What could be better than an energetic walk amongst picturesque landscapes, with your canine companion by your side? The Lake District is renowned for its spectacular surroundings and wonderful walking routes, with dogs (and their owners!) flocking from all over the UK to marvel at the picture pawfect scenery. In fact, our beautiful corner of the world has actually been officially voted as the best UK holiday destination for dog lovers!
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite dog-friendly walks and days out in the Lake District, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring with your four-legged friends. Keep reading…
Our Top 5 Dog-Friendly Walks in the Lake District
(Image Credit: Dog Friendly Destinations, Derwentwater)
1) Derwentwater Circuit
The Derwentwater Circuit is a relatively easy pet-friendly trail, starting from the town of Keswick. At the core of the circuit lies Derwentwater; a picturesque lake that is a truly sight to behold. The trail takes you all the way around these enchanted waters, with plenty of opportunities for your canine companion to go for a swim!
Address: Derwentwater, Keswick, CA12 5DJ
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 10 miles
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Keswick
2) Grizedale Forest
Sandwiched between Coniston and Windermere lies the enchanted Grizedale Forest, boasting plenty of woodland trails, mystical lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains to explore. Choose from one of the 10 popular walking trails suitable for all types of dogs; whether your pooch is lazy or energetic, you’re sure to find a trail that suits you both!
Address: Grizedale Forest, Ambleside, LA22 0QF
Difficulty: Varied
Length: Between 1-10 miles
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Lakeside
3) Skiddaw Dodd
Starting from The Old Sawmill Tea Room in Keswick, we guarantee you and your four-legged friend will enjoy this easy hike up to the top of Skiddaw Dodd. This mysterious Wainwright boasts fabulous panoramic views of the northern Lakes, as well as across the Solway Firth to Scotland. Be sure to take your camera to capture some snaps of the stunning scenery!
Address: Keswick, CA12 4PZ
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.3 miles
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Keswick
4) Scout Scar
The hike up to Scout Scar is a short but sweet trail, offering the most outstanding 360 views from the peak. Beginning near the town of Kendal, you can choose to make the hike longer by walking from the centre of town, or by taking an extended stroll along the Scar itself with your faithful pooch.
Address: Underbarrow Road, Kendal, LA8 8HB
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Witherslack
5) Windermere West Shore
Lake Windermere is the largest of its kind in England, offering a plethora of wonderful walking routes that are guaranteed to keep your four-legged friend entertained. This walk along the West Shore takes you to the Gothic-style Wray Castle; a spectacular National Trust site that welcomes dogs to explore its magnificent grounds.
Address: Ambleside, LA22 0LR
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8 miles
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Lakeside
Our Top 5 Dog-Friendly Days Out in the Lake District
(Image Credit: Windermere Lake Cruises)
1) Windermere Lake Cruises
No Lake District holiday is complete without taking a boat ride! Experience Lake Windermere in all its glory with a relaxing cruise across the gentle waters – and you can even bring your pup on board, too. Dogs are welcome free of charge on all Windermere Lake Cruises, so there’s no need to leave Fido behind!
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Lakeside
2) The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
All aboard the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway! Explore the Lake District in style as you and your four-legged friend climb aboard this fun locomotive experience, taking you from Haverthwaite Station to Lakeside. Once your journey is complete, you can then take part in a Windermere Lake Cruise – we highly recommend checking out the combined tickets for some fantastic savings.
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Lakeside
3) Holker Hall & Gardens
Holker Hall is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, boasting over 25 acres of picturesque parkland to explore. The hall is home to Lord Cavendish, showcasing an impressive array of antique furniture and picture pawfect pleasure gardens. Dogs are allowed to roam the gardens, parkland and cafe free of charge, provided they are kept on a lead.
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Witherslack
4) Hutton-in-the-Forest
Situated in the northeast corner of the Lake District, Hutton-in-the-Forest is a fabulous historic house and garden owned by the Fletcher-Vane family. With awe-inspiring architecture, gorgeous gardens and wonderful woodland, we guarantee your pup will love exploring this fantastic forest haven – but please do keep them on a lead!
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Keswick
5) Brockhole on Windermere
Brockhole is a successful not-for-profit managed by the Lake District National Park Authority. Nestled between Ambleside and Windermere, this family and dog-friendly attraction is home to amazing adventure parks, boat hire, and archery, with a stunning 19th Century house and gardens at its core. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds, too!
Nearest Long Valley Holidays site: Lakeside
Ultimate Dog-Friendly Breaks in the Lakes with Long Valley Holidays
Searching for the ultimate dog-friendly stay in the heart of the Lake District? Look no further than Long Valley Holidays. We offer some fantastic options for holidaying with your canine companion in the Lakes, including yurt retreats, camping breaks, and campervan hire. Our three glamping sites all have designated dog-friendly yurts, or you can bring your dog along to stay at our campsite Moss Howe Farm free of charge!
Whisk your four-legged friend away on the holiday of a lifetime with Long Valley Yurts. Click here to book your dog-friendly break today!