Top 5 Dog Walks in the UK

Hi, I’m Chloe from @thedaxieadventures and I spend 95% of my spare time adventuring with my dogs.

The dogs have inspired me to get outdoors which has played a massive part in my physical and mental health. It has also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me meet some likeminded people who have become friends for life! Here's my favourite dog walks:

Calke Abbey – Derbyshire 

This national trust is an all-year-round gem which we never get tired of! There are several different routes for long or short walks, multiple car parks and all walks are signposted so no need to worry about getting lost. There are woodland areas, beautiful gardens which bloom in spring and summer, lake walks for dogs who like a spot of swimming (I know two of mine do in the summer.) and endless acres of parkland to explore. Dogs are allowed everywhere but the house. After your walk you can stop at the café for a warm drink and a cake (dog friendly inside and out) or if you fancy something a little more filling, why not stop off at the Milking Parlour (dog friendly bar) which do incredible wood fire pizza’s!  

Bradgate Deer Park – Leicestershire 

This is somewhere we have been walking for years and as soon as we bought our first dog home, we couldn’t wait to take him here for his first big walk! There are 3 car parks to choose from, but our favorite is the Newtown Linford one (LE6 0HB) this one is centered in the village and means you can pop to the dog friendly café; The Old Post Room for lunch or a cake after your walk which is dog friendly inside and out the country park offers on lead and off lead area’s for dogs and you can make your walk as long or as short as you like. We tend to do a circular route, up over the rocks as you come into the car park, keep going up to old john, then back down and join the main path back through the park. You will see some beautiful wildlife on your walk including lots of Deer and there is a stream where dogs can paddle in the warmer months.   

Derwent Valley – Derbyshire 

A beautiful part of the peak district with several routes depending on fitness levels. I would recommend parking in the Fairholmes car park (S33 0AQ) but it can get quite busy so come early on peak days. One of our favorite routes is hiking up through the hills and coming back around to see the Derwent Dam, if you want to see it flowing, go when its been particularly wet! Dogs can be off lead for majority of the walk, and you get some very impressive views of Ladybower Reservoir! There is a map at the car park which shows several routes you can try. There is also a little café in the car park that serves food, hot drinks and ice cream with benches to sit at. 

Thors Cave – Staffordshire 

This is not one to miss! The cavern is set on a steep hill and has a huge arched entrance which is very accessible to reach by steps from up top, or down below! We usually park in the Nan Tor Car Park and make our way across the valley, through the picturesque village of Wetton before climbing the steps up to the cave. The cave can be climbed into and you will be faced with the most beautiful view of the Manifold Valley. Dogs can be off lead for most of the walk but we would advise to put them on when in the cave for safety reasons. It can be slippery and muddy in wet conditions so maybe save this one for a dry day!  

Three Shires Head – Cheshire 

This walk gives you a little bit of everything! Wild swimming spots, a bit of history and views for days! We park at the Clough House Car Park where it is about a 2 mile walk up to the 3 waterfalls. In the summer this can be a hot spot for swimming in the pools and under the waterfalls, so I suggest getting there early if you’d like the place to yourself. When you reach the waterfalls, you are at the point where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet, in the eighteenth century, criminals used to meet here and use the boarders for their advantage to have bare knuckle fights, when a constable would arrive, the criminals would escape into another shire and they could not be followed! You won’t get to see any of this in 2025… however, you will be able to have a wild dip with your dog surrounded by breathtaking views! It’s important to be aware when walking through some of the farmers fields there are sheep so please keep dogs under control and on leads at these points.  

My top Acai products that I take on these walks would be: 

Follow us over at @thedaxieadventures to keep up with our dog friendly adventures 😊