Adventures are always better shared — especially with a wagging tail beside you

For many of us, our dogs aren't just pets – they're beloved family members who deserve to experience the great outdoors alongside us. If you've ever wondered whether you can take your furry friend on a walking holiday, the answer is a resounding yes! Dog-friendly walking holidays offer the perfect opportunity to explore stunning landscapes while creating unforgettable memories with your four-legged companion.

Why Choose a Dog Walking Holiday?

Walking holidays with dogs provide numerous benefits for both you and your pet. Your dog gets to experience new sights, sounds, and smells while enjoying plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Meanwhile, you can explore beautiful countryside and coastal paths without the stress of leaving your beloved companion behind in kennels.

The variety of terrain – from sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to woodland paths and moorland trails – keeps dogs engaged and excited throughout the journey. Many walking routes feature virtually no road walking, creating miles of scenic "doggy heaven" where your pet can safely explore alongside you.

Top Dog-Friendly Walking Routes

1. Minehead to Westward Ho! - The Ultimate Coastal Adventure

This 7-day journey along the South West Coast Path stands out as a favourite among dog walkers. The route passes through the edge of Exmoor National Park, showcases the dramatic coastal cliffs of Lynmouth, and includes the stunning dunes at Woolacombe. With its mix of long trails, amazing views, and plenty of room to explore, this route offers exceptional value for money and provides the perfect variety for dogs of all temperaments.

2. Padstow to St Ives - North Coast Beach Path

This 6-day coastal walk takes you along some of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches. Highlights include the dramatic Bedruthan Steps, the peaceful Gannel Estuary, and the expansive Perran Sand Dunes. The route is particularly popular during high season, so early booking is essential.

3. St. Ives to Penzance - Cornish Coastal Classic

While this route offers beautiful coastal scenery, it's worth noting that accommodation options are limited in one overnight stop, which may require using public transport or taxis for part of your journey.

4. Penzance to Falmouth - Around the Lizard Peninsula

This 61-mile route takes you around the UK's most southerly point on the Lizard Peninsula. The dramatic coastline provides spectacular views, though accommodation can be limited, so flexibility with dates is important.

5. Falmouth to Plymouth - The Roseland Peninsula

This 7-day walk through the inspiring Roseland Peninsula offers an excellent variety of dog-friendly accommodation options, from small hotels and B&Bs to luxury alternatives. The route features cliffs and coves, beaches, ferry crossings, historic castles, and picturesque fishing villages.

6. Plymouth to Brixham - Historic Harbours and Fishing Villages

Experience historic harbours, picture-postcard fishing villages, and medieval fortifications along this scenic stretch. Some overnight stops have limited accommodation, so advance planning is essential.

7. Brixham to Lyme Regis - South Devon's Coastal Resorts

This section brings you through the best of South Devon's coastal resorts via dramatic red rocks, stacks, and headlands, culminating in the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

8. Lyme Regis to Poole - The Jurassic Coast

Walk through millions of years of geological history on this UNESCO World Heritage route. The Jurassic Coast Path through Dorset is unique – nowhere else on Earth can you travel through such an extensive timeline of geological history in just a few days of walking.

9. The Coleridge Way - Woodland and Moorland Mix

This superb 5-day route averages around 10 miles per day, taking you through the Quantock Hills, up Dunkerry Beacon, and across the remote Lorna Doone Valley at Brendon. The combination of woodland, moorland, coastal views, and gorges creates a perfect environment for dogs, with virtually no road walking.

10. The Dartmoor Way - Wild Moorland Adventure

Circle Dartmoor National Park on this mysterious route with its Hound of the Baskervilles connections. Wild open moorland mixes with hidden gorges and dense woodland, offering opportunities for side trips to climb mighty tors along the way.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation: The Key to Success

Finding suitable dog-friendly accommodation is crucial for a successful walking holiday with your pet. Many B&Bs in popular holiday areas don't accept dogs, which can make planning frustrating if you're organizing everything yourself. However, specialist walking holiday companies have years of experience securing dog-friendly accommodation night after night along these routes.

Accommodations are carefully selected to ensure your dog's needs are met, whether that's a cosy indoor space, a secure outdoor area, or proximity to dog-friendly beaches. The selection typically includes hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs that offer warm welcomes to both you and your pet.

Practical Considerations

Luggage Transfer

Don't worry about carrying your dog's belongings along the trail. Trusted luggage transfer services will collect your dog's bedding, food, and other essentials and transport them to your next accommodation, leaving you free to enjoy the walk.

What to Pack for Your Dog

Essential items include: fold-up bowl for food and water, sufficient dog food for the journey, favourite toys if needed, blanket for comfort, and portable dog bed (travel beds like Nestbeds are highly recommended).

Costs

While some hotels and guesthouses may charge an additional fee for dogs, many B&Bs welcome furry friends without extra cost, making them often the most budget-friendly option.

Accommodation Limitations

It's important to note that some routes have limited dog-friendly accommodation options. This may require flexibility with your travel dates or occasional use of taxis or public transport between accommodations and the trail.

Making the Most of Your Dog Walking Holiday

The key to a successful dog walking holiday lies in proper planning and choosing routes that work well for both you and your pet. Look for trails with minimal road walking, varied terrain to keep your dog engaged, and reliable dog-friendly accommodation along the way.

Consider your dog's fitness level and temperament when selecting a route. Some dogs thrive on longer, more challenging walks, while others prefer shorter daily distances with plenty of time to explore and rest.

Why These Dog Walking Holidays Work

These carefully curated routes succeed because they combine stunning natural beauty with practical considerations for dog owners. The South West Coast Path and routes like the Dartmoor Way feature mile after mile of scenic trails perfect for dogs, with minimal road walking and maximum variety in terrain.

The variety of beach, woodland, and moorland environments provides rich sensory experiences for dogs while offering spectacular scenery for their human companions. Your dog will relish the changing landscapes as much as you will, making every day of the journey an adventure for both of you.

Ready for Your Paw-some Adventure?

Dog walking holidays offer an incredible way to bond with your pet while exploring some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes. Whether you're drawn to dramatic coastal cliffs, peaceful woodland paths, or wild moorland adventures, there's a perfect route waiting for you and your four-legged friend.

The combination of carefully selected dog-friendly accommodation, luggage transfer services, and expert route planning takes the stress out of organizing your holiday, leaving you free to focus on what matters most – enjoying quality time with your beloved companion in some of the most spectacular settings the UK has to offer.

So pack your walking boots, grab your dog's lead, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that you'll both treasure for years to come!