Dog Friendly Peak District

plan your paw-fect dog friendly adventure

Picture this: your dog racing ahead on an open moorland path, ears flapping, while you take in the views across a limestone dale you’ve got almost entirely to yourselves. That’s a pretty typical in the Peak District.

As Britain’s first national park, it’s one of those places that just works for dog owners. Over 500 square miles of open moorland, wooded valleys, ancient trails and stone-built villages – and most of it genuinely welcomes dogs rather than just tolerating them.

The area stretches further than you might think. Matlock and Matlock Bath in the south, Bakewell in the heart of it, Castleton and the Hope Valley up north, with Chatsworth, Cromford and the Derwent Valley woven in between. Each has its own feel, but they’re all within easy reach of each other – you could walk a different route every day for a week and barely scratch the surface.

Below you’ll find our favourite dog friendly places to stay, the walks we’d recommend, pubs and cafes where muddy paws are warmly welcomed, and days out worth planning your trip around.

Dog friendly places to stay in the Peak District

From countryside cottages to romantic cabins

Three of our favourite Peak District stays sit in the same tiny hamlet of Wheatcroft, just outside Matlock – and between them, they cover pretty much every kind of dog friendly break you could want.

The Old Granary is the luxury option. A beautifully restored three-bedroom cottage with a VisitEngland 5 Star Gold Award, an outdoor rolltop bath with countryside views, and an enclosed garden where two dogs can stretch out properly. Amanda provides a welcome hamper, dog bowls, towels and treats – plus a laminated walk guide for routes straight from the door. Sleeps four, so it works well for families or two couples sharing.

The Cabin is something different – a romantic glamping cabin for two, tucked away in the same grounds. Think sunken outdoor bathtub on the deck, a hammock with panoramic views, and a firepit for the evening. One small dog is welcome, and the enclosed garden means they can potter about while you do absolutely nothing. Adults only, so it’s properly peaceful.

The Old Chapel is a converted chapel for couples, with a real wood burner, east-facing terrace for morning coffee with a sunrise, and an enclosed garden. It has that cosy, characterful feel that only a genuine old building can offer – original features, bespoke furnishings, and views that go on for miles.

All three properties have walks from the doorstep and a dog friendly pub within walking distance along quiet country lanes. You could book any of them for a long weekend and never need the car once your dog’s out of it.

Over in the heart of the Peak District, Riverside Cottages in Bakewell puts you right in one of the area’s most popular market towns – handy for Chatsworth, the Monsal Trail, and Bakewell’s famous pudding shops.

Dog friendly Walks in the Peak District

Moorland, woodland, riverside and everything in between

The Peak District is made for dog walking. Open access moorland where your dog can run, riverside paths through wooded valleys, flat canal towpaths for days when nobody feels like climbing, and ridge walks with views that make the steep bits worth it. Here are some of our favourites.

Mam Tor & The Great Ridge, Castleton – The classic Peak District walk, and for good reason. The ridge path from Mam Tor to Lose Hill gives you sweeping views over Hope Valley on one side and Edale on the other. It’s exposed, so you’ll feel the wind, but on a clear day there’s nothing quite like it. Dogs are fine off-lead on the ridge itself, though keep them close near livestock on the approach through Castleton. Allow two to three hours for the full circular.

Stanton Moor, Birchover – A gentle circular through heathland and silver birch woodland, with the Nine Ladies Stone Circle waiting at the top. It’s relatively flat, sheltered, and works well in most weather – a good one for older dogs or when you want something easy after a day of bigger walks. About an hour’s loop from the Birchover car park, and just a few miles from our Wheatcroft properties.

The Roaches, Upper Hulme – On the Staffordshire edge of the Peak District, this dramatic gritstone ridge feels like a different world. Rocky scrambling with views across the Cheshire Plain, and if you drop down the back, you’ll find Lud’s Church – a deep, mossy ravine that looks like something from a fantasy novel. Dogs will need to be sure-footed on the rocky sections. Worth the drive.

Cromford Canal Towpath – A flat, easy walk along the historic canal from Cromford Wharf, past Arkwright’s Mill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and through quiet woodland. No stiles, no livestock, and the canal means your dog can cool off whenever they fancy it. About three miles each way. Perfect for a rainy day or when the moors feel like too much effort. The Boat Inn at Cromford is right at the start if you need a pint after.

High Tor & Riber Castle, Matlock – A short but steep walk up through the limestone gorge above Matlock, with views down to the River Derwent and across to the ruins of Riber Castle on the opposite hill. It’s dramatic – proper cliff edges in places, so keep dogs close – but you can loop around and come back down through the quieter paths behind. Under an hour if you’re reasonably fit, and you’re right in Matlock afterwards for a coffee.

Chatsworth Estate – Not just a stately home – Chatsworth has miles of walking through the parkland and along the River Derwent. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the garden and the wider estate. You can make it as long or short as you like, from a gentle riverside stroll to a full loop up to the Hunting Tower with views back over the house. About twenty minutes from Matlock.

Dovedale Stepping Stones, Ashbourne – One of the Peak District’s most popular walks, and it’s popular for a reason. The stepping stones across the River Dove are the highlight, with a limestone dale stretching out either side. Dogs on leads (National Trust), and it gets busy in summer, so early morning is your friend. The dale itself is beautiful – towering rock pillars, wildflowers, and the river running through it all.

Padley Gorge, Grindleford – Ancient oak woodland with stream crossings, mossy boulders, and dappled light filtering through the canopy. Dogs love this one – there’s water everywhere, and the terrain is interesting enough to keep them occupied. Part of the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate, with a cafe at the top when you’re done. A proper woodland walk that feels a world away from the open moorland above.

Darley Bridge & Oaker Hill – A quieter local walk that most visitors miss. Follow the river from Darley Bridge, then climb up Oaker Hill for views over the Derwent Valley. It’s peaceful, not touristy, and right on the doorstep of our Wheatcroft stays – a good one for your first morning before heading further afield.

Dog Friendly Pubs & Cafes in the Peak District

Where muddy paws are warmly welcomed

One of the best things about walking in the Peak District is knowing there’s a decent pub at the end of it – and most of them are properly dog friendly, not just “you can sit outside if it’s not raining.”

The Boat Inn, Cromford – Right on the canal at Cromford Wharf, so if you’ve just walked the towpath you’re already here. Dogs welcome inside, a beer garden overlooking the water, and good pub food with local ales. Hard to beat on a sunny afternoon.

The Tavern, Tansley – A proper village pub about a mile and a half from our Wheatcroft stays. Home-cooked food, dogs welcome inside, and quiet enough that you won’t feel self-conscious if your dog decides to shake off right next to someone’s Sunday roast.

The Barley Mow, Bonsall – A quirky little pub tucked away in one of the Peak District’s more characterful villages, just up the hill from Cromford. Dogs welcome, good beer, and the kind of place where locals still prop up the bar. Worth the detour.

The Fishpond, Matlock Bath – Dogs welcome inside and out, with water bowls ready. Matlock Bath itself is a bit of a tourist strip along the river, but The Fishpond is a solid option if you’re in the area – especially after a walk up High Tor.

Red Lion, Birchover – A natural pairing with Stanton Moor. Walk the stone circle, come back down through the heathland, and the Red Lion is waiting at the bottom. Dogs welcome, and they do a decent pie.

Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen, Sheffield – On the edge of the Peak District rather than deep in it, but worth knowing about if you’re heading that way. A relaxed, dog friendly spot for coffee and cake.

Dog Friendly Days Out in the Peak District

Beyond the walks

Not every day needs to be a big walk. Sometimes you want to explore somewhere, stop for lunch, and let the dog tag along without it being a whole expedition. Here are some of the best dog friendly days out in the area.

Chatsworth House & Gardens – The big one. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the parkland and gardens, though not inside the house itself. Honestly, the grounds are the real draw anyway – hundreds of acres of parkland, the River Derwent running through it, and the garden is spectacular in every season. Garden-only visitors can park for free. About twenty minutes from Matlock and easily a full day out.

Cromford Mills – Richard Arkwright’s original cotton mill, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, and there’s a small museum, cafe and craft shops clustered around the old mill buildings. It’s not a full-day attraction on its own, but pair it with the canal towpath walk and lunch at The Boat Inn and you’ve got a proper day of it.

Crich Tramway Village – An open-air museum with vintage trams running through a recreated period village. Dogs on leads are welcome, and yes, they can ride the trams. It’s a bit different, works well on a day when the weather’s not quite right for the hills, and the views from the top across the Derwent Valley are worth the visit alone.

Haddon Hall, Bakewell – A medieval manor house with beautiful terraced gardens tumbling down to the River Wye. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, though not inside the hall. It’s quieter than Chatsworth and has a completely different feel – less grand, more atmospheric.

Monsal Trail – A traffic-free trail along the old Midland Railway line, through tunnels, across viaducts, and past some of the best scenery in the White Peak. You can walk it or cycle it, and dogs are welcome off-lead on the quieter stretches. It runs from Bakewell to Blackwell Mill, roughly eight and a half miles end to end, but you can dip in and out wherever suits.

Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath – Worth mentioning, but with a caveat. Dogs are not allowed on the cable cars, which is how most people get up there. You can walk up the hillside instead and explore the grounds with your dog, but it’s steep and not ideal for every dog. Check before you go.

For more ideas in the area, have a look at our guide to dog friendly days out in North East Derbyshire.