Top 10 dog-friendly walking routes in the UK

Dogs enjoy nothing more than a good walk, and what better way is there to keep fit yourself?

We've teamed up with National Trust to bring you some of the top destinations for dog walks in the UK.

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Address: Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LT

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe, shops, water bowls, poo bins

Let your dog run free through the ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows dominating this estate.

It's not only rich in wildlife, but history too – from Iron Age farms and Roman settlements to connections with Capability Brown and royalty. You can still see the ancient monuments that represent Ashridge’s colourful past, including the Bridgewater Monument, which was built in 1832 in memory of the third Duke of Bridgewater who once lived in Ashridge House.

Meanwhile, you can take a well earned rest with your canine pal atop Ivinghoe Beacon. Here, you'll spot Bronze Age burial mounds, prehistoric earthworks and the rutted paths of 'cattle drovers' reflecting centuries of farming heritage.

Find out more about visiting Ashridge Estate with your dog.

Clent Hills, Worcestershire

Address: Nimmings Wood car park, Hagley Wood Lane, near Romsley, Worcestershire, B62 0NL

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe, water bowls, poo bins

A haven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the busy Midlands, the Clent Hills have been popular with day trippers for more than 200 years.

There's a special circular dog walking trail here where four-legged friends can run around off the lead. It passes through fields and woodland, and offers some fantastic panoramic views. On a clear day, you can even seethe Welsh Black Mountains on the horizon from the highest points.

Find out more about visiting the Clent Hills with your dog.

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Address: Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4TP

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe, shops, water bowls, poo bins

Each year, thousands of dog walkers enjoy a relaxing stroll with their canine companion through this beautiful estate.

Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, there are some 370 acres of glorious woodland to explore as well as five miles of river, featuring stretches of the Severn and Tern, should your four-legged friend fancy a paddle. You can also spot plenty of wildlife, including about 200 fallow deer.

Find out more about visiting Attingham Park with your dog.

Chapel Cliff, Cornwall

Address: The shelter overlooking Polperro harbour, Polperro, PL13 2QY

Facilities: Car park, toilet, cafe, pub

You and your dog will love this scenic walk on the edge of the bustling, ancient fishing village of Polperro. This one mile route takes in plenty of spots where you can take a break and admire the stunning views along the coast to Devon.

Find out more about the Chapel Cliff walk.

Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

Address: Gibson Mill, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AW

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe, shop, water bowls, poo bin

Explore tumbling streams flanked by mossy rocks within this stunning valley with the 19th century Gibson Mill. It's now also home to a cafe and shop at its heart. Stop off at weirs where your dog can dip their paws in the fresh water. Or wear them out with a hike to the hilltops for panoramic views of the woodlands below.

Find out more about visiting Hardcastle Crags with your dog.

Killerton, Devon

Address: Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafes, shops, water bowls, poo bins

Enjoy a game of fetch with your dog in the wide open spaces on a circular walk through the rolling Devonshire countryside, boasting far reaching views, orchards and gardens. You can explore a glorious landscape garden beside a fine 18th century house surrounded by parkland with rare and giant trees.

Find out more about visiting Killerton with your dog.

Down Banks, Staffordshire

Address: Washdale Lane, Oulton Heath, Near Stone, Staffordshire

Facilities: Car park

This little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands is perfect for dog walks. Find a secret valley and beautiful views on this easy route alongside the stream. Or if you and your dog are both feeling energetic, add a climb uphill for fantastic panoramic views.

Find out more about visiting Downs Banks with your dog.

Studland Beach, Dorset

Address: Studland, near Swanage, Dorset

Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe, shops, water bowls, poo bins

Watch your four-legged friend paddle in the sea and run along the sand with the wind in their ears at Studland Beach.

This glorious slice of Dorset coastline features a four mile stretch of golden, sandy beach with gently shelving waters and views across to the Isle of Wight. The heathland behind is a haven for native wildlife and feature all six British reptiles.

There are walking trails through the sand dunes and woodlands where you can spot deer, insets, birds and a wealth of wild flowers while your canine companion takes in all the new sights and smells.

Find out more about visiting Studland bay with your dog.

Plymbridge Woods, Devon

Address: Plymbridge Road, Plympton, Devon, PL7 4SR

Facilities: Car park, poo bins

A brisk circular walk through the oak woodlands beside the River Plym is perfect for all types and sizes of dogs. Views from the red trail are breathtaking across the valley and it's varied enough to keep even the liveliest of canines entertained.

Along the way you may see kingfishers, sea trout, dippers, peregrine falcons, deer and other wildlife.

Find out more about visiting Plymbridge Woods with your dog.

Craster to Low Newton, Northumberland

Address: Craster, Northumberland, NE66 3TT

Explore a fishing village, ancient ruins and a sweeping sandy beach on this walk with your dog.

Starting at Craster, it passes the mighty remains of Dunstanburgh Castle before going onto Embleton Sands and then Low Newton by the sea. You can see magnificent views all year round, but spring is the best time to visit as the dune flowers are in bloom and the seabirds are breeding.

Find out more about visiting the Northumberland Coast with your dog.