Outdoor experts have named the best UK family-friendly walks, and even the dog can join in!
Looking at average user ratings, popularity, and trail difficulty, outdoor experts at Millets revealed the best dog-friendly walks in the UK.
The UK’s best family-friendly dog walks
|
Rank
|
Trail
|
Country
|
Average user rating
|
Total number of ratings
|
Trail difficulty
|
Dog-friendly hike score
|
|
1
|
Rydal Water and Cave Circular
|
England
|
4.7
|
4,549
|
Easy
|
7.80
|
|
2
|
Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn
|
Wales
|
4.8
|
804
|
Easy
|
7.40
|
|
3
|
Fairy Pools
|
Scotland
|
4.6
|
3,837
|
Easy
|
7.12
|
|
4
|
Fairy Glen Circular
|
England
|
4.6
|
2,331
|
Easy
|
6.65
|
|
5
|
Virginia Water Circular
|
England
|
4.7
|
1,706
|
Easy
|
6.51
|
|
6
|
Dovestone Reservoir Circular
|
England
|
4.7
|
1,625
|
Easy
|
6.44
|
|
7
|
Loch an Eilein Circular
|
Scotland
|
4.7
|
1,166
|
Easy
|
5.90
|
|
8
|
Capel Curig Circular
|
Wales
|
4.7
|
626
|
Easy
|
5.35
|
|
9
|
Castlewellan Lakeside Circular
|
Northern Ireland
|
4.6
|
185
|
Easy
|
4.60
|
|
10
|
Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh
|
Northern Ireland
|
4.4
|
164
|
Easy
|
4.33
|
The Rydal Water and Cave Circular takes first place. The circular route, which is 2.7 miles and takes an average of 1-1.5 hours, is located in Ambleside and has views of a dramatic cavern as well as fell and lakeside views. Walkers describe it as “super dog friendly” with “no stiles and well-maintained paths”, making it a great option for dogs and owners of all ages and abilities. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, Rydal Water is a great wild swimming spot, with easy access from gentle shores. The walk has been reviewed over 4,500 times and earns a high rating of 4.7.
In second place is Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn, located in Anglesey. The 3.7 mile hike is described as a beautiful, easy walk with breathtaking views” – flat, wide open and varied enough to keep even the most easily distracted dog engaged from start to finish. The route winds through Newborough Forest before opening out onto a stunning beach, finishing at the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn with its ruined church and old lighthouse. For dogs, the open space and easy terrain make it an absolute joy, with room to run on the beach, explore the forest, and paddle in the sea, all without a steep climb in sight.
The Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye take third place, proving that an easy walk doesn’t mean a boring walk. A well-maintained gravel path makes this one of the most accessible hikes in Scotland, reflected by walkers describing it as “very flat and easy” with just one short steep section at the start that can be avoided on the return. It’s a genuinely comfortable walk for dogs of all sizes and abilities.
It is important to prepare when hiking with your dog, particularly on longer or more challenging routes. Emma Johnson from Dog Owner’s Guide says weather and ground conditions should always be considered.
“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 the warmer months, I’ll also bring a cooling vest just in case the weather changes. In the winter months, I always keep a dog towel and mini jet wash in the car for the post-walk clean up.”
