Dogs love to run. It’s a fact. You only have to watch your canine companion darting across sand or grass at full speed to see how much they enjoy it. And dog owners are getting in on the action too. Hands-free cross-country running with dogs, known as Canicross, has seen a major rise in popularity over the past year, with online searches up 5000%.
The UK has so many beautiful and scenic running routes to explore, it’s easy to see why people are donning their running shoes and heading out with their four-pawed pal. There are many health benefits for you both, both physically and mentally, and it’s also a great social activity; you’ll find Canicross clubs, races and events all over the UK.
So, if you think Canicross is something you and your pet might want to take up, or if you are a seasoned Canicrosser looking for new routes to explore, read on to find out more about the UK’s top Canicross destinations. First, however, let’s take a closer look at Canicross and how it can benefit your dog and you, with Canicrosser Ian Thyer.
What is Canicross?
Canicross is off-road running with your dog. They wear a comfortable harness, you wear a belt and you’re attached to each other by a bungee line. It is great for cardiovascular health and strengthening muscles, joints and ligaments, and provides mental stimulation for naturally energetic and intelligent dogs. As well as this, it increases that human-canine bond as you work as a team to complete the route.
“The bond that comes from canicross is hard to put into words, but it’s huge,” said Ian. “With [Siberian husky] Cooper, our very first dog, I could feel it strengthening mile by mile. He stopped being ‘just’ a family pet. He became a true member of the family – a teammate. Every time the harness came out, he’d be at the front door instantly, eyes bright, body buzzing with anticipation.”
Once we started running, he didn’t want to stop. He would pull with purpose, ears pinned back, completely in tune with me. And the more we ran together, the more he listened. He respected the commands. He trusted my direction.
I’ve experienced that same connection with all of my dogs since – Bracken, Damson and Ivy. With each of them, the bond has grown in its own unique way. With Bracken in particular, the connection is something I struggle to describe. It’s unbreakable. There’s an understanding between us that only comes from shared miles, shared effort, and shared experiences on the trail.”
"Problems feel lighter. Thoughts become clearer. Perspective returns"
Over the years, Ian has seen the positive impact of Canicross on his – and his dogs’ – wellbeing. “Running is one of the most powerful tools for both physical and mental health,” he said. “Cardiovascular fitness, strength, resilience – it benefits you at every stage of life. But mentally, it’s even more profound. If you’re facing a challenge or carrying stress you can’t quite untangle, a run has a way of clearing the fog. Problems feel lighter. Thoughts become clearer. Perspective returns.”
The same seems true for the dogs...“They are born to move; sitting around the house all day doesn’t suit them – especially active breeds like huskies,” said Ian. “When we run together, they’re not just burning off excess energy; they’re working. They’re listening to commands. They’re processing the environment. They’re taking in scents, terrain changes, direction cues. Their minds are engaged as much as their bodies.
“And when we get home, they’re tired, but it’s a contented, balanced kind of tired. Physically satisfied. Mentally fulfilled. It creates a calmness and stability that carries through into everyday life. In my experience, Canicross doesn’t just make a fitter dog, it makes a happier, more well-balanced one.”
“Canicross offers a structured, healthy way to run together”
Ian isn’t surprised that Canicross is growing so rapidly in popularity. “Running in the UK is booming,” he said. “It’s everywhere, from major city marathons to local trail races, and just look at the phenomenal success of parkrun.
And once you’ve caught the running bug, the next question becomes: how do you elevate it? If you have a dog at home, the answer is simple: take them with you. Dogs love to move. They love purpose. They love being alongside you. So why leave them behind? Canicross offers a structured, healthy way to run together.
The dog wears a proper harness, which distributes pressure safely across the body rather than straining the neck like a collar would. The runner wears a waist belt connected by a bungee line, allowing for hands-free movement and shock absorption.
From a practical standpoint, it makes so much sense. With a belt system, your centre of gravity stays stable, your arms can move freely, and you feel far more connected to your dog’s rhythm.
Another major factor in its growth is accessibility. Canicross isn’t an expensive sport. The basic kit is affordable, there are no costly facility fees, and the trails are open to everyone. It’s a simple, low-cost way to improve your own fitness, give your dog meaningful exercise, and invest in both of your mental wellbeing at the same time.”
“From complete beginners to seasoned competitors, everyone is welcome”
For the past 3 years, Ian and his family have run with an organisation called Trail Dog in the North East. He loves the inclusive nature of the Canicross community.
"For a sport built on mud, harnesses and forest tracks, it has created one of the most open and supportive communities I’ve ever known,” he said. “From complete beginners to seasoned competitors, everyone is welcome.
"If you have a question, someone will answer it. If you need help at the start line, someone will offer it. There’s no judgement, no ego, just people who want to run, enjoy themselves, and see their dogs happy.”
“Canicross has widened my world”
Running with his dogs has ‘absolutely deepened’ Ian’s appreciation for the outdoors. “I’ve always loved being outside,” he said. “Mountains, trails, long walks, the occasional jog, that was already part of who I was. But Canicross changed the scale of it. As my fitness improved, the distances I could cover increased. And with greater distance came greater discovery. I began going further. Exploring new trails. Climbing higher into the hills. Venturing onto routes I might once have thought were out of reach.
"We’ve been spending more time in North Yorkshire recently, and I’m constantly scanning for runs across the moors or around Dalby Forest. Endless trails, changing terrain, big skies – all of it explored because of Canicross.
"If I wasn’t running with the dogs, I honestly don’t think I’d be seeking out these places in the same way. I wouldn’t be studying maps. I wouldn’t be planning routes. I wouldn’t be pushing that little bit further.
"Canicross hasn’t just improved my fitness, it’s widened my world. It’s helped me discover corners of the UK I may never have seen otherwise, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we’re lucky enough to have right on our doorstep.”
“One of the most beautiful valleys in the country”
In keeping with the fact that the Lake District tops our list of popular UK Canicross destinations, Ian singled out Borrowdale in the Lake District as his favourite place to run, ‘without question’.
“It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful valleys in the country,” he said. “I lived there for a few years and ran almost every day. Those miles are etched into me.
"I’d often start in Rosthwaite, at the head of the valley. From there, the options are endless. You can head out for a simple 5K or turn it into a half-marathon by weaving in small fells and balcony paths that contour the valley sides. You can run right to the very head of the valley, surrounded by towering mountains, before turning for home.
"And that return stretch – running back towards Derwentwater, looking straight down the valley with Skiddaw rising in the distance – is something that never loses its impact. No matter how many times I ran it, it always stopped me in my tracks.”
Ian's top tips for someone looking to get into Canicross
- Find your community: “Get on social media and look for your local Canicross group. You’ll find welcoming, open, knowledgeable people who are happy to help. Most groups will invite you along to a local run where you can ask questions, look at different harnesses and bungee lines, try on belts, and even see how kit fits your dog – as long as they’re comfortable.”
- Bring your running shoes: “Join in for an easy 5K. If you love it, brilliant. If it’s not for you, you’ve lost nothing but an hour on a Saturday morning, and you’ve probably met some great people along the way.”
- Find kit to suit your budget initially: “Start with what fits your budget and upgrade over time if you decide to commit. A well-fitting harness is the single most important piece of equipment. Specialist retailers such as SnowPaw Store, stock a wide range of harnesses from different manufacturers, designed to suit different breeds and body shapes. Bungee lines are fairly standard in length, but different brands offer slightly different levels of stretch and feel – it often comes down to personal preference.
- Running belts range from beginner-friendly models to more advanced, lightweight systems from brands like Non-stop dogwear.”
You can find out more about Ian and his Canicross adventures on Instagram: @fjallpackhuskies.
The best 8 regions in the UK for Canicross
Seven factors were used to rank 35 regions across the UK (average temperature, average rainfall, elevation range, running trails, % of walking trails that are dog friendly, average rating of dog-friendly trails, number of reviews for dog-friendly trails), from which we have taken the top 8 to focus on more closely: Cumbria, the Peak District, Norfolk, Devon, Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, Dorset, Suffolk, and the Cotswolds.
Cumbria (Lake District)
Cumbria is a Canicross favourite as it provides diverse, challenging off-road terrain and organised events for both beginner and experienced runners. Dodd Wood and Grizedale Forest offer marked routes that are perfect for running with dogs, and the Lakeland Paws Canicross series features a range of options throughout the year, such as the Grizedale Growl and Whinlatter Tails, which mainly take place on Sundays.
Peak District (Derbyshire)
The Peak District offers epic trails across 555 square miles of varied, off-road landscapes. You and your dog can explore it all, from the rolling hills of the Dales to steep, dramatic climbs such as Alport Castles, navigating woodland paths and open moorland. There is an active Canicross community across the Peak District, so it’s worth reaching out to groups like Peak District Canicross.
Norfolk
Norfolk is an ideal destination for Canicross beginners due to its abundance of mostly flat, non-technical terrain. Many routes, specifically within Thetford Forest, offer safe, wide, and traffic-free environments that are perfect for finding your Canicross feet (and paws). Look out for events like the High Lodge 5k series. Groups including Kings Forest Canicross and Norwich Canicross Runners offer friendly advice to anyone wanting to get involved.
Devon
With two moors and the South West Coast Path on offer, it’s little wonder that Devon is among the top Canicross regions in the UK. Events are held at iconic locations, including Haldon Forest and Roadford Lake, including the Devon Trail Races 10K Canicross. For more information, groups like Devon Canicross and North Coast Canicross are a great place to begin and connect with like-minded people.
Snowdonia (Eryri National Park)
For a challenging and rewarding Canicross experience, Snowdonia (Eryri) offers an unparalleled setting. Dramatic mountain backdrops, forest tracks and abandoned railway lines are all on offer in this stunning part of the world. Popular destinations include Coed-y-Brenin, known for its extensive network of dog-friendly running trails; Betws-y-Coed, where you’ll find numerous forest trails ideal for Canicross training; and Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest.
Dorset
Dorset has everything from woodland trails to coastal routes, suitable for all ability levels. Options range from flat, easy-going routes along former railway lines, such as the 19K 'Slow and Dirty' event, to more challenging, undulating, and technical trails that are perfect for building endurance. The area is known for supporting a growing number of organised, inclusive Canicross events, and instructors like FidoFit!, offer guidance and specialised training.
Suffolk
Suffolk is a wonderful place to start your Canicross journey, thanks to the local support available. East Suffolk Canicross runs a range of courses, including Couch to 5K, 1-2-1 coaching, and taster sessions, alongside pack runs and event support. They even offer a Canicross spin-off called Pawdic walking! Among the most popular destinations in Suffolk for Canicross is Rendlesham Forest, the venue for dedicated race weekends.
The Cotswolds
For a quintessentially English landscape to explore with your dog, look no further. Think rolling hills, historic paths, and villages stitched together by runnable trails. The Cotswold Way is 102 miles of potential route. Plot a path and distance to suit you, perhaps factoring in landmarks such as Haresfield Beacon and Dover’s Hill. In addition, Canicross events are held at locations including Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury.
Find your Canicross base
We have dog-friendly properties in all eight of the destinations mentioned above, so take a look at our collection and start planning your Canicross adventure.
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.