A dog lover's guide to dog-friendly walks in the lake district
In celebration of dogs everywhere, we've decided it's about time to unleash (sorry) our ultimate dog walking in the Lake District guide. From gentle lakeside strolls to woodland adventures, we've sniffed out the perfect routes for you and your four-legged friend.
While the experts argue about how often you should walk your dog, at TOG24 we know the truth - it's all about the quality and variety of those walks. That's why we've decided to look at the best spots in the Lake District for you and your furry companion to explore together.
We'll cover some general questions, like how to walk a dog responsibly, what temperature is too cold to walk a dog, and we’ll even discuss the best fleece dog coats to keep your pooch warm during those chilly days over Cumbria way.
Top dog-friendly lake district walks
In no particular order, here are our favourite dog-friendly walks in the beautiful Lake District:
Tarn Hows Circular
This picture-perfect walk is a true Lake District classic and is sure to be a tail-wagging hit. The 4.5-mile circular route takes you around the stunning man-made tarn with jaw-dropping views at every turn. The walk takes around two and a half hours, so it's perfect for a morning adventure with a short lunch stop along the way.
What makes this walk particularly dog-friendly is the well-maintained paths, perfect for paws of all sizes, and the easy access to water bowls and dog bins, courtesy of the National Trust. The terrain is mostly gentle, making it a great choice for older dogs and people who prefer a slower pace.
Rydal Water and cave circular
If you're after a walk that combines stunning scenery with a bit of local history, this 3.1-mile circular route is a cracking choice! Taking around an hour and 35 minutes, it's a great half-day adventure for you and your best friend.
Along this route, you'll cross the River Rothay, famous for its trout fishing, before climbing through woodland to the gothic-looking Rydal Cave - a man-made cavern and all that's left of a 19th-century slate quarry. Dogs are welcome, and there are some off-lead areas, but with sheep about and a few sections near fast-moving roads, good recall is a must.
Latrigg Circular
Good things often come in small packages - like this 1.3-mile easy circular walk around Latrigg Fell. Short and sweet, it takes less than an hour but still serves up beautiful views that both you and your dog will love.
The trail is open year-round and offers sweeping views over Keswick and the surrounding fells. The gentle terrain makes it a solid choice for dogs of all fitness levels, though it can get a bit mucky after rain - so be prepared for muddy paws!
Grizedale Forest
If your dog loves a good off-lead roam, Grizedale Forest is the perfect spot. With no livestock to worry about and plenty of streams to cool off in, this is the ultimate canine playground for independent pups.
There are several trails to choose from, including the Millwood Trail - a scenic 1.6-mile loop that takes around an hour. Keep your eyes peeled for sculptures and even clockwork trees scattered around the forest! Just keep in mind that mountain bikers use these trails, so it might be worthwhile keeping your dog close - especially around tight corners.
Derwentwater Walk
If you're in the mood for a proper Lake District adventure, this 10-mile circular route around Derwentwater has everything: stunning views, swim spots, and more interesting sniffs than your dog will know what to do with! It takes around 4 hours to complete, so your pooch will likely be lights out on the way back home.
This route will have you wandering through Cockshot Wood, past the picturesque Friar's Crag, and along the shore - a perfect spot for water-loving dogs to have a splash about. The best bit? Even though it's a decent length, the route's pretty flat. There are no big hills, which means it's easy on the joints for older dogs (and humans!)
How to walk a dog responsibly in the lakes
As you and your furry pal explore these stunning routes, remember to respect the National Park. Always bring waste bags and dispose of them properly - there's nothing worse than stepping in someone else's mess!
Keep your dog on a lead around livestock and wildlife, especially during lambing season, and be mindful of other walkers who might not be as comfortable around dogs as you are. The Lake District is still working farmland, and being a responsible dog walker helps ensure these spaces stay open and dog-friendly for everyone.
And don't forget to bring your dog essentials - a strong lead, waste bags, a collapsible water bowl, and a few treats for good measure.
How often should you walk your dog?
It's the classic question every dog owner thinks about – how much exercise does my dog really need? Well, it all boils down to your pup's breed, age, and energy levels.
High-energy dogs like Border Collies and German Shepherds might need a good 1-2 hours of exercise each day, split into morning and evening walks. On the other hand, more chilled-out breeds like Bulldogs might be happy with just 30 minutes.
Keep an eye out for signs that your dog could use more exercise. If they're barking too much, acting destructively, or can't sit still, they might need to burn off some energy. Mix in some short daily walks with the occasional longer adventure to keep things fresh for both of you.
What temperature is too cold to walk a dog?
The weather in the UK is a rollercoaster in winter, so it's smart to keep an eye on the temperature before setting off. Generally, most healthy adult dogs can handle a walk until temperatures drop below 0°C - but there are exceptions.
Smaller breeds, puppies, older dogs, and those with short coats (think of our whippet pals like Frank) can feel the chill a lot quicker. A good rule of thumb is if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your dog. If you spot your dog shivering, lifting its paws, slowing down, or looking for a warmer spot, it might be time to call it a day.
To help keep your pup warm, a fleece dog coat is essential for winter outings - especially for breeds that don't have much natural insulation. Our range of dog coats and jackets are designed to keep your four-legged friend cosy no matter what the weather throws at them.
From insulated coats for those bitterly cold days, like our trendy Fetch range, to dog coats made from soft and snuggly Sherpa materials for frosty morning walks, like the Rover, TOG24 will keep your furry friend warm and stylish all winter long. They'll be pawsitively barking with joy (sorry again!)
Ready to explore the Lake District with your four-legged friend? Grab your boots, your pup's lead, and check out our TOG24 dog coats and accessories to keep your pooch cosy on those nippy days!
