With summer coming to an end and the doggy paddling pools going back in the shed until next year, it’s time to start thinking about where you can go this autumn with your poochy pal.
We’ve put together nine of the very best autumn walks for you to choose from, covering the top regions through the UK, including Scotland and Wales. We’ve even answered some frequently asked questions about walking your dog in autumn too.
Continue scrolling to find your perfect autumn walk or click the button below to start your autumn cottage search now.
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Autumn dog walk FAQs
The cooler temperatures are largely the reason dogs love autumn. Dogs don’t sweat, they pant instead and therefore, it’s much trickier for them to cool off in the warm summer months.
Other, more playful reasons include getting up to mischief in the leaves, playing in puddles and snuggling with their owners in front of fires.
They might. Even though dogs have fur (many of them have bucketfuls of the stuff), they can still get cold and, towards the end of autumn, they might need help staying warm on long walks.
Older dogs and those with less undercoat might be affected by the cold and dampness that comes with autumn. This can affect their joints and make for a miserable walk. Kitting your dog out with suitable clothing can keep them warm without hindering their movement.
Numerous short walks may be better than one long walk. Try and keep your dog moving as much as possible and avoid stopping to sit and lie down, especially if the ground is wet.
Scotland’s best autumn dog walk
Undoubtedly, one of the best autumn walks in Scotland to experience is the Hermitage. This National Trust for Scotland-owned location is only 2 miles west of Dunkeld in Perthshire and provides visitors with a wealth of fascinating scenery and history.
You’ll be able to hear the tumultuous Black Linn Falls as you walk through the soaring Douglas firs, which are among the tallest trees in the UK. Take your place within Ossian’s Hall to get the best views of the cascading waters before continuing your meanderings along the banks of the River Braan.
There’s a totem pole hidden in the woods if you’ve brought the kids along and, for any wildlife enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled for the gravity-defying salmon as they ascend the falls and the red squirrels darting back and forth through the treetops.
Dogs should remain on their leads anywhere near the water’s edge as the slippery rocks and fast-flowing currents are treacherous – but elsewhere, they are free to roam at their leisure.
Northumberland’s best autumn dog walk
Sticking with the waterfall theme, the Hareshaw Linn Walk in Northumberland National Park is a glorious place to take your dog. This linear autumn dog walk starts near the village of Bellingham and takes you north through the national park for approximately 3 miles.
The main footpath is considered moderate in difficulty and affords you plenty to look at as you make your way to the spectacular falls at the end. There’s an old dam on show and a small waterfall to view before you find the ancient woodland filled with oak, hazel, elm and ash. The colours in autumn have to be seen to be believed!
There are no less than six bridges on approach to the falls, some of which are perched under the towering Douglas firs that were planted during Victorian times.
Wander on towards the magical waterfall; take care as the dampness that makes it a haven for the 300 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens can also make it quite slippery.
The Lake District’s best autumn dog walk
As with all of the regions in this blog, there are a number of incredible autumn dog walks, making it tremendously difficult to choose just one. Ashness Wood in Borrowdale, however, has so many excellent elements to it that we had to choose it!
You start at one of the most photographed packhorse bridges in the Lake District, Ashness Bridge. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular as you gaze north towards Derwentwater, Whinlatter, Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake.
After some time, your pooch will probably start dragging you away from the view, so make your way through the beautiful autumn woodland towards the Victorian hotspot of Lodore Falls. These impressive falls cascade over 30 metres of boulders and can be particularly spectacular after periods of heavy rain, so fingers crossed for some autumn showers.
The rest of the walk heads north towards the top of the woods and it’s often so quiet that dogs can go off lead without the worry of bumping into other canine friends. Vigilant wildlife watchers will spot the red squirrels that frequent these woods.
The Peak District’s best autumn dog walk
Another walk with so much for inquisitive pups to explore, this circular Peak District stroll will reward you with one of the best views in the whole of the Hope Valley. The Padley Gorge and Surprise View Walk is a 4.5-mile trail that should take you about two hours if you walk at a reasonable pace.
Just 10 miles from Sheffield, this walk is an autumnal treat, taking in ancient woodland, open moorland and a babbling brook. You’ll start in Padley Gorge and follow the meandering Burbage Brook as it passes cute footbridges and moss-covered boulders.
Adding to its character, the terrain can be somewhat uneven; watch out for the snaking tree roots as they rise up from the depths of a sea of autumn leaves like wooden leviathans.
After the woodland, the route takes you over Hathersage Moor, passing Over Owler Tor before arriving at Surprise View which will certainly not disappoint. There’s plenty of room to stretch those furry legs on the moor before heading back to the car.
Wales’ best autumn dog walk
The Llyn Padarn Walk is a circular trek around a glacially formed lake in North Wales that has a little something for everyone in your pack. Whether you want to see elevated views of the lake, or you want to explore the woodland with your four-legged adventurer, there’s plenty of variety on this walk. There are even industrial archaeology sites, an old quarry hospital and the ruins of 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle to peruse.
Begin by passing the quaint quarry museum and heading into the woods. This path brings you to an incredible viewpoint looking over the lake – be sure to stop here to breathe it all in and perhaps snap a selfie with the pup!
From here, you’ll move into more glorious woodland where a charming footbridge crosses over a pleasing stream. There is a small section of road after this so be sure to keep Fido on the lead. Once this is navigated, you’ll cross a bridge over Afon Rhythallt to get more views of Llyn Padarn and Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa.
This wonderful circular route finishes by following a cycle track along the lakeside to bring you and your waggy-tailed friend back to where you started.
The Cotswolds’ best autumn dog walk
For another fantastic circular autumn dog walk, visit the Cotswolds and the Broadway Tower Country Park, near the village of Broadway. Repeatedly described as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, this famed area of an already beautiful region would make for a splendid walk at any time of year, thanks to the honey-hued Cotswold stone that makes up many of the buildings.
The tangerine shades of autumn, however, only add to the elegance and serenity of this walk. You’ll move through wonderful woodland and across open fields which will give Rover ample opportunity to leap and bound (on the lead though as there are roaming red deer nearby). Some of the walking can be steep in places but that’s only because you’re heading up to the second-highest point in the whole of the Cotswolds.
Once you reach the tower, you may want a moment to catch your breath, even if the vistas are, themselves, breathtaking! Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted inside the tower but if you can leave Fido with a family member, the extra 17-metre climb is worth it as you’ll be able to see no less than 13 counties on a clear day.
Stop for a drink in the dog-friendly café before heading back towards the parkland to find the agility obstacles that have been laid out especially for dogs.
Devon’s best autumn dog walk
Staying on the lead doesn’t mean your dog isn’t going to have a whale of a time. So, even though the National Trust recommend that dogs are not let loose throughout Heddon Valley, the Heddon's Mouth circular walk is so picturesque that we’re sure both you and your pooch are going to come back again and again throughout autumn.
The walk is mostly flat as you follow the River Heddon to the sea. You’ll pass through striking ancient woodland which can be filled with wildflowers and fluttering butterflies in early autumn.
Follow the easy-to-traverse path with Fido leading the way through the beautiful valley and keep an eye out for wild otters as you approach the restored 19th-century lime kiln at the edge of the beach. The beach itself is made up of pebbles so your pup can practice his balancing skills as he makes his way down for a paddle in the sea.
Upon your return, you can grab a drink or a bite to eat at the dog-friendly Hunters Inn or head back to the takeaway café where you’ll find dog water bowls as well as the chance to buy some doggy ice cream for your panting friend.
Dorset’s best autumn dog walk
Displaying some of the most kaleidoscopic visions of autumn you’re likely to see in Dorset, Raleigh’s Country Retreat at Sherborne is the perfect multi-purpose walk where you can revel in the seasonal colours whilst indulging in a little history too.
The 6.4-mile stroll takes you along country lanes, up gentle gradients and through some lovely villages just south of Sherborne, all the while exposing the legacy left by Sir Walter Raleigh who lived in the Norman castle here before building his own house in the area in the late 16th century.
The open parkland and woodland on the grounds of Sherborne Castle is mesmeric and the castle’s lake will reflect the beauty of the terracotta, golden and chestnut leaves on a still day.
The gardens were designed by the aptly named Capability Brown and include 30 varieties of Japanese maples which will make for some stunning photos as the leaves begin to drop.
Cornwall’s best autumn dog walk
With a huge wraparound coastline, we thought it only fair to include an autumn dog walk next to some water, even if it’s only a river and not technically the sea. Trelissick Garden on the banks of the River Fal near Truro goes through a metamorphosis as the seasons change.
The canopies and foliage transform from the summer’s emerald green to autumn’s cinnamon and copper hues, with leaves crunching underfoot and brisk winds flowing through the branches.
At this time of the year, with so many of the trees having lost their leaves, the view of the encompassing landscape is opened up, giving you and your pup alluring vistas of the river to gaze upon as you walk by.
All in all, you’ll have over 300 acres of woodland, open parkland and shoreline to explore, making this one of our top places to visit in autumn with your dog - no wonder Cornwall has been voted the top county for pet-friendly getaways.
Looking to buy your pup an autumn coat?
Photo credit: Ruff and Tumble
As summer ends and the cool winds of autumn approach our shores, you might start thinking that it’s getting a little chilly to take your dog out on your usual jaunts.
This will be especially true if your furry friend has joint issues or is a little on the older side. Luckily, Canine Cottages partners with some fantastic companies that offer discounts to people such as yourself who have made it to the end of this blog!
Ruff and Tumble offer all kinds of dog-drying coats that have been ergonomically designed to push any moisture to the outside of the coat to prevent any dampness from staying close to your pup’s fur and skin.
Poppy and Ted provide a range of fleeces and jumpers that are lightweight, water repellent and have adjustable neck collars – perfect for your autumn walkies.
For discounts on these two brands and for more incredible offers, join our Canine Club.
Dog-friendly autumn cottages
Now that you know where to go for the best dog-friendly autumn walks, it’s time you settled on a cottage that you can call home for a while. With cottages near woodlands and the coast, and properties with enclosed gardens and warming wood burners, we’ve got just the accommodation for you and your four-legged best friend.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.