Em-bark on a walking holiday with your dog

Fed up of leaving your favourite four-legged friend behind when you go on holiday? Here we share some helpful tips, so you can feel confident about bringing them along on your next adventure! 

In the UK we have some fantastic dog-friendly places to explore, from walking beautiful stretches of coastline in Pembrokeshire to hiking wild trails in the Highlands of Scotland – you’re in for a treat! Travelling with your dog can sometimes seem intimidating, with all the extra things to think about, but we believe that with the right planning, it can only add more joy to your trip! 

Use these pointers to help keep your pooch’s tail wagging on your dog friendly walking holidays.

1. Choose dog-friendly accommodation

Self-catering – There are lots of accommodation options to explore when planning dog friendly walking holidays. Self-catering properties, particularly in rural areas, often allow dogs. When choosing your home from home, be sure to check if there is a supplement to pay, this is often a small fee (and certainly less than a week in doggy day care!) 

Hotels & Guesthouses – The number of dog-friendly hotels are on the rise in the UK. With so many people keen to bring their dogs away with them, everywhere from boutique guesthouses to five-star hotels are opening their doors to dogs. Some even go the extra mile with treats available on arrival for your furry pal. Accommodation search sites often allow you to select ‘dog-friendly’ as a category. This makes it easy to decipher where you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes.

2. Find walking routes that work for you AND your dog 

When choosing dog friendly walking holidays, it is important to consider how your own needs match up with your dogs. The breed, fitness, age, and experience of your dog all factor into the routes you should choose to walk. 

Dogs with high fitness levels could make the perfect companion for a long-distance route like Offa’s Dyke Path South. Whilst an older dog may be more suited for joining you for beach walks, as you Road Trip Devon & Dorset on the South Coast of England.

3. Update yourself on local regulations

In the UK a walking holiday could vary from crossing mountainous terrain, rambling along forestry trails or following sandy coastal paths. Some areas will have restrictions on access for dogs, usually indicated on signs or council websites.  

Beaches – There are so many stunning beaches, some of which are dog-friendly, look out for signs of restrictions as some beaches do not allow dogs during high season or at all. With careful choice, you could be watching your dog run free whilst you feel the sand beneath your toes at Rhosneigr on Anglesey or paddle together in the waves at Penzance in Cornwall. 

Trails – Dog friendly walking holidays, will allow you to explore amazing trails that pass through varying terrain. You should practice responsible dog ownership at all times, taking particular care through private land, farmland and around livestock. If you are unsure you can find more information by looking at the information in the The Countryside Code.

4. Time to pack!

Make sure you are well-equipped for dog friendly walking holidays. Take into consideration how you are travelling and make sure you have enough space to bring the extra things your dog might need. 

The kit you require will depend on the type of holiday you have chosen. Some musts no matter your level of adventure include;

• food, make sure you bring an appropriate amount of your dogs usual food (or more if you think they will expel more energy than usual) so you don’t end up having to give them something unfamiliar to eat
• a portable water bowl (so your dog can drink on walks)
• a comfortable dog bed or mat
• collar with tag and lead   

Our friends at Your Dog’s Club can ensure you’re all stocked up ahead of your trip.

5. Transport 

There are a multitude of ways to enjoy a dog friendly walking holiday. You might choose a linear walking route like Walk The West Highland Way where you can use a mixture of public transport to return to the start point. Scot Rail allow up to two dogs on their trains as do most Welsh and English train companies, meaning there are endless possibilities for you and your pooch!

Taxi companies based on popular walking routes, will often be happy to transfer your luggage between your accommodations. This means you don’t have to worry about having an extra heavy back with all those extra doggy necessities.

Adventure awaits!
If you’re feeling inspired to hit the trails with your dog, send us an enquiry. We’d be delighted to help.