Going to the Lakes? Don’t forget the dog!

Dog friendly walks around the Lake District.


If you're reading this post it's highly likely that, like me, you enjoy getting out for a walk on the fells in the Lakes. And, like me, have a dog that you like to share walks with. So why not combine both and take your dog on to the fells and around forests and lakes with you.

There's lot's reasons why you might think twice before taking your dog along with you on a walk, whether it's because there's lots of sheep in an area, you're unsure if the terrain is suitable or your dog might be getting on in years and needs shorter and flatter routes.

That shouldn't stop you though, as there's lots of routes of varying difficulty and distance around that you can use all over the Lakes. There's also lots of accommodation that are dog friendly now so it's not the case that you feel you can't take the dog or that your best option would be to camp. There's now, pub's, B&B's, caravans, camping pods and hotels that allow dogs to stay, some for free and some may add a small surcharge per night. Some places not only allow dogs to stay the night but encourage it, providing amenities for your dog such as bowls, towels, blankets, biscuits, maps with local walks and wash stations.

As long as you use common sense and follow a few simple rules then, technically your can walk anywhere around the Lakes with your dog. But you know your dog best and the types of walk it would prefer/be capable of and I've compiled a list of walks of varying difficulties, length and terrain that are well suited to dogs.

My Staffy Judy on Silver Howe summit.

So before I get to the list of walks, here's a small list of rules and good practice to follow whilst out and about.

1) Control your dog. Always ensure it's in sight and comes back when called.

2) Be aware of farm animals. Never allow your dog to chase them and it's best to use a lead, especially in lambing season.

3) Clear up after them. Bag up the poop and take it with you. If you do insist on leaving the bag on a fence post to collect later on your return journey, make sure that you do. For suitable areas there's also the stick and flip method.

4) Consider others. Don't allow your dog to approach other people, animals or dogs uninvited. Your dog may be fine but do you know how other dogs will react if yours wonders up to them?

5) Keep your dog healthy and safe. Always consider the conditions and take plenty of water and food for both you and your dog.


Derwentwater.

Although this walk is lengthy, don’t be put off! This walk will take you all the way around Derwentwater, and has excellent places to stop. On flat and easy paths, the walk passes through ancient woodlands and along the shores of the lake and is well sign posted throughout. This scenic walk lasts roughly ten miles, but has many landmarks, activities and cafes to stop by and rest. The full circular route is best started and finished in Keswick and takes you past Friars Crag and Ruskin Memorial, the Hundred Year Stone, Chinese Bridge and the Entrust Sculpture.

Derwentwater Circular Walk

Loweswater.

This is another circular lake walk but this time it's only approximately 4 miles in length. It's a peaceful and tranquil walk that sticks close to the shoreline of the lake throughout. There's car parks on both the east and west of the lake and takes you through Holme Wood. For an even shorter walk, start at Maggie's Bridge car park to the east and walk past Watergate Farm, through Holme Wood passing the bothy and returning which is about 2.5 miles.

Loweswater Circular

Binsey.

Fancy something a little more strenuous and the chance to bag a Wainwright at the same time? Binsey is for you. This is a simple up and down route from the road side between Binsey Lodge and Fell Side Farm. It's not too steep and you can be up and down well within on hour, and that's taking it easy. Being in the Northern Fells (in fact it's the most northerly wainwright) Binsey tends to be quiet and so is the perfect place for you to allow you dog a run off the lead. Although it's only 447 metres, on a nice day the views from the top take in the Solway Firth and Scotland.

Binsey walk


Dodd Wood.

There's lots of trails to Explore in Dodd Wood that are great for your dog, but I'd advise sticking to the 4 official trails starting from Dood Wood Car Park where there's also a tea room. Want to bag another Wainwright? Take the Dodd Summit trail through the woods which is about 3 miles. It's a little steep towards the top but it’s easy enough on good paths and you soon make the top to enjoy great views of the surrounding fells and over to Keswick and Derwentwater. For the more energetic it’s possible to pick up a path up onto the Skiddaw range from here too.

Dodd Wood

Troutbeck Valley & Park

Another quiet Lakeland Valley and one that has plenty of history too. This walk follows good paths along the valley through pastoral scenery up to Troutbeck Park Farm, formerly owned by Beartrix Potter and where she wrote several pieces of work. A circular route of the valley that's around 5/6 miles in length can be made from a small parking area near Jesus Church on the A592 Kirkstone Pass Road. Part of the route follows the low level part of the High Street Roman road that once linked forts in Penrith to Ambleside. There's options here to also bag another wainwright in the modest height Troutbeck Tongue. There's a basic route map starting from the Mortal Man pub nearby here.

You can see most of this route up and down the valley here from the summit of Troutbeck Tongue

Tarn Hows

The ever popular and beautiful area of Tarn Hows is a great place to walk the dog. A circular walk from the car park is around 2 miles but there's loads of paths off the main one you can explore too. Mainly flat and on paths that are accessible to wheelchairs, this is a walk suitable for all. You can even hire an all-terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) for the less physically able but these need to be pre-booked. Due to it's popularity Tarn Hows can get busy at times so going out of season or through the week might be best  if you'd prefer it quieter.

Tarn Hows

Grizedale Forest

This is another forest walk perfect for dogs but more centrally located being located between Windermere and Coniston lakes . There's lots of way marked paths around Grizedale Forest ranging from easy to hard and of varying lengths. There's a cafe here so you'll be able to grab a hot meal or sandwiches as well as hot and cold drinks. Along the trails there is around 40 different sculptures to view that have been created by many international artists adding even more interest to the walk.

Grizedale Forest


So that's it. A small selection of dog friendly walks across the Lake District, now there's no excuse not to get out there with mans (and womens!) best friend and enjoy the beautiful Lake District together.

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