Ever had to leave your dog behind while you’ve gone on holiday? A long-distance walking holiday is a superb opportunity to ditch the kennel and bring your beloved pet along for the ride, with an abundance of fresh air, wide-open spaces, and a treat at the end of each day a wonderful experience for canines and humans alike!
Over the last 15 years, Absolute Escapes have ‘sniffed out’ the best dog-friendly walking trails in the UK. Whether we classify a trail as being ‘dog-friendly’ depends on the amount of good-quality accommodation along the route which are happy to accept dogs.
Before we get to the fun part – the wonderful hiking trails which are available to dogs – it’s worth bearing in mind a few things if you’re considering bringing your pet on a long-distance walking holiday.
- Accommodation hosts usually request a surcharge of between £5.00 – £10.00 per night for bookings which include a dog. This additional amount is paid directly to your hosts and is not included in the cost of your walking holiday, although we’ll advise you of the amount in advance.
- The weight limit for the baggage transfers included in our packages is usually set to between 15kg – 20kg per bag, depending on the trail, so any feed bowls, dog food etc. will need to be factored into this weight limit. Alternatively, you can pay for an extra bag. You don’t want to end up in the ‘dog house’ with the baggage carriers.
- Your accommodation hosts may like to know which breed of dog will be staying with them, so please do let us know when you send us an enquiry.
With that in mind, we are delighted to offer the following walking trails to dogs and their human companions …
Herriot Way
‘God’s Own Country’ of Yorkshire has gained a reputation for its dog-friendly accommodation and pubs, making it an obvious place for a walking holiday with a pooch. The circular Herriot Way route visits the favourite beauty spots of local legend James Herriot of All Creatures Great and Small fame, taking in some of the most wonderful scenery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
As well as phenomenal views, there are quaint villages to explore such as Hawes, Keld, and the ‘Capital of Swaledale’ Reeth, each offering a warm welcome to walkers and their dogs.
Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way is essentially two wonderful walks in one. Half of the route ventures through the lush, heather-clad moorland of the North York Moors National Park, before reaching the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea and heading south on one of the finest stretches of coastline in Britain.
The coastal stretch ventures through impossibly pretty towns like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. The latter is home to dog-friendly Clarence Dene B&B, who provide a clean and comfy dog bed where your pet can relax after their day’s exertions.
Rob Roy Way
Following in the footsteps of legendary 17th-century outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor (‘The Scottish Robin Hood’), the Rob Roy Way travels through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, following the well-worn tracks used during the dramatic Jacobite uprisings and centuries-old clan feuds.
You’ll travel past impressive waterfalls, shimmering lochs, whisky distilleries, and attractive Highland villages with dog-friendly pubs, before ending in the handsome Victorian spa town of Pitlochry.
Lady Anne’s Way
The last member of one of England’s great Medieval dynasties, Lady Anne Clifford became something of a legend in her own lifetime and has remained a celebrated figure in the history of northern England ever since. This 100-mile walk retraces her life, from her birthplace at Skipton Castle to the place of her death at Brougham Castle.
Meandering through Wharfedale and Wensleydale in the lovely Yorkshire Dales, the Lady Anne’s Way is a fitting tribute to a woman who devoted her life to the restoration of castles, churches and monuments, and whose philanthropy knew no bounds.
Borders Abbeys Way
The Scottish Borders is a lush, green wonderland with no shortage of historical interest. Once a Medieval battleground between England and Scotland – the legacy is a sprawl of ruined abbeys and castles nestled amongst picturesque towns like Melrose and Jedburgh.
This gentle Borders Abbeys Way meanders across rolling green hills, riverbanks, and rich green farmland – a wonderful landscape which will appeal to humans and dogs alike.
If you’re inspired to tackle a long-distance walking trail with your pooch, Absolute Escapes offer award-winning self-guided walking holidays. Our packages include dog-friendly accommodation, baggage transfers, guidebook/map, and everything you’ll need to enjoy a superb walking experience with your pet.
Scott Smyth
P.S. Please don’t hesitate to send us an enquiry – we’d be delighted to help plan a memorable walking adventure for you and your dog.
