Discover the best Lake District dog walks
your ultimate guide as recommended by dog owners
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best Lake District dog walks, where stunning scenery and pet-friendly trails await you and your furry companion. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, the Lake District offers a variety of picturesque routes perfect for every type of walker.
From the breathtaking vistas atop Hallin Fell and Loughrigg Fell to the enchanting waterfalls of Aira Force and Stock Ghyll Force, we’ve curated the top trails to ensure both you and your dog have an unforgettable experience. Explore the serene beauty of Tarn Hows, the tranquil paths around Derwentwater, and the charming landscapes of Sale Fell.
Read on to discover the best dog-friendly walks in the Lake District, complete with tips and highlights to make the most of your outdoor adventure.
Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell
Visitors to Aira Force will find there is nothing more delightful than a dewy autumn morning spent exploring this deservedly well-loved site.
Take an easy stroll through the landscaped gardens to spot red squirrels scampering across the lawns on their way to one of the feeding stations, before continuing further along the path as it twists and turns its way through the woods.
The waterfall does get busy at peak times, but climb a little higher through the leafy woods to emerge onto the hillside of Gowbarrow Fell – and the crowds instantly disappear.
Parking: Park at Aira Force car park, Penrith, CA11 0JS.
What else?: You’ll get an amazing view of Ullswater from the slopes of Gowbarrow, but for a bit of a different Lakeland experience, board one of the dog friendly Ullswater Steamers to enjoy the views from a more unusual perspective.
Dodd Wood
Woodland walks, red squirrels and one of the most incredible panoramas in the Lake District are what you’ll find at Dodd Wood, just a ten-minute drive from Keswick. This woodland clings to the slopes of Dodd, a small fell which is also a Wainwright. Follow the Dodd Summit Trail, a three-mile walk which climbs through the forest to arrive at the summit.
Parking: Park in the Dodd Wood car park. A fee is payable on exit.
What else?:Before you leave, stop at the tearoom for a slice of cake. Located by the car park, dogs are welcome at the outside tables.
Derwentwater
A trip to Keswick, one of the most visited towns in the Lake District, wouldn’t be complete without a walk around the shores of Derwentwater. Set at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley in Cumbria, you’re guaranteed a dramatic backdrop without the need to hike up steep fells.
Parking: There are several pay and display carparks in Keswick, the closest to Derwentwater being Lakeside car park.
What else?: Keswick, awarded ‘most dog friendly town’ three years in a row by the Kennel Club, offers oodles of places to eat and drink with your pooches.
Glenridding Dodd
Glenridding Dodd is a modest but charming fell in the Lake District, standing at 442 metres (1,450 feet). It may not have the height of some of the more famous Wainwrights, but it provides a short and extremely rewarding hiking experience with some of the best views in the eastern fells.
Parking:Parking can be found in the village of Glenridding. Use the postcode CA11 0PA.
What else?:For a different Lakeland experience, enjoy a trip on one of the dog friendly Ullswater Steamers to take in the views from a more unusual perspective.
Hallin Fell
A Wainwright nestled near the village of Howtown in the Lake District, Hallin Fell might be one of the smallest hills in the national park, but for a relatively short climb (388 metres), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells.
Parking: There is free parking near St. Peter’s Church in Martindale – postcode CA10 2NF. The other option to park at either Glenridding or Pooley Bridge and cross Ullswater to Howtown via the Ullswater Steamers.
What else?: Howtown Tea Room a great place to pop after your walk. Choose from homemade cakes, sandwiches, soup and sausage rolls. It’s very dog friendly.
Loughrigg Fell & Rydal Cave
If there was one walk we could choose to give you a perfect flavour of the Lake District, this jaunt up to Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave would be it. With fells, lake views, swimming spots and an impressive cave on the list of things to explore, this varied walk ticks all the boxes for a perfect adventure on four paws.
Parking: You’ll find plenty of parking at Rydal Road car park (LA22 9AY) – charges apply.
What else?: If you have time, the Copper Pot in Ambleside is well worth a visit. It’s such a lovely cosy little place with an open fire and delicious food.
Sale Fell
At a diminutive 359 metres, Sale Fell is one of the smallest Lakeland fells, and perches on the north western fringes of the Lake District where craggy hills begin to give way to rolling countryside and coastal breezes. Its tiny height and family-friendly gradients make this Wainwright a perfect option for introducing children (or young dogs) to fell walking.
Parking: There is roadside parking close to St Margaret’s Church, Wythop. The nearest post code CA13 9YW but note that this does not take you to the exact location.
What else?: As well as shorter walks like Sale Fell, there’s plenty of choice if you want more of a leg stretcher for your day out. We’d recommend the classic Lakeland route of Catbells to High Spy, or if you’re feeling really energetic, tackle the full Newlands Round.
Stock Ghyll Force
The stunning Stock Ghyll Force is located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the small town of Ambleside, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Lake District. The picturesque double drop waterfall is a brilliant option if you’re short on time, or want to squeeze in an extra dog walk at the beginning or end of a day out.
Parking: You’ll find plenty of parking at Rydal Road car park (LA22 9AY).
What else?: If you’d like to continue your walk and tick off a Wainwright with your pooch, a climb up to Wansfell makes a great extension to this walk. Take the steep but straightforward route from Stock Ghyll Woods to the summit and you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the Coniston Fells, Fairfield, Lake Windermere and Red Screes.
Tarn Hows
In a place with as many beautiful locations as the Lake District, it takes somewhere truly special to stand out. In the heart of the national park, Tarn Hows attracts new and returning visitors all year round thanks to its stunning landscapes and family friendly trails.
Parking: Head to the National Trust car park. It’s pay and display but free for members. The nearest postcode is LA22 0PP, or follow the signposts from B5285.
What else?: Intrepid explorers can take a path branching down hill to discover the tumbling waterfalls at Tom Gill, or take yet another path tracking up hill to the summit of Black Crag for outstanding views.
Walla Crag
Walla Crag is one of the smaller Wainwrights. At 379m, it’s practically diminutive compared to the heights of Scafell Pike (978m), England’s highest peak and also a Wainwright. But there’s something special about this little fell just south of Keswick.
Parking: Park at the National Trust Great Wood car park, Borrowdale Road, Keswick, CA12 5UP. It’s a pay & display car park but free for National Trust members.
What else?: Some of our favourite walks for getting away from it all are Lanty’s Tarn near Glenridding, Dodd Fell near Keswick, and Nether Wasdale in the remote western valleys of the Lakes. All of these walks are relatively short and achievable for anyone with a basic level of fitness.
For the full picture – places to stay, pubs, boat trips and days out alongside these walks – see our guide to dog friendly Cumbria & the Lake District.
