If your dog is a fan of long hikes and stretching their legs, then there's no better place to look to head to than the Lake District. Whatever the season, the stunning views and winding trails mean there's never ending adventures to discover. Discover the perfect walk for you and your dog in one of the UK's most scenic areas, full of adventures waiting to be explored.
-
Dog-friendly walks
-
Scenic routes for every occasion
-
Pubs nearby
-
A place to relax
Find the Perfect Dog Walk Near You in the Lake District
From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell climbs, the Lake District has a dog walk for every kind of adventure. Whether your four-legged friend loves a woodland wander, a splash in the water or a proper hill-top challenge, explore our favourite routes below and find one that suits you both. Whether you’re visiting for just a hike or planning a longer holiday to truly immerse yourself in the national park, we’ve got the perfect list of dog walks near you in the Lake District, which offer a fantastic mix of scenery, accessibility and adventure. We’ve included everything you need to know before setting off, including distance, difficulty, terrain and how suitable each walk is for dogs.
dog walks lake district - stock ghyll
Stock Ghyll Force
Location: Ambleside
Length: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland paths, gravel tracks, steps and uneven surfaces near the waterfall
Starting point: Stockghyll Lane, LA22 0QT
Closest car park: Lake Road Car Park
Public transport: Regular buses to Ambleside from Windermere, Kendal and surrounding towns
Lead guidance: Lead recommended, particularly around other walkers and livestock, and keep close around the waterfall and woodland
Closest inn: The Ambleside Inn
What to expect:
Stock Ghyll Force is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Lake District and makes an excellent short walk for dogs. Beginning in the centre of Ambleside, the route quickly enters peaceful woodland before reaching the impressive 70-foot waterfall.
The trail follows well-maintained woodland paths with plenty of shade, making it ideal during warmer weather. Dogs will enjoy exploring the woodland scents and can often paddle in shallow streams along the route.
Although there are some stone steps and uneven sections near the viewing platform, the walk is manageable for most abilities. After your walk, Ambleside offers numerous dog-friendly cafés and pubs where both you and your dog can relax.
dog friendly walks lake district
Brant Fell Circular
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Length: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, grassy paths and gentle inclines
Starting point: LA23 3JH
Closest car park: Ferry Nab Parking
Public transport: Regular buses to Bowness
Lead guidance: Lead recommended with livestock on route, only take off lead where legal
Closest inn: The Angel Inn
What to expect:
Brant Fell offers one of the best viewpoints over Lake Windermere without requiring a strenuous climb. This circular route climbs steadily through woodland before opening onto grassy fell tops with panoramic views across England's largest lake.
The paths are generally quiet, making it a peaceful choice for dogs that prefer less crowded routes. There are plenty of open areas where dogs can enjoy stretching their legs, although they should remain under control around grazing sheep.
The walk is relatively short but rewarding, making it ideal for families or visitors looking for a gentle introduction to Lakeland fell walking.
dog friendly walks lake district
Coniston Lakeshore Path
Location: Coniston
Length: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Route type: Linear
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat lakeside tracks, woodland paths and gravel surfaces
Starting point: LA21 8AA
Closest car park: Monk Coniston Car Park
Public transport: Buses connect Coniston at Ambleside and Windermere
Lead guidance: Lead recommended around livestock
Closest inn: The Coniston Inn
What to expect:
For a relaxing lakeside adventure, the Coniston Lakeshore Path is hard to beat. Following the shores of Coniston Water, this mostly level route provides uninterrupted lake views with beautiful woodland sections and plenty of places to stop.
Dogs will love exploring the shoreline, and there are several safe spots where they can enjoy a paddle. The relatively flat terrain makes this walk suitable for older dogs, puppies and less experienced walkers.
With stunning mountain backdrops throughout, it's an excellent choice for photographers and anyone wanting a leisurely day outdoors.
dog friendly walks lake district
Sale Fell
Location: Near Bassenthwaithe Lake
Length: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Grassy fell paths, with some steeper inclines
Starting point: CA13 9YR
Closest car park: Local parking around Wythop
Public transport: Limited, car is recommended
Lead guidance: Lead around livestock, open fell sections of the walk allow more freedom
Closest inn: The Pheasant Inn
What to expect:
Sale Fell stands out as one of the most accessible fell walks in the northern Lake District. The climb is short and relatively gentle, rewarding walkers with exceptional 360-degree views over Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
The wide grassy paths are enjoyable for dogs, and the open summit provides plenty of space to explore while remaining under close control.
This is an excellent option for anyone wanting a traditional Lakeland summit with stunning views, without tackling one of the region's more demanding mountains.
dog friendly walks lake district
Grasmere Lake Circuit
Location: Grasmere
Length: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Lakeside paths, woodland trails and country tracks
Starting point: Grasmere village, LA22 9SW
Closest car park: Stock Lane Car Park
Public transport: Regular 555 and 599 bus services
Lead guidance: Recommended due to livestock and busy lakeside sections
Closest inn: The Swan, Grasmere
What to expect:
The Grasmere Lake Circuit is one of the most picturesque easy walks in the Lake District. The circular route follows the shoreline of Grasmere with beautiful views across the water towards Helm Crag and the surrounding hills.
The path alternates between woodland and open lakeside sections, offering plenty of variety for both dogs and owners. There are numerous spots where dogs can safely paddle, while benches along the route provide ideal places to enjoy the scenery.
Finish your walk by exploring the charming village of Grasmere, home to several dog-friendly cafés and traditional pubs.
dog friendly walks lake district
Loughrigg Fell Circular
Location: Ambleside
Length: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky paths, grassy trails, woodland and stone steps
Starting point: LA22 9AY
Closest car park: Rydal Road Car Park
Public transport: Regular buses through Ambleside
Lead guidance: Off lead suitable
Closest inn: The Temperance Inn
What to expect:
Loughrigg Fell is widely regarded as one of the Lake District's finest moderate walks. Despite its relatively modest height, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere and the surrounding fells.
Dogs with reasonable fitness will thoroughly enjoy the varied terrain, which includes woodland paths, rocky sections and open fellside. Some rocky areas may require extra care, particularly after wet weather.
This route is perfect for owners wanting a more adventurous day while avoiding the longer high mountain hikes.
dog friendly walks lake district
Aria Force Waterfall
Location: Ullswater
Length: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Woodland paths, stone steps and bridges
Starting point: CA11 0JS
Closest car park: Aria Force National Trust Car Park
Public transport: 508 bus stops directly outside Aria Force
Lead guidance: National Trust requires a lead to be worn throughout
Closest inn: The Ullswater Inn
What to expect:
One of the Lake District's most famous waterfalls, Aira Force offers an enchanting woodland walk suitable for most visitors. The circular route winds through ancient woodland before reaching the dramatic waterfall, where water plunges over a series of rocky cascades.
Dogs will enjoy the shaded woodland environment and the sounds of rushing water throughout the walk. There are several flights of steps, so take extra care if conditions are wet.
The route can become busy during weekends and school holidays, so visiting earlier in the day is recommended if your dog prefers quieter surroundings.
dog friendly walks lake district
Rydal Cave
Location: Between Ambleside and Grasmere
Length: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Gravel paths, rocky sections and stepping stones in the cave
Starting point: White Moss Common, LA22 9SE
Closest car park: White Moss Car Park
Public transport: The 555 and 599 bus services operate along the A591
Lead guidance: Lead recommended on rocky sections in the cave
Closest inn: The Wateredge Inn
What to expect:
Rydal Cave has become one of the Lake District's most photographed locations, thanks to its dramatic former quarry cave and stepping stones across the water.
The walk follows easy tracks through beautiful countryside with stunning views over Rydal Water. Dogs generally enjoy exploring the cave itself, although owners should take care on slippery rocks and near the water's edge.
The relatively short distance makes this an ideal family walk that still offers plenty of memorable scenery.
dog walks lake district
The Coffin Route
Location: Ambleside to Grasmere
Length: 5 miles (8 km)
Route type: Linear
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Country paths, woodland tracks, stone paths and gentle hills
Starting point: Ambleside or Grasmere, LA22 0 / LA22 9
Closest car park: Ambleside Town Car Park, or Stock Lane Car Park in Grasmere
Public transport: Frequent buses between Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere
Lead guidance: Lead recommended
Closest inn: The Wordsworth
What to expect:
The historic Coffin Route links Ambleside and Grasmere along one of the Lake District's most scenic low-level walks. Once used to transport coffins between villages, today it offers peaceful countryside, beautiful woodland and spectacular fell views.
The trail passes Rydal Hall, crosses charming stone bridges and winds beneath impressive Lakeland peaks without requiring any difficult climbing.
Dogs will appreciate the varied terrain and quieter atmosphere compared to some of the more popular routes. There are occasional livestock fields, so keeping dogs under close control is essential.
dog friendly walks lake district
Old Man of Coniston
Location: Coniston
Length: 7 miles (11.5 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Steep fell paths, rocky ground, old quarry tracks and mountain ridges
Starting point: Grid reference SD 288 970
Closest car park: Walna Scar Car Park
Public transport: Limited, can also set off from Coniston village
Lead guidance: Lead recommended due to livestock and old quarry workings
Closest inn: The Coniston Inn
What to expect:
For a proper Lakeland adventure, it doesn't get much better than the Old Man of Coniston. Rising dramatically above Coniston village, this iconic 803m fell combines spectacular mountain scenery with a fascinating industrial past.
The route climbs through the old slate quarry workings, passing remnants of buildings and machinery before reaching the beautiful mountain tarn of Low Water. From here, the path becomes steeper and rougher as it heads towards the summit, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across Coniston Water and the surrounding fells
It's a fantastic walk for energetic dogs who are comfortable with longer distances, steep climbs and rocky terrain. However, this isn't one for every four-legged explorer. Dogs should be confident on uneven ground and owners should take extra care on steeper sections, particularly in poor weather.
dog friendly walks lake district
Fairfield Horseshoe
Location: Ambleside to Grasmere
Length: 10 miles (16 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Steep fell paths, rocky ground, grassy ridges and uneven mountain tracks
Starting point: Ambleside, LA22 0
Closest car park: Miller Bridge Town Centre Car Park
Public transport: Frequent bus connections from Ambleside
Lead guidance: Close control recommended on steep sections
Closest inn: The Waterhead Inn
What to expect:
If you're looking for a full-day challenge with plenty of summits along the way, the Fairfield Horseshoe is a fantastic choice. Starting in Ambleside, this classic circular route takes in a series of peaks surrounding the beautiful Rydal and Fairfield valleys.
The route climbs steadily out of Ambleside before heading higher into the fells. You'll tackle several summits before reaching Fairfield itself, the highest point of the horseshoe at 873m.
It's a long and demanding hike requiring the full day, but the varied scenery makes every section feel different. Dogs who enjoy long-distance fell walking will love the open landscapes, grassy paths and mountain terrain, although there are rocky and steep sections where extra care is needed.
A note before you set off: These walks are intended as a helpful guide and starting point for exploring the local area with your dog. Routes, conditions and access can change, so please check current local guidance, weather conditions and access restrictions before setting off. Always use your own judgement and choose a route that’s suitable for you and your dog.
Tips for Walking Dogs in the Lake District
To help everyone enjoy these beautiful landscapes, remember to:
-
- Keep dogs on a lead around livestock and wildlife.
- Carry plenty of water, particularly during warmer months.
- Bring dog waste bags and use bins where available.
- Check weather conditions before heading onto higher ground.
- Be aware that rocky paths can become slippery after rain.
- Consider your dog’s fitness before attempting longer fell walks.
- Please remember that many Lake District fells are working farmland. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and follow local signage, particularly during lambing season.
- Before setting off, it’s a good idea to read the Lake District National Park’s guidance on rules for dogs in the National Park, including advice on livestock, wildlife and responsible walking with your dog.
FAQs for your dog friendly walks
-
Are there off-lead dog walks in the Lake District?
There are areas across the Lake District where dogs can enjoy some freedom, but there aren't blanket off-lead areas across the region. Many walking routes pass through farmland or areas with livestock, so dogs should be kept on a lead when required and always under close control. Look out for local signage and carry a lead with you, even if you plan to let your dog off in suitable areas. -
Are there stile-free dog walks in the Lake District?
Yes, there are plenty of dog walks in the Lake District that avoid stiles, although it's worth checking the route before setting off. Lakeside paths, woodland trails and some low-level routes tend to be better options for dogs who struggle with stiles or gates. Look for clearly marked paths and check the route details for any accessibility information before you go. -
Can dogs swim in lakes and rivers in the Lake District?
Some dogs can safely enjoy a paddle or swim in the Lake District's lakes and rivers, but always check the conditions first. Avoid fast-flowing water, steep banks, areas with strong currents and water where blue-green algae is present for the health of your dog. Keep an eye on your dog around deep water and remember that not every stretch of lakeshore is suitable for swimming. A doggy towel is also a good idea if your pup can't resist a splash! -
Do dogs need to be on leads around livestock?
Yes. Dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock and under close control at all other times. The Lake District is a working landscape, so you'll often encounter sheep, cattle and other animals while out walking. Keep your dog close, follow local signage and be particularly careful during lambing season. Remember to carry a lead with you, even on walks where your dog can usually enjoy some off-lead freedom. -
What are the best easy dog walks in the Lake District?
For an easier dog walk in the Lake District, look for low-level routes with gentler gradients and well-maintained paths. Lakeside circuits, woodland trails and short waterfall walks are great choices for dogs who aren't used to longer or steeper hikes. Popular options from our list include Stock Ghyll Force, Grasmere Lake Circuit, Coniston Lakeshore Path and Aira Force. -
What should I take on a long dog walk?
For a longer Lake District walk, pack plenty of water for both you and your dog, some food or treats, poo bags and a lead. It's also worth taking a dog first-aid kit, towel, spare layers and a map or phone with the route downloaded. If you're heading onto the fells, check the weather before you leave and make sure your dog is comfortable with the distance, terrain and conditions. -
Where can I stay with my dog in the Lake District?
The Lake District is a fantastic destination for a dog-friendly getaway, with plenty of pubs, inns and accommodation welcoming four-legged guests. At The Inn Collection Group, our dog-friendly inns provide a comfortable base for exploring the region's most stunning spots, with dog-friendly areas, pet-friendly rooms, tasty treats and walks right on the doorstep or nearby. Browse all our Lake District inns here.
Explore more dog walks across Northern England and Wales
Ready to explore beyond the Lake District? From rugged coastlines and rolling countryside to woodland trails and mountain paths, discover more dog-friendly walks across Northern England and Wales. Find your next adventure, with plenty of tail-wagging trails to choose from.
Discover some of the best dog-friendly walks in North Wales, from scenic coastal paths and peaceful woodland trails to mountain adventures in Eryri.
Explore
Northumberland is a dream destination for dogs who love to explore, with scenic coastal paths, peaceful woodland trails and countryside adventures.
Explore
From Tynemouth’s coastline to leafy woodland trails, Tyne and Wear is packed with places to explore with your dog.
Explore
Explore Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside with your four-legged friend, from peaceful woodland trails to scenic moorland adventures.
Explore
Lancashire is made for exploring on four paws. Wander along the coast, explore woodland trails, or tackle a Lancashire fell with our guide.
Explore
From riverside rambles and woodland trails to coastal paths and countryside adventures, County Durham is full of places to stretch your legs with your four-legged friend.
Explore
Your dog-friendly stay awaits
Browse our dog-friendly inns at the Lake District, where the whole family can fit right inn...