Top UK Dog Walks

In celebration of National Walking Month, we have teamed up with K9 Nation to bring you their top rated walks across the UK.

K9 Nation is the free app for dog owners in the UK to get top tips and advice, meet other local dog walkers, find and rate local dog walks and find dog products and services.

 

Beecraigs Country Park

Location: Edinburgh & Lothians EH49 6PL

Facilities: Free parking, picnic area, refreshments, toilets, water and wheelchair/pushchair friendly

Description: A stunning country park situated in West Lothian with a wide range of paths and trails to explore. There are various free carparks so visitors can approach from all areas. Beecraigs is a popular place for not only for dog walker but families (big play park), mountain bikers and horse riders. There are various attractions which are all dog friendly, look out for the reservoir which hosts private fishing, there is an archery area, a café and shop, as well as a vast fenced area where you can see Red Deer, Highland Cows and various sheep breeds. Walk gradients to suit every ability

What the K9 Nation community says: "So many pup friends to meet there and away from the road so great place to train our pup with all the sniff distractions!”

Sence Valley Park 

Location: Leicestershire, LE67 6NW

Facilities: Free parking, picnic area, off lead area, toilets, water and wheelchair/pushchair friendly

Description: Sence Valley Forest Park is a 60ha country park created by Leicestershire County Council on a former opencast colliery site near Heather. Advisable to wear suitable footwear and clothing during the changing seasons as it can get very muddy in places. Lots of bird life on the lakes and plenty of space to walk round and enjoy the views. This is a place to visit at all times of the year to appreciate the changing scenery.

What the K9 Nation community says: “A mixture of woods, clean running water and fields to explore. A great off lead experience for dogs!”

 

Formby Squirrel Reserve 

Location: Merseyside L37 1LJ

Facilities: Paid parking, picnic area, off lead area, toilets, refreshments and wheelchair/pushchair friendly

Description: This nature packed reserve is made up of beautiful woodlands with easily marked trails to follow. Some of the trails lead down to the beach and while dogs can be off lead in some parts of the reserve they are asked to be under control at all times to protect the wildlife.

What the K9 Nation community says: “We met lots of other dogs and their dog lovers. Would definitely recommend in you’re in the area or even if you’re not!”

 

Clumber Park 

Location: Nottinghamshire S80 3AZ

Facilities: Paid parking, paid for attraction, picnic area, playground, refreshments toilets, water & wheelchair/pushchair friendly. 

Description: Stunning historic National Trust country park in The Dukeries near Worksop in Nottinghamshire

What the K9 Nation community says: “Loads of different routes. Really beautiful walk with lots of facilities.” 

Austerfield Mosaic Reserve  

Location: South Yorkshire DN10 6RG

Facilities: Water 

Description: This reserve is a 70 acre former sand quarry. The reserve got its name because of its unique mixture (mosaic) of habitats, including well established coniferous and deciduous woodland, young tree scrub, open sandy heathland and ponds. Dogs must be kept under control due to the wildlife in the area and in particular during bird nesting season. There are no facilities as such at the reserve but this is a great local walk to explore for a change of scenery.  

What the K9 Nation community says: “One of my favourite walks. So many different routes and lots of beautiful scenery.”

Hartshill Hayes Country Park 

Location: Warwickshire CV10 0TH

Facilities: Paid parking, picnic area, playground, refreshments, toilets and off lead area 

Description: Two areas of ancient hilly woodland make up most of this delightful country park.  The park has spectacular panoramic views over four counties on a clear day and has a great adventure play area/tea kiosk.

What the K9 Nation community says: “Woodland is very dense in areas so whilst the whole place is off lead I would recommend either good recall or a tracker!”

Storthes Hall Park

Location: West Yorkshire HD8 0WS

Facilities: Free parking, off lead area, refreshments, toilets and water 

Description: One of Huddersfield's biggest wooded areas  with over 100 acres to explore. There are many different routes you can take and the area incorporates Laycock Wood, Saville Wood, Boothroyd Wood and Myers Wood. With plenty of wildlife around keep an eye out for roe deer, foxes, badgers, stoats and birds. If you work up a thirst or an appetite be sure to stop off at The Venue as they welcome dogs both inside and outside.

What the K9 Nation community says: “A lovely woodland walk”

Heartwood Forest

Location: Hertfordshire AL4 9DG

Facilities: Free parking, off lead area

Description: North of St Albans Heartwood Forest a natural wooded area that is known as a haven for dog walkers. There is good car parking and well maintained paths. however for general facilities such as toilets you need to go into the nearby village where you will find pubs, shops and tearooms. The routes are all very well sign-posted with paths to suit all capabilities and acres of open space.

What the K9 Nation community says: "Massive area with the freedom to tailor your walk to the Magical meander (1 hour) or the longer Heartwood Hike (2 hours)"

Do you have a favourite walk that isn't already on the K9 Nation app and you'd love to tell their members about? Submit yours today > 

 

About K9 Nation:

The K9 Nation App is perfect for all of a dog owner's needs! We've detailed some of the features which make their app great;

Find friends within their dog owner community

Search by name, or browse by breed and/or location, to make new friends with similar interests, or to find local walking buddies in your area for walks and playdates. Not only can you keep up to date with their latest activity on the newsfeed but you can chat in private too with their direct messaging feature.

Community curated walks for you and your dog