A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Your Dog

There’s nothing quite like a day spent in the great outdoors with your four-legged companion. Whether it’s the crunch of a forest path beneath your boots, the wind in your ears on a hilltop or the joy of watching your dog bound through open countryside, hiking with your dog is one of life’s great pleasures.

But before you reach for the lead and lace up your walking boots, a little planning goes a long way – especially if you’re just starting out. From building up your stamina to packing the right kit, here’s everything you need to know before your first dog friendly hike.

Build Up Your Fitness

If you and your dog are more sofa than summit, it’s worth easing into hiking gradually. Start with shorter, flatter walks and build up distance over time. Dogs need to develop stamina too, so pay attention to your dog’s pace – if they’re slowing down, panting heavily or lying down, it’s time to stop.

A note on puppies: Puppies shouldn’t be taken on long hikes until their bones and joints are fully developed. As a general rule, stick to five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a four month old puppy should have no more than 20 minutes at a time. Once they’re fully grown (usually around 12 to 18 months depending on the breed), you can gradually build up to longer outings.

Pack the Right Kit

You wouldn’t set off on a hike without water and a snack for yourself, so make sure your dog is kitted out too. Here’s what to bring:

• Water and a collapsible bowl – dogs can’t regulate their temperature as well as we can, so frequent water breaks are a must
• Poo bags – always clean up after your dog, even in the countryside
• A sturdy lead and harness – you may need to put your dog on a lead near livestock, roads or cliff edges
• Dog-friendly sun cream – yes, it exists! Dogs with light-coloured noses and thin fur can burn
• A towel – for muddy paws and post-swim shakedowns
• A first aid kit – include tick removers, antiseptic wipes and any medication your dog needs

Brush Up on Navigation

Even well-marked trails can be tricky in bad weather, so it’s worth knowing how to read a map and use a compass – don’t rely solely on your phone. Download offline maps before you set off, and always let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Apps like OS Maps and AllTrails are great companions for planning and navigating walks.

Follow the Countryside Code

Respect the countryside and the people (and animals) who live and work in it:

• Keep your dog under control – this doesn’t always mean on a lead, but they should come back reliably when called
• Around livestock, always use a lead – dogs and farm animals can be a dangerous combination. If cattle become aggressive, let go of the lead and move away quickly
• Stick to paths through farmland to avoid disturbing crops and wildlife
• Close gates behind you unless they are clearly meant to be left open
• Take your litter home – including dog poo bags

Check the Weather Forecast

Weather in the UK can change quickly, especially in upland areas. Check the forecast before you set off and be prepared for rain, wind and cold – even in summer. In hot weather, walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid overheating. Remember, if the ground is too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Choose a Dog Friendly Route

Not all walks are suitable for dogs. Some nature reserves and beaches restrict dogs at certain times of the year, and steep scrambles or exposed ridgelines may not be safe for your four-legged friend. Look for walks that offer:

• Clear, well-maintained paths
• Access to water for drinking and paddling
• Areas where dogs can safely be off lead
• Shade in warm weather
• Minimal road crossings

Check locally for any seasonal restrictions, especially around nesting birds and lambing season.

Dog-Friendly Hikes to Try Once You’re Ready

Once you’ve built up your confidence and your dog’s fitness, here are some of our favourite walks across the UK – perfect for your first proper hiking adventures.

Coastal Strolls

Embleton Bay, Northumberland

A stunning stretch of golden sand backed by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. This walk takes you along the beach and up onto the dunes, with views that seem to stretch on forever. Dogs are welcome all year round, and there’s plenty of space to run. It’s one of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets.

View the full walk details for Embleton Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire

A picture-postcard fishing village tumbling down to a rocky shoreline. The Cleveland Way runs right through here, and you can walk the clifftop path with incredible views of the North Sea. Dogs are welcome on the beach (check tide times), and the village itself is full of character. A lovely spot for a dog friendly day out in Yorkshire.

View the full walk details for Robin Hood’s Bay

Marloes Peninsula, Pembrokeshire

A wild and windswept loop around one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful headlands. The Deer Park at the tip offers panoramic views of Skomer Island, and in spring the clifftops are alive with wildflowers. Dogs must be on a lead during bird nesting season (March to August), but outside those months they can roam freely. A spectacular corner of the Welsh coastline.

View the full walk details for the Marloes Peninsula

South West Coast Path, Coverack, Cornwall

A beautiful section of the South West Coast Path starting from the fishing village of Coverack. The route winds along rugged cliffs with views over hidden coves and turquoise water. Dogs are welcome all year round on this section, making it a great choice for a dog friendly day out in Cornwall. Pack a picnic and stop at one of the sheltered coves along the way.

Woodland Adventures

Dodd Wood, Lake District

A peaceful woodland walk on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. Dodd Wood is home to one of England’s few osprey viewpoints, and the trails wind through ancient forest with views over the water. Dogs can be off lead in much of the forest, but keep them close near the lake shore. If you’re looking for more, see our guide to the best Lake District dog walks.

View the full walk details for Dodd Wood

Dolgoch Falls, Snowdonia

A short but magical walk through mossy woodland to a series of waterfalls tumbling down a narrow gorge. The paths can be steep and slippery in places, so it’s best suited to dogs who are confident on their feet. The sound of the falls and the green canopy overhead make this feel like a world away from everything. One of many beautiful dog walks in North Wales.

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Delamere Forest, Cheshire

A brilliant all-rounder for dogs and their owners. The forest offers waymarked trails of varying lengths through towering pines and broadleaf woodland, with a lake at its heart. Dogs can be off lead on most trails, and there’s a dog friendly cafe for a well-earned cuppa afterwards. Also featured in our ten best dog walks in Cheshire.

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Uath Lochans, Cairngorms

A magical loop through Caledonian pine forest around a series of small lochans, with the Cairngorm mountains rising all around. The paths are well maintained and mostly flat, making this a great walk for dogs of all abilities. Keep your dog on a lead during Capercaillie breeding season (April to August). For more inspiration, see our best dog walks in Scotland.

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View Seekers

Upper Derwent Valley, Peak District

Follow the reservoirs of the Upper Derwent Valley through dramatic moorland and woodland. The route is steeped in history – this is where the Dambusters practised their bouncing bomb runs. On a clear day, with the water shimmering below and the hills rising on either side, this is one of those views you don’t want to leave. A highlight of the dog friendly Peak District.

View the full walk details for the Upper Derwent Valley

The Long Mynd, Shropshire

Tucked away on the England/Wales border, the Long Mynd is a ridge of open moorland offering huge skies and far-reaching views across the Shropshire Hills. The walking here is wonderfully varied – from gentle valley paths to breezy ridgeline routes. If you love big landscapes and quiet trails, there are few walks we love more than the Long Mynd. A fine example of dog friendly Shropshire at its best.

View the full walk details for the Long Mynd

Cleeve Common, Cotswolds

The highest point in the Cotswolds and one of the few remaining areas of unimproved limestone grassland in England. The views from the top are spectacular – on a clear day you can see across to the Brecon Beacons. It’s a brilliant walk for dogs who love open space, with wide grassy tracks and no roads in sight. Don’t miss the dog friendly days out in the Cotswolds guide for more ideas nearby.

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The Hermitage and Pine Cone Point, Perthshire

A short walk through towering Douglas firs to a stunning folly overlooking the River Braan. The waterfall and the old stone bridge are beautiful at any time of year, but especially in autumn when the colours are at their best. Dogs are welcome on lead, and the paths are well surfaced. Part of Scotland’s wonderful walking heritage.

View the full walk details for the Hermitage