Planning a dog-friendly getaway to the majestic North of England? With mountains climbing into the clouds and valleys sweeping below sea level, there's a variety of rugged terrain for you and your dog to conquer in this region.
We've tracked down what we believe to be some of the best dog walks in the North of England, covering a whole host of trails in places that include Yorkshire, the Peak District and Derbyshire, the Lake District, Cheshire, and Northumberland.
Pick out your favourite North of England dog walk below and start enjoying this amazing part of the UK!
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Dog walks in Yorkshire
Dick Turpin’s Dog Walk, York
Let’s start with a bit of adventure – how does highwaymen, a horse called Black Bess and an execution grab you? Well, we can’t really offer you all that but we can give you the spot where Dick was rumoured to walk his little dog, Nell, in Yorkshire.
Dick Turpin's Dog Walk in the city of York starts on a grassy flat plain and takes just over half an hour, although you can stop to play ball en route as there is a large area for dogs to socialise. There are also lots of dog-friendly pubs in the area where you can rest and give your pup a well-deserved bowl of water.
Why your dog will love this: Lots of opportunities to socialise with canine chums. After all, a holiday is for making memories with new friends!
May Beck and Falling Foss, Whitby
Now, this beauty spot near Whitby is the perfect place for the hunting hound who is easily bored. Impossible to run out of things to do, there are woods, hills and streams to burn off lots of energy at the May Beck and Falling Foss Trail.
Finish off with a cream tea at the dog-friendly Falling Foss Tea Gardens where your dog can join you – just be sure to pack some Bonios in your rucksack!
Why your dog will love this: Your pup doesn’t play well with dogs or humans? There are many trails where you will not meet either – perfect for the not-so-friendly hound.
Raincliffe Woods Circular, North Yorkshire
Now there’s nothing we like more than a walk on a rainy day with one (or several) of our dogs. This 6-mile walk, named the ‘Crème de la Crème of Woodland’ by The Woodland Trust, is one of our favourites!
Raincliffe Woods Circular takes about 2 hours and passes through some enchanting forest scenery. Humans and dogs will need to be fit as it is quite hard work in places.
Why your dog will love this: Over 400 acres of trees, mud and sniffs – what’s not to love?
North York Moors cottages
Whitby to Sandsend Beach Walk, Sandsend
Now, we know dogs – and we know that most of them would not say no to a long beach walk and a nice shallow paddle. Some would even say that a refreshing dip in the sea would go down a treat on a hot day.
This Whitby to Sandsend Beach Walk is the perfect spot for both although as always with beach walks, be careful to check tide times as the tide tends to come in quite fast, especially at the Sandsend side. The Hart Inn will welcome both you and Rover for a bite to eat afterwards.
Why your dog will love this: A beach with sand where you can run after a ball without hurting your pads on sharp pebbles? Yes paw-leez!
If you're still searching for the perfect trail to explore, you can find more inspiration in our guide to the best dog walks in Yorkshire.
Dog walks in the North West
Derwentwater, Lake District
An easy 10-mile scenic trail - what we consider to be one of the best dog walks in the North West - will lead you around the beautiful Lake District, starting in the pretty market town of Keswick, with lots of places to wet the paws and have a picnic.
On this Derwentwater Walk, you'll pass through scenic woodland and of course take in fantastic lake and fell views. There are sheep at every turn so make sure to keep dogs on leads.
Why your dog will love this: The footbridge, halfway around this North West dog walk is an ideal spot to soak up the views and have a significant moment with the human (assuming they have brought with them a mid-walk snack).
If you're still searching for the perfect trail to explore, you can find more inspiration in our guide to the best dog walks with a view in the Lake District.
Alderley Edge Woodland Walk, Cheshire
Humans are not the only ones who appreciate a good view and this Cheshire walk offers canines a treat for their eyes as well, with stunning views from Stormy Point.
About 5 miles in length and about 4 hours of walkies, Alderley Edge Woodland Walk is set around a dramatic sandstone escarpment and also offers woodland and waterfalls. A spot of archaeological significance for the intelligent canine and human to enjoy, it is one of the National Trust’s most popular North West dog walks.
Why your dog will love this: There are lots of trees to sniff and a high viewpoint to plot the return route from.
Cheshire cottages
Pendal Canal Circular Walk, Lancashire
There are four easy walks you could choose from that follow the beautiful Pandal Canal in Lancashire, but we'd suggest beginning with this circular ramble. You'll spot plenty of birdlife along this delightful route including the curlew and dipper, you may even catch a rare sighting of deer grazing or darting through the trees, and you can wave at narrowboats as they pass by on their way to their next stop.
Discover more tail-wagging trails in our guide to the best dogs walks in Lancashire.
Why your dog will love it: You and your pup will love the most impressive view along this North West dog walk, which is of the Slipper Hill Reservoir - where glistening waters create a serene environment for you to stop for a moment and take it all in. It's a 2.5-mile trail with plenty to intrigue you and your four-pawed companion along the way.
Dog walks in the North East
Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland
Want to get lost on the sand dunes? Got a dog who loves to roll about so that you’ll have to spend hours brushing out the sand from his coat?
Then Bamburgh is the beach for you! Sit back and drink in the views from this stunning Northumberland beach towards the Farne Islands while your dog paddles and makes friends with the local dogs on this North East dog walk.
Why your dog will love this: Described as ‘romantic’, this beach may be the perfect spot for a holiday romance with a fellow canine.
Bamburgh cottages
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
The entire route is perfect if you are army fit and have a week free to circumvent the 84-mile walking path alongside this World Heritage Site!
However, if that doesn’t sound like you or your dog (it doesn’t sound like us or our dog), the 5-mile Hadrian's Wall route starting near the Roman Fort in Northumberland would be a better choice and will still get you home for dinner and a nap. There are lots of sheep, however, so dogs do need to be kept on a lead during your adventure along one of the best dog walks in the North East.
Why your dog will love this: If he is a film fan, he will recognise the iconic Sycamore Gap, featured in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. While on this North East dog walk, you and your pup might want to take the camera for a snap at the Robin Hood Tree to show your chums at home.
If you're still searching for the perfect trail to explore, you can find more inspiration in our guide to the best dog walks in Northumberland.
Durham Heritage Coast Walk, County Durham
This walking route begins at the seaside village of Seaham in the north, which is famed for the unique sea glass found on its shores, and follows the coastline down to Crimdon, home to a long, quiet stretch of dog-friendly beach.
Stroll through beautiful grassland that supports a range of wildflowers and insects, including the Durham Argus butterfly which feeds on the rock gorge. Pass by the lesser-known coastal denes and serene woodland on this ramble and be sure to dip your toes in the sea too.
Why your dog will love this: There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches where your pup can run free along this stretch of coastline.
County Durham cottages
Dog walks in the Peak District
Monsal Trail, Peak District
Perfect for the train-spotting dog, the Monsal Trail walk in the Peak District isn’t just about mud and sticks, it allows you to go through tunnels! Not agility tunnels (don’t worry, you are on holiday after all) but real train tunnels!
A former Midland Railway line, this 8.5-mile walk showcases some of the Peak District’s most impressive limestone dales. Don’t miss the breathtaking views at the hidden delight of Water-Cum-Jolly Dale.
Why your dog will love this: Tunnels without having to concentrate and win a prize? Duh.
Find more wonderful walking ideas in our guide to the best dog walks in the Peak District.
Poppy Wood, Derbyshire
Bursting with poppies during the summer, this gorgeous location within the expansive National Forest is one of the prettiest walks we have seen.
Head down to Poppy Wood for lovely views over the Derbyshire countryside, revealing six woodland demonstration plots, which are best experienced on a sunny day.
Why your dog will love this: It's completely fenced so it's good for escape artists – okay, so he might not love this but you will!
Derbyshire cottages
Set out on dog walks
There are so many great dog walks across the North East and North West, that you and your canine companion can explore to your heart's content!
If you're chase-your-tail-excited for these amazing walkies, we've got plenty of pet-friendly cottages so you can begin planning your next adventure. Paw through our dog-friendly cottages in the North of England to find wonderful accommodation.
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.