Dog Friendly Trails & Tipples to Explore this National Walk Your Dog Month
Dog Friendly | Events | Featured | Pub Accommodation | Staycation | Posted 2025.01.13
January might be the start of a new year, but it’s also National Walk Your Dog Month – the perfect excuse to embrace an active lifestyle for both you and your furry companion. After the indulgence of the holidays, January is the perfect opportunity to shake off those winter blues, get outdoors, and enjoy the crisp air with your four-legged friend.
Why not go the extra step this month and book a stay in a dog-friendly pub with stunning walking trails nearby? Whether you’re kicking back with a well-earned tipple or opting for a Dry January option of an alcohol free or low alcohol option, there’s nothing like relaxing in a cosy pub with rooms after a refreshing hike.
Cosy Pubs with Stunning Trails Nearby
There are many dog-friendly pubs to choose from across the UK with beautiful trails to explore nearby. Here’s a few of our top picks:
- Ideally located between the bustling city of Lancaster and the stunning town of Kirkby Lonsdale, The Fenwick is a beautiful dog-friendly pub with rooms available for you and your pup. Enjoy open fires, delicious pub food and refreshing drinks after your dog walk.
Photo Credit: mottrt
Hike Clougha Pike, Lancashire: With breathtaking views of the Bowland Fells, this trail offers a mix of terrain to challenge both you and your dog.
- The Grantham Arms is a historic, dog friendly pub offering 13 stylishly decorated bedrooms. Serving local ales and delicious pub food, this is the perfect place to lay your head to rest after a long day walking you four legged friend.
Photo Credit: Danielrao
Explore Osmotherley, North Yorkshire: A charming village that serves as a gateway to the North York Moors. Enjoy scenic paths and plenty of open spaces.
- Situated in the heart of the historic town of Warwick, The Globe is a grade II listed pub dating back to 1788. With a collection of 18 boutique style en-suite bedrooms, some of which are dog-friendly, it’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious food and a drink beside a warm log fire with your dog.
Stroll through Coombe Country Park, Warwickshire: Ideal for families and their pets, this park features picturesque lakes, meadows, and woodlands.
- Enjoy a stay at The Dunstan House Inn. This pub is surrounded by breathtaking coastlines and nature reserves, perfect for those long walks. The pub is dog and family friendly, offering six coastal inspired bedrooms.
Photo Credit: Tom Meaker
Wander in Horner Woods, Somerset: Nestled within Exmoor National Park, these woods offer enchanting walks with streams and ancient trees to explore.
- The Weeping Willow is a beautifully restored, 16th century modern country pub. The pub is dog and family friendly and has seven Eco lodges, each with a rustic French farmhouse feel set back in a meadow, seamlessly blending into the landscape. For the ultimate relaxing break, book a lodge with a wood fired hot tub.
Photo Credit: Nickbeer
Ramble through Thetford Forest, Suffolk: England’s largest lowland pine forest boasts miles of trails. Dogs will love the fresh scents and wide-open spaces.
- Harper’s at Haslemere is situated in the historic market town of Haslemere with easy access to the railway station. The pub has a relaxed dining room and is renowned for its steaks, shareable feasts and stateside comfort food. The bedrooms are all designed with a nod to a railway heritage, with options available so you can bring you pup along too.
Photo Credit: HerbySussex
Discover Haslemere, Surrey: Located near the Surrey Hills, this area provides peaceful countryside walks with stunning views of the South Downs.
Tips for Winter Dog Walking
- Stay Visible: Shorter daylight hours mean it’s essential to wear reflective gear and use LED collars or lights for your dog.
- Protect Their Paws: Salt and grit on icy pavements can irritate paws. Consider using dog booties or rinsing their paws after walks.
- Keep Them Warm: Smaller breeds or dogs with short coats might need a winter jacket to stay comfortable.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler weather, it’s important for both you and your dog to have access to water.
Embrace the Adventure
National Walk Your Dog Month is a fantastic reason to step outside and appreciate the beauty of the season. Whether you’re exploring new trails or re-visiting somewhere you’ve been before, there are so many options for you to embrace the outdoors and spend some quality time with your canine companion.
Written by Lucille Skinner
Social Media Assistant