Dog in bluebells

Top spring dog walks

Enjoy the best of spring with these seasonal dog walks.

From carpets of daffodils to spectacular views, here's our list of the best spring dog walks across the UK, so you and your dog can enjoy the season together.

Tips for taking your dog on a spring walk

  • Be aware of poisonous plants – some common plants such as daffodils and bluebells are poisonous to dogs if eaten. If you think your dog is likely to be tempted, keep them on a short lead or consider avoiding areas known for toxic plants. Take a look at our list of poisonous spring plants for more information.
  • Be careful around livestock – always keep your dog on a lead around livestock, and when letting your dog off the lead, remember that it’s crucial to have built up good recall
  • Pick up – remember to take poo bags and to always clean up after your dog
  • Check for ticksticks are common in woodland areas, so always check your dog and yourself after a walk

Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, north Yorkshire

Sutton bank
Part of the view that vet and author James Herriot dubbed 'the finest in England'.

The ‘finest view in England’, so said vet-turned-author James Herriot. The views from this elevated spot 295 metres above sea level certainly don’t disappoint.

Sutton Bank marks the gateway to the vast, beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Once parked up at the Sutton Bank National Park centre, there is a short but winding trail to the very point admired by the late James Herriot. On a clear day you’ll see spring in full swing with views stretching across the neighbouring vales, the Gormire Lake and up to the Pennines, 30 miles to the west.

From the car park there’s also the option to cross the road and take the White Horse Walk. The walk takes you further along Sutton Bank – also visited by poet William Wordsworth in 1802 – through rich, mossy woodland, before coming to the cliff face where you will see the Kilburn White Horse. From there, there is a steep and challenging set of steps that take you back up to the top of Sutton Bank. Make sure that you keep your dog on the lead on the clifftop footpath, due to the steep escarpment.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafe, picnic area, cycle hire

Address: Sutton Bank National Park Centre, North York Moors National Park, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH

Find out more on the Sutton Bank website.

Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke, South Downs Way, Sussex

View north from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex [credit: National Trust].

This long-distance trail takes in some of the most stunning landmarks and scenery of the South Downs Way, including the view from Devil’s Dyke which was once described as the 'grandest in the world' by 18th Century artist John Constable. Come spring, wild flowers pop up in the meadows lining the route, adding a riot of colour to the lush countryside. You’ll also discover Iron Age history, windmills, a Saxon church, ancient woodlands and a 16th Century hamlet along the way.

The South Downs Way in its entirety stretches 160 km from the ancient city of Winchester, through to the white chalky cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head at Eastbourne. Almost all of the walk is off road, and it is the only National Trail in the UK to lie entirely within a National Park.

Facilities: Car park, toilets

Address: Ditchling Beacon, West Sussex, BN1 9QD

Find out more by visiting the National Trust website.

The Golden Triangle, Gloucestershire

Daffodils in Kempley [copyright Roger Davies via Geograph.org.uk]

Wild daffodils are the very symbol of spring, and the meadows and woodlands around Kempley, Dymock and Oxenhall – known as Gloucestershire’s ‘Golden Triangle’ – showcase them in abundance.

In March, the four nature reserves that make up this Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust area are carpeted in yellow, allowing you to enjoy nature’s dazzling display. There are a series of walks, including the eight mile route between Dymock and Ketford along Poets Path, which take in the Vell Mill and Ketford Bank nature reserves. Both are renowned for their abundance of spring daffodils.

Facilities: Layby parking

Address: For starting point for Dymock to Ketford walk – The Village, Dymock, GL18 2AQ

Find more at Visit Dean Wye.

Heartwood Forest, near St Albans, Hertfordshire

Heartwood Forest bluebells [credit: Flickr]

The Woodland Trust have transformed Heartwood Forest into the largest continuous new native forest in England, and it is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations with people eager to see nature unfold. Every spring the pockets of ancient woodlands are transformed by a carpet of bluebells, greeting dog walkers with a kaleidoscope of colours.

There are three easy waymarked routes here, including the 2.7 mile Heartwood Hike, which will take you through the ancient woodland and new forest, with wild flowers buzzing with bees and butterflies in the spring. It will then bring you back through Langley Wood – a spot renowned for its vibrant bluebell displays.

Facilities: Car park

Address: Heartwood Forest car park, High Street, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9DQ

Find more by visiting the Woodland Trust website.

Ickworth, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

View of the walled garden at Ickworth with St Mary's Church in the background [credit: National Trust].

It's described as a 'pleasure ground for dogs' by the National Trust, but there are plenty here for people, too. Spot snowdrops in early spring, or once the season is in full swing, head to the walled garden to enjoy a dazzling floral display where an incredible 60,000 bulbs bloom.

A circular walk will take you around this meadow and canal lake, while giving you a sneak peek of the church and Rotunda in the distance. Dogs must be kept on the lead at all times in the estate, but they can wander freely around the parklands and woods. There is also a dog-friendly cafe and water stations where your pooch can quench their thirst.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafe

Address: The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE

Find more by visiting National Trust – Ickworth Estate.

Fowey Estuary, Cornwall

The circular walk in Fowey takes in two dog-friendly ferry crossings [credit: National Trust].

The Hall Walk from the Fowey Estuary to Pencarrow Head showcases the very best of Cornwall's landscapes. The pathway takes in countryside, rivers, forests, farmland and striking harbour and estuary views, with diversion trails leading to the beach so your dog can feel the sand and sea beneath their paws. The eight mile circular route also includes two dog-friendly ferry crossings from Fowey to Polruan, and Fowey to Bodinnick. Be mindful to keep your dog under close control, as there is livestock in the fields.

Facilities: No facilities. There are no poo bins, so pick up and take home.

Address: Bodinnick, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1LX

Find out more by visiting National Trust – Fowey Hall Walk.

Highgate Wood, Highgate, London

Being in London doesn’t mean you have to miss out on spring's floral displays. You’ll find 28 hectares of ancient woodland at Highgate Wood, which is blanketed in a carpet of fragrant bluebells between April and May. Stick to well-trodden footpaths and be mindful to keep your dog on a lead where needed to prevent any of the flowers being trampled on, as they take many years to regenerate.

Facilities: Cafe

Address: Muswell Hill Rd, Highgate, London, N6 (on road parking). The nearest station is Highgate on the Northern Line.

Find out more on the City of London website.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Water at Dartmoor National Park [copyright: John Spivey via Geography.org.uk].

Dartmoor National Park comes to life in the spring, with butterflies, birdsong and carpets of wildflowers. There are a vast number of walking trails here, including the Bellever Walk – a six mile circular route starting at Postbridge Information Centre, combining woodland, moorland and riverside walking. If you’re looking for a blanket of bluebells, this can be found at Holwell Lawn, as well as in the woodlands at Lydford Gorge, Meldon Woods and Holne Woods. Wild daffodils can be found in Dunsford Wood and Hembury Woods. Bear in mind that owners are requested to keep their dogs on leads in particularly wildlife-sensitive areas of the National Park.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, audio guides

Address: National Park Visitor Centre, Postbridge, Devon, PL20 6TH

Find more on the Dartmoor National Park website.

Ilam Park, Peak District

Gazing out over spring lambs at Ilam Park [credit: National Trust]

Spot newborn lambs, rich birdlife and spring flowers on this walk through the limestone countryside of the southern Peak District.

Starting at Ilam village, the 2.5 mile trail takes you across fields and into the spectacular valley, leading you to the River Dove, which marks the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Here you’ll find the famous Dovetail Stepping stones across the water, which have been a magnet for visitors since they were put in place in the middle of the 19th Century. For those with dogs looking for a more challenging route, there’s also a 10 mile circular walk from Wetton Village to Ilam Park.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafe

Address: Ilam Park, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire

Find out more by visiting the National Trust website.

Newark Park, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Newark Park
The historic Tudor hunting lodge at Newark Park

Nothing says spring more than newborn lambs exploring daisy-dotted meadows, and pathways lined with daffodils and primroses. You'll find all of this on a seasonal walk through the woodlands and farmland at Newark Park. The historic Tudor hunting lodge, a National Trust site, sits proudly on the top of the Cotswold Edge, and on a clear day, views reach as far as the Mendip Hills.

Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafe

Address: Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ (follow signposts rather than the satnav to avoid an extremely narrow and steep country lane)

Find more by visiting National Trust – Newark Park.

— Page last updated 27/02/2024