Are you and your furry friends ready for your next great adventure? Look no further! Whether you are a seasoned hiker or are looking for your first-ever dog trail, our comprehensive guide to discovering dog-friendly trails is here to help.
Join us as we discuss our top tips for finding the perfect trail for you and your companion. Before long, choosing the ideal trail suitable for your dog's abilities will become second nature.
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How to Find the Best Walk For Your Dog
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Top 10 Dog-Friendly Trails in the UK
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You’re Ready to Start the Trail, Now What?
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Dog-Friendly Trails FAQs
How to Find the Best Walk For Your Dog
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Search for a Dog-Friendly Trail
The best way to find a dog-friendly trail is through AllTrails, National Trust Parks, and local resources. When using the All Trails app or website, you must start by setting your filter to ‘dog-friendly’. By applying this filter, you will only be presented with dog-friendly trails.
Although it should go without saying, you should only ever take your dog on a trail that is deemed dog-friendly. Other trails may be labelled dog-free zones if too many predator sightings or dangerous terrain could jeopardise your dog's safety.
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On-Leash Vs. Off-Leash Rules
So, you have found a dog-safe trail route. The next step is to check the trail's leash requirements. Some trails may have strict on-trail regulations, while others require your dogs to stay on a leash only during certain seasons. Even if your chosen route allows you to walk your dog off the leash, it is always essential to pack a leash to have it ready, especially for unexpected wildlife sightings.
It is also essential to consider your dog's needs, especially if it is their first time on a trail. Can you rely on them to return when you call them and avoid getting lost in unknown terrain? Perhaps your pup feels more comfortable on their lead, knowing you are by their side as they explore. Ultimately, if your trail allows off-leash walking, you make that decision as you know your dog best.
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Loop Vs. Out & Back Trail
Loop trails start and end at the exact location where a single trail forms a loop. Out-and-back trails also start and end at the precise location, follow single or multiple trails to an endpoint, and then return along the same route.
For your first few trails with your dog, stick with a loop trail, as you are less likely to run into other hikers, allowing you and your dog to focus on the trail with fewer distractions. If your dog is a seasoned hiker, you may choose freely between a loop and an out-and-back trail in which you are guaranteed to see other hikers and dogs on their return trip.
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Research the Terrain
Even if some trails are dog-friendly, they may only be somewhat safe for your pup. Consider your dog's tolerance for types of terrain. A younger pup may easily trek up high-elevation paths, whereas a senior dog may prefer a flatter route.
If your dog tends to stray from your side, avoid trails with steep slopes and drop-offs. Similarly, if the trails require you to use both hands to stabilise yourself over rocky terrain, your dog must also do so. To combat this, you may need to avoid these hikes or invest in the appropriate gear to assist them with the trail.
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Research the Wildlife
Researching the type of wildlife you might encounter on the trail is vital. That way, you will know what to look out for and whether it is safe to let your dog off-leash.
Your research may inform you of any areas with high traffic from wild animals. You will be prepared in these areas and can put your dog on the leash. This will protect your dog from unwanted encounters and show respect for the wildlife that call the trail their home.
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Consider Trail Length
If this is your first time hiking with your dog, start with a more accessible trail to get a good idea of how much your dog can handle. Although every dog is different, it is essential to note that smaller dog breeds, such as young and senior dogs, may not be able to hike as high or as far.
Shorter trails are a good starting point, as your first hike with your dog likely will only go partially according to plan. Build up your dog's tolerance over time, and as they gain more experience and confidence, start making the trails more complex or longer.
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Look Up the Weather Forecast
Excessive heat and excessive cold conditions are concerns when taking your dog on a trail. Dogs often do not understand their limit, so you must ensure that the weather conditions are favourable for your dog to enjoy a safe hike.
For summer hikes, choosing a trail with shade areas is essential so your pup can enjoy a rest out of the sun to prevent heat exhaustion. Take your dog out on the trail as early as possible while the temperatures remain low.
To determine if the weather is too hot or too cold for your dog, you should consider its age. Old and young dogs cannot regulate their temperature that well, and smaller dogs are more susceptible to cold temperatures. On the other hand, double-coated breeds are more prone to heat exhaustion but are also much more cold-tolerant.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Trails in the UK
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Hawes End and Cat Bells, Lake District National Park (7.1km)
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Malham Landscape Trail, Yorkshire Dales National Park (8.0km)
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Box Hill Stepping Stones, Surrey Hills National Landscape (3.2km)
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Derwent Water Circular, Lake District National Park (15.3km)
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Brockenhurst and Tall Trees Trail Circular, New Forest National Park (15.4km)
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Orrest Head Circular, Lake District National Park (4.5km)
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Cheddar Gorge Trail, Mendip Hills National Landscape (6.1km)
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Mam Tor Circular, Peak District National Park (4.2km)
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Loughrigg Fell Circular, Lake District National Park (12.1km)
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Dovestone Reservoir and Chew Reservoir Circular (13.5km)
You’re Ready to Start the Trail, Now What?
So, you have picked your trail and determined that it is the ideal hike for you and your dog. Now what? You must ensure you have all the gear you need for your dog.
Some important things to remember are:
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Tick repellant
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Water and bowl
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Poop bags
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Collar and leash: You should bring a leash even for off-leash trails.
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Luxury dog towel: To quickly dry your dog off before your journey home
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Luxury dog drying bag: Designed to dry and clean your pup quickly after a muddy walk
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Luxury dog cooling coat: Designed to prevent heat stroke and stress, keeping your pup cool in the hot weather
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Skin, nose and paw balm: Perfect for winter or summer by easing cracking or pain caused by salt, ice balls, or hot pavements
Dog-Friendly Trails FAQs
Can my dog go hiking?
While you can easily find a dog-friendly trail, you must determine whether your dog is fit enough to hike with you. Start with a simple loop trail and build up your dog's tolerance to hiking over longer and steeper stretches.
Should I wash my dog after a hiking trail?
Taking your dog on an adventurous trail can leave you with a wet and muddy pup! Your dog may roll in something they shouldn’t with an unpleasant odour whilst on your hike, so you should make sure to wash your dog with dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner afterwards.
Prepare For Your Dog Trail with Pawdaw
So, now you should be prepared to pick a trail that will suit your and your pup's needs. From how to find a dog-friendly trail to weather considerations, you now have peace of mind that you can hit the trail and ensure your dog is having a great adventure while keeping safe.
At Pawdaw of London, we have a range of luxury dog accessories designed to make your trail a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. We have everything from our skin, nose and paw balm to protect your dog against all weather conditions to our natural salmon cookies to treat your dog.
