Lincolnshire; it has the best of all worlds, particularly when it comes to dog walking. Rolling countryside, a spectacular coastline, and oodles of culture – it’s a haven for humans and hounds alike. One of the questions your four-pawed pal is sure to be asking is ‘which are the best dog walks in Lincolnshire?’.
Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve sniffed out the best walks in Lincolnshire with dogs, featuring everything from short strolls to relaxing rambles. The truth is there’s no shortage of places to walk dogs in Lincolnshire. This beautiful ceremonial county, home of Sir Isaac Newton, the Magna Carta and the first barcode in the UK, has plenty going for it when it comes to adventures with your pup.
Lincolnshire is renowned for its predominantly flat landscape, making it an attractive prospect for dog walkers, with a common feature of dog-friendly walks in Lincolnshire being flat footpaths and big skies! That said, Lincolnshire Wolds dog walks offer more in the way of hills and valleys, making for routes to get the heart pumping, and spectacular views to boot. To make the most of these dog walks in Lincolnshire, why not book somewhere to stay nearby?
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Best for dogs who like a long walk – Ancholme Valley Way
At the time of writing, the Ancholme Valley Way is still being worked on, but has already proved a popular route for walks in Lincolnshire with dogs. The trail connects Brigg, inland, with South Ferriby on the banks of the Humber.
The multi-user path follows the course of the River Ancholme – a surprisingly straight walk which covers some 9 miles on a level path, bordered by fields. There are shops and eateries at Brigg, where you can stock up before catching the bus back to South Ferriby. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for longer dog walks in North Lincolnshire.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 9 miles (linear)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: Dog bins provided. Dog-friendly pubs in Brigg.
Best for family walks with the dog – Cleethorpes Country Park
Family-friendly dog walks in Lincolnshire are plentiful, and this sedate amble around the lake at Cleethorpes Country Park is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Starting from the free car park, there are lots of routes to choose from, including an accessible trail for wheelchair users and pushchairs on a tarmac path around the lake.
A longer, 2.25-mile route explores the lake, before tracing the route of Buck Beck and skirting back along a leafy path beside a small, wooded area and grassy fields. If this short walk hasn’t worn you all out, head on to Cleethorpes Promenade, where you can then enjoy a stroll beside the sea, with the promise of an ice cream or a cafe pick-me-up to recharge your batteries.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: Variable short routes
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: There’s a designated dog swimming area at the lake, perfect for cooling off in the summer.
Best for dogs with stamina – The Viking Way: Tealby to Donington On Bain
The Viking Way is an incredible, long-distance walking route through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. If you’re looking for dog walks in the Lincolnshire Wolds, the section of the route that passes through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a great place to start your adventures.
The walk from Tealby to Donington On Bain traverses undulating hills and scenic valleys, taking in the deserted medieval villages of West Wykeham and East Wykeham. You’ll pass the White Hart Inn at Ludford, ideally situated for a hearty meal, making this a great choice if you’re after dog-friendly pub walks in Lincolnshire.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 10.5 miles (linear)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog info: No stiles, but there may be livestock.
Best for a countryside romp – The Lindsey Trail
Take on the undulating route of the Lindsey Trail, where dazzling views delight, and historic architecture, leafy woodland and chalk escarpments add interest en route. Developed in partnership with local carriage drivers, the multi-user trail joins Market Rasen with Horncastle, welcoming walkers, horse riders, cyclists and carriage drivers.
Starting in Willingham Woods car park, the Lindsey Trail follows a mixture of unsurfaced and surfaced paths, incorporating 22 traffic-free miles. The 69-mile trail can be joined at various points; choose a length to suit you and your pet. Peruse the trail map to pick a section, with many parts within the Yorkshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 69 miles circular (broken into smaller sections)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Dog info: Few amenities, please take dog waste home.
Best for dogs who like a dip – Hubbard's Hill
Hubbard’s Hills is a verdant, natural space to the west of Louth, sitting in a glacier-carved valley. With dappled woodland, riverside walks and picnic spots aplenty, it’s the perfect destination for a family walk with the pup on a sunny day.
It’s one of the best dog walks in Lincolnshire if your dog is partial to a swim, as they can enjoy a splash about in the River Lud which meanders through the park.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: Variable short routes
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: There are some restricted areas where dogs need to be kept on leads at certain times of the year, keep an eye out for signs.
Best for a seaside stroll – Anderby Creek to Huttoft Car Terrace
If you’re here because you’re looking for places to walk your dog in Lincolnshire on the coast, this pleasant seaside ramble is a top choice. Promising sand, sea, wildlife and vast, open skies, it’s a lovely spot to get some fresh air with your four-legged friend. Huttoft Beach is dog friendly all year; see our blog for more dog-friendly beaches in Lincolnshire.
The route follows part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, leading along the sandy beach and taking in some of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park which stretches between Sandilands and Chapel St. Leonards. Don’t miss a stop at the Cloud Bar, which surprisingly, does not serve drinks, but rather views of the clouds, complemented by information boards with cloud facts. The Round and Round House is another curious man-made feature – a circular structure at the top of the dunes offering views over Anderby Marsh.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: Dog bins in car parks.
Best for varied scenery – Hartsholme Country Park
To the southwest of Lincoln lies Hartsholme Country Park, a gorgeous, nature-filled space incorporating Victorian landscaped gardens, leafy woodland and a vast reservoir. While close to the city, you’ll feel a world away as you enjoy the lush scenery of this pretty park.
Hartsholme Country Park adjoins Swanholme Lakes, a nature reserve teeming with wildlife, where dogs on leads are welcome to explore with you. A visitor centre, cafe and children’s play area make this a popular spot for families – why not pitch up on a picnic bench outside the playground with your pup for a post-walk bite to eat?
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: Variable short routes
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: Dogs are welcome in the outside areas of the cafe. Dogs must be kept on leads at Swanholme Lakes and under close control in Hartsholme Park. Dog bins are provided.
Best for city lovers – Lincoln Cathedral and Arboretum
Explore the city of Lincoln on four legs and two, taking in some of the Victorian history, and discovering the wonderful green spaces of Lincoln Arboretum. The historic cathedral is a highlight of this Lincolnshire dog walk, the highest building of medieval Europe.
While your canine companion may not appreciate the history of the cathedral, they’re sure to relish the leafy green spaces of the arboretum, while you gaze out over the impressive views, particularly from the Arboretum Terrace. Stop off at the cafe for a refreshing cuppa, and spend time admiring the fountain, lake, bandstand and enclosed garden.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: Dogs are allowed in most areas of Lincoln Arboretum, except the maze and playground.
Best for wildlife enthusiasts – Whisby Nature Park
Conveniently close to Lincoln, Whisby Nature Park has flourished in a former quarry, creating important habitats for wildlife, and providing dog walkers with wooded areas, grassland, lakes and heathland to discover. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk, the six waymarked trails with level paths provide options for everyone.
There are wildlife weekends and activities for kids, especially during the summer months in the school holidays, and the Natural World Centre with play areas, a shop and a cafe caters well to families. A large car park (charges apply) and level, mainly hard-surfaced footpaths allow accessibility for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: Various paths from 1.2 to 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: Facilities include dog bins, dog-friendly outdoor seating areas to eat food from the cafe, and dog treats for sale in the shop.
Best for elderly dogs – Tattershall Castle Archaeology Walk
If you’re on the hunt for Lincolnshire dog walks with interesting sights along the way, the Tattershall Castle Archaeology Walk is for you. With views of the castle en route, this lovely trail takes in some fascinating historic sites, including the old bowls green, the Tiltyard (a courtyard once used for jousting) and the remains of Lord Cromwell’s Tattershall College. Planes regularly fly over from RAF Coningsby, lending a little excitement to an otherwise tranquil stroll.
It is arguably one of the best dog walks Lincolnshire can offer pooches who like a slower pace of life!
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat
Dog info: Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the grounds of the castle. Water bowl and dog bin provided.
Best for dogs who like to run – Twyford Woods Circular
Twyford Woods (or Kesteven Forest) is a unique location: a former World War II RAF base, complete with old runways and plenty of space for energetic dogs to run free. One of the most popular places for dog walks in South Lincolnshire (South Kesteven), the commercial woodland is owned by the Forestry Commission and boasts miles of footpaths amongst conifers, scenic grassland and even a butterfly sanctuary. It’s interesting to see the vestiges of the old RAF base where nature is gently but doggedly taking its course.
The Twyford Woods Circular is a great walk to get a good feel for the place – it can get a little muddy, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Dog-walking fact file
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dog info: No amenities or public bins.
Lincolnshire dog walks on a map
View the starting points for the above dog walks in Lincolnshire on our handy map below.
Dog-friendly holiday cottages in Lincolnshire
If these Lincolnshire walks with dogs have piqued your interest, what could be better than a cosy cottage from which to set forth with a tennis ball and a thirst for adventure? Our dog-friendly holiday cottages offer the perfect base for you and your canine pal, leaving you perfectly positioned for enjoying the best dog walks in the Lincolnshire Wolds and across the rest of the county.
Browse our collection of pet-friendly accommodation by clicking the button below, and you’ll soon be em-bark-ing on a fabulous holiday, spoilt for choice for places to walk your dog in Lincolnshire.
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.