4 of the Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Lake District

Created in conjunction with Lakelovers

When travelling with your dog, it’s vital to find accessible and dog-friendly locations to explore, so that you both get the most fun out of every day. One of the best locations for taking your dog to within the United Kingdom is the Lake District.

With miles of green, rural trails to explore, it is a region that is sure to allow you both to run free and enjoy the different walking routes and challenges ahead, with the bonus of some of the best views in the UK. Here is a selection of some of the best walking trails to check out when staying in the Lake District with a dog.

Thirlmere Walk

Distance: 5 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy-medium

Thirlmere is a peaceful valley known for its reservoir and amazing surrounding views. This route is an easy to moderate walk due to the slightly steep sections along the way. After parking up, take care crossing the main road to get to the wide path through the woodlands and along the reservoir shoreline.

Here you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding fells of High Seat and Raven Crag. Along the walk, there are many opportunities for exploring the woodlands, which are great to let your pooch off-lead to spend some time exploring. If you are feeling more adventurous, the entirety of Thirlmere is roughly ten miles that can be enjoyed on another day.

Rydal Water

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Right in the heart of the Lake District, this lakeside walk is great for older dogs and walkers who prefer a gentle stroll to take in the views of Rydal Water Lake. This route, better known as ‘Wordsworth Walk’, will take you along the famous ‘Coffin Road’ and Rydal Mount, where you’ll pass waterfalls and woodland trails.

It’s perfect for those who prefer a bit of variety and regular stops along the way.

Ullswater Way

Distance: 20 mile loop
Difficulty: Medium-Hard

A massive 20-mile adventure around the edge of the lake is an amazing way to explore the full potential of the Lakes for owners and dogs that are active and avid explorers. This longer route is great for pups with endless energy and equally enthusiastic humans.

The whole walk will take the full day, with some much-needed stops along the way in local villages and charming ports for a tea break and rest, that you’ll find periodically along the route. 

If this walk proves too adventurous, the Ullswater Steamers are all dog-friendly! So, feel free to jump on at any point along the way and it will take you back to the starting point of the route. 

Close by, a selection of dog friendly cottages in Ullswater offer stylish and charming retreats to rest in after an active day (or week) exploring the Lakes. Boxtree is a charming two-bedroom 18th-century farmer’s cottage, a great choice for smaller groups. The grander Highgate sleeps up to ten across five bedrooms. There’s room for up to two dogs in each of these properties.

Stickle Tarn

Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Medium

Stickle Tarn is in Langdale, which is a haven of walking opportunities for all abilities.

This particular route is a shorter walk; however, it does include a steep path up the side of the valley, along which there are waterfalls and rock pools in the mountainside for your pooch to have a splash in. This walk is great for dogs who enjoy rocky surfaces, climbing and fun in the water.

For a longer trail, the other two options along this route are home to larger peaks for a different day. 

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