The Best Woodland Dog Walks in the UK

There’s something about this time of year that makes us want to get out and explore the woodlands and forests across the UK more than normal. Autumn always brings that perfect mix of crisp air, crunchy leaves underfoot and trees that provide welcome cover from the occasional rain. Plus, the paths tend to be less muddy than in winter, and the colours, scents and sounds of the season make woodland dog walks special for our pups too.

Anyone living in the UK will know that there is no shortage of woodland dog walks to choose from. A quick search on Google Maps can throw up hundreds of options in your area, and it can be tricky to know which ones are truly worth visiting. And, as a team that has explored many woodland dog walks ourselves, we know firsthand that some routes are far more enjoyable than others.

That’s why we’ve handpicked our personal favourite woodland dog walks in the UK. From the rugged forests of Scotland in the north all the way down to the lush woodlands of the south, our selection covers every corner of the country. These are paths that are dog-friendly in all the best ways, with poop bins on route, space for them to roam freely and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo spots too!

So without further ado, here’s our guide to the best woodland dog walks in the UK, highlighting routes that offer beautiful scenery, enjoyable terrain and space for your dog to explore safely. Whether you’re in the north, south, or somewhere in between, there’s something here for every dog owner looking to make the most of autumn in the woods.

Puck’s Glen might just be one of the most enchanting woodland dog walks in Scotland, winding through a dramatic rocky gorge on the Cowal Peninsula. The trail follows a Victorian walkway along a tumbling burn, passing several cascading waterfalls beneath towering Douglas firs and dense spruce trees.

Autumn is easily the best time to visit, with the deep orange colours of the leaves making the moss-covered gorge even more magical. Dogs are welcome across its entirety with clear waymarked routes, numerous wooden bridges and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the views or snap photos. Some parts of the path are a little steep and uneven, particularly around the waterfall, so in these areas it’s best to keep your dogs on a lead.

Glen Trool is another stunning destination for those looking for woodland dog walks in Scotland, set in the heart of Galloway Forest Park. The trails wind through native oak woodlands around the picturesque Loch Trool, offering stunning views of the Merrick, South Scotland’s highest peak.

Along the way, walkers can enjoy wildlife spotting, including red squirrels and red deer, as well as historical landmarks like Bruce’s Stone and the Covenanter monument. The varied terrain ranges from gentle circuits to longer hikes like the Loch Trool Loop. We suggest finishing at the café or one of the picnic areas for a bite to eat after a well-deserved walk.

Gwydir Forest Park, surrounding the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia, offers some of the most varied woodland dog walks in Wales. With 28 square miles of trails, dogs can explore ancient woodlands, steep forested hillsides, serene lakes and old miners’ paths.

It’s super easy to find your way around, despite it seemingly going on forever! There are waymarked routes that range from gentle boardwalk strolls to more challenging climbs, making it perfect for all fitness levels. Dogs are welcome throughout, with some on-lead sections advised on steeper slopes or near water. Some of my personal favourite highlights include Swallow Falls and the hidden lakes of Llyn Sarnau.

Just north of Keswick, Dodd Wood is a northern Lake District gem for dog owners seeking woodland dog walks with insane views. Trails wind through towering Douglas firs and peaceful ancient forests, with options ranging from short 1 to 1.5-mile strolls to the more challenging Dodd Summit Trail.

At the summit, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views across Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and even Scotland on a clear day. There are plenty of facilities across the trail including a Forestry England car park, toilets, and a café with dog-friendly outdoor seating for a post-walk treat.

With a name that sounds straight out of a fairytale, Padley Gorge, between Grindleford and the A6187, is a fantastic spot for woodland dog walks in the Peak District. Ancient oak and birch trees line the valley, and Burbage Brook flows gently over rocks, creating shallow paddling areas perfect for dogs that love water.

Dogs can enjoy off-lead exploration in the gorge itself but are asked to be kept on leads on the surrounding moorland to protect the livestock. There’s lots of wildlife to spot, picnic areas, well-marked trails, and convenient parking at Grindleford or Longshaw, so it really is a great destination for dog owners.

I’m a little bit biased for Whitwell Woods, since it’s close to home, but it’s mine and Milo’s go-to spot when it’s raining but we still want a proper adventure. Covering over 420 acres, this broad-leaved woodland is said to be the largest in Europe and offers some of the best woodland dog walks in Derbyshire.

There are several trails, some as short as 20 minutes to longer routes exploring ancient woodlands. Dogs can enjoy off-lead exploration on most paths and since it’s so big and less known than some of the others on this list, it’s rare you ever run into anyone else! I suggest using the parking that’s just off the A619 and then following one of the well-marked trails for a peaceful walk with your dog in nature.

Sherwood Pines might just be one of the Midlands’ most famous destinations for woodland dog walks, thanks in part to its connection with Robin Hood and the legendary Major Oak. The forest offers a variety of trails for all abilities, from the short 700m Dragonfly Trail, perfect for families and pushchairs, to the 4.5-mile Ranger’s Path that winds through pine and broadleaf woodland, heathland and super old oak trees.

Dogs can enjoy off-lead exploration throughout pretty much the entire woodland, letting them explore sights like the Dragonfly Pond and the beautiful forest scenery at their own leisure. Facilities are excellent too with parking, toilets and a café serving locally sourced snacks nearby.

Cannock Chase is another jewel of the Midlands and one of England’s most loved landscapes, offering woodland dog walks across heathland, forest and ancient parkland. As England’s smallest National Landscape, it’s packed with beauty and history, from roaming wild deer to Iron Age hillforts and poignant First World War memorials.

For dog owners, one of the biggest highlights is the Dog Activity Trail, where your pup can try fun challenges like weaving, jumping, and fetching making walks even more exciting. And of course, there are miles of waymarked paths to explore, with opportunities for off-lead walking in open areas, though leads are recommended near wildlife. We also suggest a stop at Grounds Café, where you can refuel with coffee and cake while your dog enjoys sausage snacks and even a dog-elato.

Symonds Yat is one of those places that really does live up to the hype. The views from the top stretch out across the River Wye, winding its way through thick woodland and steep limestone cliffs. There are lots of walking options here, from easy paths that loop around the viewpoint to longer trails that take you down to the river and across Biblins Bridge.

Wildlife is part of the appeal too as there’s sometimes peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs, and even the odd osprey passing through. The paths are dog-friendly of course, though some of the steeper parts require them to be on a lead. There’s also parking and a café where you can sit with your pup outside.

Tucked into the Chiltern Hills, Ashridge Estate is a National Trust gem boasting a mix of beech and oak woodland, rolling meadow and chalk downland spread over 5,000 acres. It’s huge! Which means there’s varied landscape that gives you endless walking options, from short loops near the visitor centre to full-day rambles. Dogs are welcome across the estate, with leads needed in busier areas and po bins and water bowls provided around the main facilities.

There’s history to enjoy too, with Ashridge House, once home to Henry VIII, and the nearby Bridgewater Monument, where climbing 172 steps rewards you with big views across the countryside.

And finally, few places in the UK are as instantly recognisable as the New Forest. Spread across 140,000 acres, it’s a landscape of woodlands, open heath and adorable wild ponies roaming free, all just a short train ride from London. The sheer scale means you’ll never run out of routes to explore, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a full-day hike with your dog by your side.

There are over 140 miles of off-road tracks and countless trails, many starting straight from one of the forest’s 130 car parks. You can take in the peace of Whitefield Moor and Ober Water on a short loop, stretch out further on the Lyndhurst Parish Walk complete with dog-friendly pubs along the way, or head into Roydon Woods and Setley Plain to find wide open space and big skies. If your dog has energy to burn, the High Corner Walk offers longer tracks and the bonus of a pub stop.

There’s no denying that woodland dog walks are extra special this time of year. Us humans have a strange love of crunchy leaves and crisp air while our dogs find the entire landscape a real-life playground. It’s full of new scents, wildlife rustling in the undergrowth and trails that lead somewhere exciting with every turn. They’re the perfect spaces for good exercise and some quality time together out in nature.

Before you set off, it’s worth making sure you’re kitted out with all the basics you could need. And as always, here at WOOOF, we have everything you need to be fully equipped for all your woodland dog walks. From sturdy leads and perfectly fitted harnesses for those busier paths or where livestock might be nearby to biodegradable poo bags (because nobody likes that dog owner). We also suggest packing a dog water bottle, some high-value treats to reward good behaviour, and maybe even a favourite ball or fetch toy for extra fun along the way.

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