There's nothing quite like time outdoors with your four-legged best friend. The UK- and even the city of London- are home to many of the best dog-friendly walks and hikes. With a whole country of destinations, use our guide to narrow your options and find the best dog-friendly walks in the UK. 

Whatever the season, everything's better when you and your dog can walk outside together. Remember the golden rule for getting outside in the UK: bring a coat. Make your outings as comfortable as possible with heated apparel for humans and dogs. 

1. Rydal Water and Cave Circular - Lake District

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, the Rydal Water and Cave Circular trail is a favorite for casual strollers and seasoned hikers alike. This 3.2-mile route treats you and your dog to lakeside views and a fascinating cave with scenic vistas throughout the walk. 

Tips: Make it an all-day adventure by combining this section with the adjacent Loghrigg Fell Circular. 

Weather: The best conditions are from April to September, with average highs of 61°F. Winter walkers can expect temps below 45°F and rain about 50% of the time. Don't let this stop you, though! Armor your pup up for the cold with the Koldpwoof Heated Dog Vest, a water-resistant, heated vest specifically designed for your dog's needs. 

A heated vest is a great choice for humans on active outings like dog walks, too. It focuses the heat on your core body temperature while allowing your body to expel excess heat via your arms. 

2. The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular - Peak District

For those who crave a bit of challenge, the moderately strenuous loop at The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular rewards with striking scenery and enticing history. Lud's Church is supposedly named after Walter de Ludauk, the leader of 15th-century religious dissenters who secretly worshiped here. Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are purported to have hidden out here, too. 

Tips: Wet weather, including fog, snow, rain, and ice, changes this trail quickly. Rocky, scrambling sections become more difficult and dangerous. Be a confident hiker and pack versatile layers, like a water- and wind-resistant, heated softshell to attempt in inclement weather.  

Weather: Winter high temperatures average 44°F. Temperature averages peak at 66°F in July. Expect rain 50% of the time. 

3. Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Water - Lake District

This 4.4-mile circuit encapsulates the best of the Lake District in one go. You'll traverse several summits, gain ridgeline views of the entire Lake District, and walk along the lake's shore. If you visit the Lake District for just one day, this is a great way to see it all. 

Tips: Although this loop is relatively short, it encompasses some steep and scrambling sections. Wear proper footwear and dress warm for a longer excursion. 

Weather: The weather is clearest and warmest from April to September. Winter temperatures average 45°F. As you'll be exposed on the ridgeline, dress warm, with something like a heated anorak, to account for winds. 

4. Budle Bay - Castle Coast, Northumberland

The Budle Bay area is fantastic for dogs and humans to explore. A 4-mile trail will take you along the coast and around Bamburgh Castle. The trail is a great starting point for a full day exploring the beaches and a walk along the England Coast Path. Budle Bay's quiet beaches are a perfect place to let dogs roam free.

Tips: Although dogs are welcome to roam the huge, empty beaches, certain areas will require leads in the summer to protect rare ground-nesting birds.

Weather: During the winter months, high temperatures average 43°F. Summer months see average highs of 61°F. Year-round, it rains about every 1 out of 3 days.

5. Arthur's Seat - Edinburgh

It's not everywhere that you can bring your dog to scale the flanks of an ancient volcano. Never mind one with sweeping views of Edinburgh and the sea. Arthur's Seat offers plenty of space for dogs to explore and a moderate workout with a 2.7-mile trail with an 866 ft elevation gain. 

 

Tips: It's advisable to put your pup on a lead when you near the top. It can be busy there, and the sharp cliffs are a safety hazard. 

Weather: Winter highs average 46°F and summer highs peak at 64°F. The summer months average 10 days of rain; the winter months average 11. 

6. Fairy Pools - Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye's famous Fairy Pools are a destination almost as beautiful as they are storied. Visitors travel from all over the world to visit the Fairy Pools and this 2.6-mile hike. A gently cascading brook forms a series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.

Tips: Thanks to its worldwide fame, the trail can get busy. If your dog isn't used to crowds, plan to visit during off-peak times. 

Weather: The Isle of Skye region is the rainiest in the UK. From October to March, it averages 21 rainy days per month, with an average high of 45°F. During the summer, expect 15 rainy days per month and average highs of 59°F

7. The Long Mynd - Shropshire

For the adventurers among us, the Long Mynd offers an 8.1-mile route that's both challenging and well worth the effort. You'll find incredible views, waterfalls, natural swimming spots, and even wild ponies.

Tip: This route is flexible—several alternate versions of the route connect different trails from the National Trust. You can pick a path that suits you and your dog's stamina and interests. 

Weather: Winter highs average 48°F with 11 days of rain; summer highs average 67°F with 7 days of rain.

London's Best Dog Walks

Not all great walks require a long journey from the city. London offers a wealth of expansive parks that provide a welcome respite from urban life and amazing dog walks. 

London Walks Weather: London's winter highs average 51°F with 10 days of rain. Summer highs average 70°F with 8 days of rain. The Downtown Heated Rain Trench is an excellent choice for London's best dog walks - on-demand heating offers temperature control in a waterproof, fashion-forward trench.

Richmond Park

London's largest park sprawls with 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of wide-open spaces, woodlands, and ponds right in the city. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere in the park. Richmond Park offers an urban oasis of spanning green space, right in the heart of London.

Tips: Be mindful of leash zones and the areas frequented by free-roaming deer. 

Bushy Park

Bushy Park is a rural haven from the city and a popular place for dogs to let loose. At 445 hectares (1,100 acres), its wide open spaces comprise London's second-biggest Royal Park. Rolling green fields and manicured paths have Bushy Park ranked as London's most scenic spot for a dog walk. 

Tips: During May-July, there's a mandatory on-lead season to protect the park's birthing deer. 

Highgate Wood

For a taste of ancient woodland at the doorstep of the city, head to Highgate Wood in North London. It's the perfect place to let your mind, feet, and dog wander. 

Tips: This ancient forest contains hornbeams, oak, and beech, along with over 70 species of birds.

Dog owners know that the best walks are those shared with a loyal friend. They're even better at one of these bucket-list best dog walks in the UK, and better yet, when you're both dressed for whatever the UK's wild weather throws at you. Bundle that pup up in the best heated dogwear, and treat yourself to warm walks in the UK, too.