famous Loch Lomond, near Glasgow in Scotland, you will find Loch Fyne. The hamlet of Cairndow, positioned at the head of the loch, is an ideal starting place for a walk, and with it's dramatic lochside scenery, you can walk as far or as near you and your dog would like. If the bitter wind makes it too chilly for wide open spaces, then you can head for Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens for a stroll around a beautiful landscape garden that welcomes dogs on leads. To warm up later, you and your pooch will both be welcome at the Fyne Ales brewery.
2. Brothers Water, Lake District, Cumbria
If you're looking for a walk with Lake District views without too much climbing, then head for Brothers Water, located just a few minutes north of the more popular (and busy) Windermere. You will find an easy-walking circular route of 2.5 miles on well maintained paths with the kind of breathtaking surroundings that will take your mind off the cold. If you're worried about your furry friend going missing, then consider a dog GPS tracker so that you can easily keep tabs on where he roams. Afterwards, head for nearby Patterdale to the 19th century White Lion pub offering great food and beer for you and a bowl of water for your companion.
3. Felixstowe Cliffs, Felixstowe, Suffolk
On a nice day you can't beat a walk along the Felixstowe Cliffs for sea views and fresh air. For an out and back route, walk to the Ferry Cafe for fish and chips and then head back. Beware the cliff edges, though, and be sure to keep your dog on lead for safety. If the sea air is a bit too bracing at the top of the cliffs, the beach is more sheltered and is dog friendly from October to April.
4. Lightwater Country Park, Lightwater, Surrey
From London, a day out at Lightwater Country Park offers the best of both worlds - a sheltered woodland walk with waymarked trails and, for the price of a climb up High Curley hill, views over the city all the way to Canary Wharf. Don't forget your wellies and a towel for your dog, though, as the tracks are mostly dirt and get muddy in wet weather. The park also offers free parking, fishing, an adventure playground for the kids and an information point. The on-site cafe welcomes well-behaved dogs, so if yours doesn't fall into that category, you might prefer to wrap up warm for a hot drink at one of the picnic tables under the shelter of the trees.
5. Llangollen History Trail, Llangollen, North Wales
When it comes to the best dog walks, you'll be spoiled for choice in Wales with the Brecon Beacons in the south, the beaches of the west, and a number of great choices in the north. Near the border with Shropshire, between Wrexham and Snowdonia national park, the Llangollen History Trail is a six-mile circular footpath that will give you peaceful countryside, magnificent views and a bit of Welsh history thrown in for good measure. Back down the hill, the Corn Mill is a stunning riverside pub that is not only dog-friendly, but has also featured in every good pub and beer guide around.
6. South West Coast Path, Devon and Cornwall
The South West Coast Path is a National Trail and England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath. It runs 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset all the way around the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbour in Dorset. So wherever you're based in the South West, you're never far from some spectacular dog walks. The trail follows numerous stunning dog-friendly beaches, and it frequently drops into woodland too, so there are spots sheltered out of the cold coastal wind. This is where your GPS tracker for dogs comes in handy, like the one available from Safer Pet. Anywhere away from exposed cliffs, you can let your dog can run free off lead and always be able to track his movements to ensure he's safe.
Wherever you find yourself this winter, a GPS pet tracker will help ensure you and your canine friend can safely enjoy fabulous scenic walks on some of Britain's most beautiful dog-friendly trails.
