Dog-friendly autumnal walks to enjoy this September
Explore some of the best autumn dog walks in the UK and see the beauty of autumn come to life. Here are seven of the best autumn dog walks, from our partners at Dog-Friendly Cottages.
Autumn isn’t all cold and wet. Some of nature’s most wonderful colours appear at this time of the year, turning whole forests into a tapestry of golden brown. These walks are dog-friendly, and what better partner than your four-legged friend? With new smells, piles of fallen leaves and flowing waterfalls, this is pup heaven.
1. Wistman’s Woods
Location: Two Bridges, Dartmoor
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Five miles
Terrain: Rocky and muddy
Wistman’s Woods is an incredible walk in the Dartmoor countryside. Being in a remote part of the county there are some thrilling views. Once you arrive with your four-legged friend in the woods, you’ll be amazed at the sight before you. Trees wind around each other in peculiar ways and seem to dominate the rocky landscape. It is a magical place, especially in autumn.
2. Heddon’s Mouth
Location: River Heddon, Barnstable
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two miles
Terrain: Flat paths
Heddon’s Mouth circular walk is a relaxing trail along the river Heddon in Barnstaple. An easy walk and not too long, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning surroundings with your hound. Look out for the fantastic variety of wildlife, from wild foul to river dwellers such as Otters.
3. Llyn Padarn
Location: Llanberis, Snowdonia, Wales
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just over five miles
Terrain: Mostly flat, well-established paths
Llyn Padarn is an incredibly scenic walk in Snowdonia, perfect for an autumnal stroll with your dog. The walk takes you around the large glacial lake, so there are lots of swimming and drinking opportunities for your pup. One of the best views is from the ‘Lonely Tree’ (pictured above). There is a small hill towards the end of the walk; however, this is aided by well-placed steps.
4. Glenamara Park Trail
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two miles
Terrain: Gravel and road path, gentle hills
Glenamara Park Trail takes you on a leisurely walk through some of Cumbria’s finest scenery. The trail guides you past ancient trees that are a beautiful colour in the autumn. You’ll also walk through a deer park, so be sure to keep your pup close.
5. Silurian Way
Location: Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Difficulty: Hard
Walk length: 10 miles
Terrain: Forest path, steep hills
The Silurian Way is the most challenging walk in the wonderful Grizedale Forest. However, you are rewarded with seeing most of the sculptures and the best views of the entire forest. This walk would be best suited for a fit human and pup, who are willing to get stuck in. The Lake District offers many woodland walks, and this is one of the best in Autumn.
6. Uig Wood
Location: Uig, Isle of Skye
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Up to two miles depending on the trails you take
Terrain: Muddy and uneven
Uig Wood has various sights to see under its canopy of dense woodland on the Isle of Skye. The Rha Glen waterfall is a stunning two-tier waterfall, and the beach in Shore Wood is only two miles from one of the best sunsets in the world. Finally, there is Canon Glen, which is filled with a multitude of fascinating plants and trees. All areas are perfect for a woodland walk with your pup.
7. Lady Mary’s Walk
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Five and a half miles
Terrain: Flat
Lady Mary’s Walk in Perthshire is an excellent example of the autumn woods of Scotland. A large section of the walk follows the River Earn. There are also some giant trees that are over one hundred and fifty years old and produce a variety of different colours during the autumn. Your pup will enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of this vibrant woodland walk.