10 of the best magical winter walks

Walking is a crucial aspect of a dog's daily routine and is beneficial for their overall well-being, providing a chance for them to discover new sights, sounds, and scents.

If you're looking for dog-friendly walks in England, look no further as PDSA Pet Insurance has carefully selected ten of the best walks in the country and its pet experts have come up with tips and tricks to help make your walks enjoyable and safe.

Before setting out on a long hike with your furry friend, make sure they are up for the challenge and able to handle the distance and pace. If you're in doubt, consult your veterinarian, who can recommend the ideal type and length of exercise for your dog.

Relaxing walks

Best suited to: dogs that can’t walk as far but still enjoy some gorgeous scenery 

1. Speech House, Coleford, Gloucestershire

Route info: 2.5 mile circular forest walk with gentle inclines

Speech House is a scenic circular forest walk between Coleford and Cindeford. It’s a fairly level walk with some fantastic views of the forest. It features very gentle inclines, so it is ideal for stiffer joints that can’t cope with hills anymore. You can also learn a little about local history on your way around.

2. Roundham Head, Paignton, Devon

Route info: 0.9 mile circular beach walk

This short route around Roundham Head is perfect for exploring the area without clocking up too many miles! You’ll take in some fantastic views with the option to enjoy a walk along the sandy beachfront. As this walk is mostly pavements, it might not be so good for older paws that are more comfortable walking on softer ground.

3. Watersinks to Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire

Route info: 2.6 mile linear walk past Malham Tarn

This route offers a pleasant meander through the scenic Malham Tarn Nature Reserve. You can expect to see an array of birds and wildlife along the wetlands along with livestock at certain times of the year, so it’s best to keep your pooch on a lead. It features mostly grass and gravel paths, but beware of the mud in wet weather! As a linear route, you’ll need to be prepared to walk back along the same path or organise a lift at the other end.

Moderate walks

Best suited to: Active and high-energy breeds, 

4. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Route info: 4 mile circular walk with a few steep climbs (it is a gorge after all!)

The Cheddar Gorge walk has the perfect combination of wide open spaces and fantastic views, with a few more sheltered, forest areas. Perfect for adventurous pups, but beware that there are a few stiles along the route so make sure your dog is happy and able to climb over them. When you’re done, you could even stock up on some of Cheddar’s cave-aged cheese, just in time for a festive feast (not to share with your pup though!).

5. Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham

Route info: 6 mile circular walk with some steep climbs

Cleeve Hill offers some amazing views right across to the Malvern Hills. There are no stiles on this route but there are some steeper sections, making it ideal for active dogs. If you don’t fancy completing the full route, there is also the option to do a slightly shorter, flatter ramble. Keep in mind that there is livestock along the route, so make sure you keep your dog on a lead.

6. Rosthwaite, Keswick

Route info: 7.5 mile circular walk with some inclines

Explore some of the famous sights of the Lake District with this circular walk! If you want beautiful scenery and idyllic views, this is the trek for you. There are no stiles, just miles of exciting places to explore. You’ll pass Watendlath Tarn on this route if you fancy a quick paddle, just remember to keep your dog safe around water and be aware that other people may also be enjoying the tarn for fishing and rowing.

7. The Roaches, Peak District

Route info: 5.5 mile circular walk with inclines

Wide open spaces and amazing views? Check. Fairytale woodland with lots of exciting places to explore? Check. This walk has plenty for you and your canine companion to explore! It can get a little windy at the top of The Roaches, so be careful. You’ll be walking over paths, through forestry and over some rocky sections so make sure your pup’s paws are protected if they need it.

Difficult walks

Ideal for: Very active dogs (in cool weather)

8. Grizedale Forest, Lake District

Route info: Up to 10 miles circular route on some tricky trails

This is definitely one for the adventurous! Grizedale is every bit the magical forest, but nothing as beautiful as this comes easy. Walking through the woods, you will completely forget you’re in the Lake District. The walk winds through woodland paths, up streams and rocky trails, and you can even see some sculptures along the way. This is perfect for very adventurous dogs with plenty of stops offered along the way if you’re taking on the whole 10 miles.

9. Ironbridge and the Wrekin, Telford

Route info: 8.5 mile linear route with some steep inclines

Walk through the scenic town of Ironbridge before making your way up the Wrekin. This is a challenging trail as there is a lot of walking to do before you even reach the mammoth hill that is the Wrekin. You definitely need a fit dog for this and to include lots of breaks, which will give you the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beautiful scenery. This is another linear walk so make sure you sort a lift out at the other end!

10. Baggy Point to Woolacombe, North Devon

Route info: 10 mile circular walk across beaches and through dunes

You can really appreciate the North Devon scenery on this coastal walk. You’ll start in Croyde, make your way to Woolacombe and then come back again. It’s a picturesque route, especially along the clifftops, but can be slippery so it’s best to keep dogs on leads. As it’s another long one, make sure you take plenty of stops – there are even some dog-friendly cafes and pubs in Woolacombe itself.