Far-flung walks your dog will love

It’s no surprise that The Lake District, Cumbria, is popular with dog-walkers, with the likes of Scafell Pike and Windermere attracting two-legged and four-legged visitors from far and wide to experience our world class landscape.

But with a little preparation, you’ll find there’s an abundance of walks in lesser-known areas which offer stunning scenery and plenty of open space for you and your companion to enjoy.

The list is endless, but here are some ten of our top picks for a breath-taking stroll where you’ll be able to enjoy even more personal space than usual, while your dog will burn off some energy:

ARNSIDE COAST

Your dog will love taking a wander along Arnside promenade and onto the shoreline where low-hanging, trees guide you along the water’s edge. To the left, keep a look-out for a small stile beneath the leafy canopy just past the sailing club; For from here you can enter a lovely wooded area for a secluded walk that’s all too easy to miss if you blink.

ST BEES COAST

The St Bees Heritage Coast is one of the most breath taking stretches of Cumbria’s extensive coastline, with towering, red sandstone cliffs dropping into the sea below. You can get here by train, before enjoying a walk from St Bees station through rolling countryside to get to this wild and rugged location offering a great chance for your dog to explore while you simply unwind.

SILECROFT BEACH

One of the finest beaches along the Cumbrian coast, Silecroft forms a long stretch of pebble and shingle beach, which – when visited at low tide, gives your dog a vast expanse of open space to enjoy on its golden sand. With views that stretch out towards the Irish Sea, this beach is one of Cumbria’s most undiscovered beauty spots thanks to its far westerly location.

THE HOWGILLS

The Howgill Fells consist of a cluster of irresistible hills, with Cautley Spout - one of the highest waterfalls in England, tumbling 180 metres down the fellside. You can also use it as a starting point to explore even more of The Yorkshire Dales or Lake District National Parks. Very close to the small book town of Sebergh, you’ll also find that dogs are made to feel very welcome at numerous cafes and pubs in the town centre.

GRANGE OVER SANDS PROMENADE

The Edwardian town of Grange-over-Sands offers an extensive promenade giving you and your four-legged friend a great chance to enjoy views across Morecambe Bay in all their glory. A stone’s throw across the railway on the other side of the prom, there’s also a lovely vintage park for your dog to explore, although owners are requested to keep their dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing the ducks and other birdlife on and around the large pond.

BLACK COMBE, MILLOM

Sitting on the edge of Cumbria’s coastline above the market town of Millom, Black Combe is a popular, albeit further-flung walking opportunity for dog owners who relish the opportunity to ascend the 2,000 foot peak. With views across Cumbria and as far as the Isle of Man, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, it’s easily accessible from the town and the surrounding areas, with several different routes to the top. In 2022, Black Combe is also scheduled to be the focus of a very special feature by Country Walking magazine, so be sure to order a copy…!

TALKIN TARN

Around ten miles to the east of Carlisle and near the small town of Brampton, a walk at Talkin Tarn with your dog is well-worth the trip, thanks to easy parking and a lovely peaceful experience which will reward visitors immediately upon arrival. Surrounded by ancient woodland made easily accessible thanks to a range of footpaths, this is a perfect location to get off the beaten-track with your family and beloved pet.

HOAD HILL, ULVERSTON

Park your car at Ford Park on the outskirts of Ulverston and head up the footpath on the front of the hill to enjoy constantly changing views for miles around… just be sure to stop every minute or so to admire the view over the town and Morecambe Bay as it evolves with every footstep you take. You’ll find the view changes with every turn of your head. This is the South Lakes and Furness boundary at its finest, with further views to be enjoyed from Birkrigg Common on the other side of the town.

ALSTON

Set in the North Pennines against Cumbria’s north eastern edge, the small (but England’s highest) town of Alston is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of moors, dales and meadows, making it yet another perfect place for you  and your dog to relax and reinvigorate. The town of Alston itself is surrounded by rolling countryside ensuring you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to pull-over and give your dog a good stretch of the legs.

THE ORTON FELLS

Nestled nearby the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales is the village of Orton, complete with its very own walkers’ paradise – the Orton Fells, made-up of stunning moorland and limestone hills. Thousands of years’ worth of weathering, abrasion and natural erosion has left the limestone with a real rugged and wild appearance, which is sure to tempt your dog’s inquisitive nature.