Make sure you are prepared for ‘what dreams may come’ when you say ‘walkies’ to your dog on your North Wales holiday. Your dog may even think they have been promoted to the realms of heaven, such are the scenic delights of this exceptional corner of Wales. Dog-friendly doesn’t even begin to describe how brilliant a location for your four-legged chums North Wales is. It’s just pawfect.
If you're looking for adventures elsewhere in the UK, you and your dog will love our complete guide to the best dog walks all over the country.
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Why is North Wales so good for taking your dog out walking with you? Read on to discover why, in our guide to the best dog-friendly walks; we uncover walks in Snowdonia National Park (near Bala and Betws-y-Coed), coastal walks, beach walks and countryside walks that are just perfect for you and your dog. Whether you own a poodle or a New Zealand Huntaway; a Carpathian Shepherd or a Doberman Pincher, we will find walkies to remember for you and your dearest and best.
After all the walking, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to stay so you can cool your heels and recuperate for the next expedition. Stay at one of our self-catering dog-friendly cottages in North Wales, we have properties all across the region from the sandy beaches of Barmouth and the whistling sands of the Llyn Peninsula to the Victorian seaside resorts of Llandudno and Liverpool Bay. You can even stay in a holiday cottage close to Wales’ highest mountain Mount Snowdon, in the Snowdonia National Park. Stay in North Wales with your dog this season.
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Head down to the woods with your teddy bear for a picnic. The 43-acre, Dingle Local Nature Reserve, on the River Cefni, is a joy to visit with your dog if you are holidaying on Anglesey. The beautiful lush green surroundings make for a lovely place to stroll around with your dog; they could also go off-lead and walk at heel. A hidden gem, full of natural sights like a steep gorge and wildlife including red squirrels, woodpeckers, foxes and bats. Dingle Local Nature Reserve has a circular trail that is also accessible to visitors with prams and wheelchairs, as there is a boardwalk. So, whether, you are looking for a gentle amble or something a little more challenging, this could be the place.
Why your dog will love this: Dogs love woodland walks. A chance to explore awaits.
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 1.5 miles.
Stay at: Treardurr House Mews | Sleeps: 2 dogs and 4 humans
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Close to the Dee Estuary and the Wirral on Merseyside is this gorgeous, golden beach with dunes and its very own lighthouse – the Point of Ayr beacon. With parking and facilities that are open in the spring and summer, Talacre is a treasure for visitors to this area of North Wales.
It’s a dog-friendly beach with no restrictions at all and you can take a lengthy walk here; the tide rolls out at least 0.5 miles here, but be mindful of quicksand and rising waters if you head too far out. You should be fine if you are observant and pay attention to the tide timetable. Bring a picnic to enjoy after a long walk along the pristine sands. You can walk along the coast to Prestatyn, as there are sealed pathways and a boardwalk for much of the length if you get tired of walking along the sand.
Why your dog will love this: Your hound can run full pelt down this awesome beach. Great for pups and small dogs too!
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 miles (via Gronant Dunes)
Stay at: Old Lixwm Cottage | Sleeps: 1 dog and 4 humans
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Gywdir Forest, near to Betws-y-Coed and Bala in Snowdonia National Park, is a North Wales wonderland. Full of doggy favourites like trees and huge avenues to tear down, there are walking trails across all 28 square miles of this forest park. The range covers the eastern flank of Snowdonia and its dramatic sweep brings in wooded ramparts and the contrasting level pastures of the Conwy Valley. You can find mine remnants, as zinc and lead were sourced here in the 19th and early 20th century. Your hound will love this, as it’s a calm retreat for everyone to come and enjoy.
The waymarked paths originate at all eight carparks yet only Llyn Geirionydd and Crafnant have WC facilities. Trails take in Llanwrst, the only lake in Snowdonia where you can go powerboating and water skiing; Cae’n-y-Coed – a pretty glade; Swallow Falls waterfall; the mines of Gwydir; the hidden lakes of Llyn Sarnau and Sawbench. All dog-tastic!
Why your dog will love this: It’s a natural playground!
Difficulty: Easy to difficult – there are trails for walkers of all abilities.
Stay at: Tylwyth Teg Un | Sleeps: 1 dog and 6 humans
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This lakeside walk near Caernarfon is a winner for dogs that love an amble out in the open. Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake set against a sloping backdrop of princely scenery. The panorama takes in the astonishing features of Padarn Country Park, that include Coed Dinorwig – an ancient woodland of rare sessile oak trees; the former Vivian Quarry; and the Llan Padarn itself. The 5-mile trail around the lake is relatively easy and is a very rewarding trail for bird spotters and nature lovers. The lake is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and many rare species of flora can be found here. Your dog is allowed off the lead but be mindful of resting birds in the shallows.
Why your dog will love this: A nice breezy waterside trek awaits!
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. It’s level but can be muddy after rain.
Distance: 5 miles.
Stay aboard: Maesincla Isaf | Sleeps: 1 dog and 10 humans
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Great Orme is a hill at the end of a peninsula that overlooks the Victorian-era seaside resort of Llandudno. With grand views over Liverpool Bay, Anglesey, the Menai Strait and the Carneddau Range, it is a superb choice for a scenic dog walk by the sea. Known as the Summit Trails, there are three scenic walks from Llandudno to the peak of Great Orme; each of them is waymarked and sealed so can be traversed by those with prams or wheelchairs. It’s a steep climb but if you have the time and stamina, the climb is worth the effort. The views are phenomenal. The longest of the three trails, the Happy Valley Trail is 1.5 miles long, and the other two, the Haulfre Gardens Path and the Zig Zag are each a mile long.
Why your dog will love it here: It’s a short circuit but will still feel like a good work out for dogs and humans!
Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on how you feel about hills.
Distance: 1 or 1.5 miles
Stay at: Orme View | Sleeps: 3 dogs and 24 humans
Other dog walks we would wholeheartedly recommend include:
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- Abersoch Circular: Part of the Llyn Coastal Path, this takes in just a few of the beautiful beaches of this wild North Wales peninsula.
- Penycloddiau: Vistas of the exceptionally attractive Vale of Clwyd and the profile of Snowdonia National Park make this a good bet if you also like woodland climbs.
- Mawdacch Estuary: There are some fantastic paved walks around the Mawdacch Estuary near Barmouth. It’s a stunning blend of forest, mountain, sea, beach, and river. And there are lots of beauty spots and places to stop for food and drink too.
If you are planning a holiday in the quieter reaches of North Wales, visit our guide for a choice of remote self-catering cottages on the fringes of the region, all close to some wonderful dog walking trails. If you love beaches, there is a handy guide to the best beaches in North Wales to take your four-legged wonder for seaside walkies too.
Stay at a dog-friendly holiday cottage in North Wales
Stay at one of our self-catering dog-friendly cottages when you come to North Wales on your walking holiday. Whether you are planning a romantic break or a family escape with the kids and your parents, we have the perfect place for you. Our properties are carefully selected as we understand what dog owners are looking for in a dog-friendly retreat; enclosed gardens, dog beds, exercise areas and treats on arrival to name a few; we make dogs feel at home just as much as you. Find your pawfect holiday home in our collection today!
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.