Six of the Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Lake District
The Lake District offers plenty of places where you can enjoy the countryside with your dog, from gentle lakeside paths to longer routes through woodland and open valleys.
We have selected six of the best dog-friendly walks, including three shorter options for an easy day out and three longer routes for owners and dogs looking to cover more ground.
Dogs should be kept under close control throughout the National Park. A short lead should always be used around sheep, cattle and other livestock, as well as in areas where signs request it.
Quick overlook
| Walk | Distance | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blea Tarn | 1.8 miles | Easy | Mountain views on a short route |
| Tarn Hows | 2 miles | Easy | Accessible paths and relaxed walks |
| Moss Eccles Tarn | 2.5 miles | Easy to moderate | Quiet countryside |
| Buttermere | 4.5 miles | Moderate | A scenic lake circuit |
| Aira Force and Gowbarrow | 4.5 miles | Moderate | Waterfalls and higher viewpoints |
| Derwent Water Circuit | Around 9 miles | Moderate | A longer full-day lakeside walk |
Three shorter dog-friendly walks
1. Tarn Hows Circular Walk
Distance: 2 miles
Typical time: Around one hour
Location: Near Coniston and Hawkshead
Tarn Hows is one of the best choices for a relaxed dog walk with classic Lake District views.
The circular route follows a firm gravel path around the water, passing through trees and open countryside. There are views towards the surrounding fells, while the mostly low-level route makes it suitable for many ages and abilities.
There are some gentle climbs and descents, but the main path is accessible and easy to follow. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Owners should be aware that sheep and Belted Galloway cattle may be grazing near the route.
2. Blea Tarn Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles
Typical time: Around one hour
Location: Great Langdale
Blea Tarn sits between Great Langdale and Little Langdale, surrounded by some of the National Park’s most recognisable mountain scenery.
The route begins near the National Trust car park and follows a path beside the tarn. It offers views towards the Langdale Pikes without requiring a long or difficult fell walk.
The outward route can be retraced to avoid walking back along the road. Dogs are welcome, although leads are important around livestock and wildlife.
3. Moss Eccles Tarn
Distance: 2.5 miles
Typical time: Around 90 minutes
Location: Near Sawrey
This gentle route leads from Near Sawrey towards Moss Eccles Tarn, one of Beatrix Potter’s favourite places.
The walk passes through quiet countryside, woodland and farmland before reaching the small tarn. It offers an attractive alternative to some of the Lake District’s busier lakeside routes.
Dogs are welcome, but owners should expect livestock and potentially muddy or uneven paths. Keeping dogs on a short lead is particularly important when crossing fields.
Three longer dog-friendly walks
4. Buttermere Lakeshore Walk
Distance: 4.5 miles
Typical time: Around three hours
Location: Buttermere Valley
The path around Buttermere is one of the Lake District’s most rewarding lower-level walks.
The route circles the lake beneath Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and the surrounding fells. Most of the walk is relatively level, although there is a very short road section and a rocky step where some walkers may need to use their hands.
Dogs are welcome in the Buttermere Valley throughout the year. However, much of the route passes through working farmland, so they should remain on a short lead where livestock is present.
5. Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park
Distance: 4.5 miles
Typical time: Around three hours
Location: Ullswater
This circular walk combines one of Cumbria’s best-known waterfalls with woodland, open fell and wide views across Ullswater.
The route visits Aira Force before climbing through Gowbarrow Park towards the summit area. It is more demanding than a simple waterfall visit, with steeper and rougher sections along the way.
This makes it a good choice for active dogs used to hills and uneven ground. Dogs should be kept close or on a lead, particularly around livestock, wildlife and the busy paths near the waterfall.
6. Derwent Water Circular Walk
Distance: Around 9 miles
Typical time: Four to six hours
Location: Keswick and Borrowdale
The full circuit of Derwent Water is a strong option for owners looking for a longer day out without climbing a major fell.
The waymarked route follows lakeshore paths, woodland, quiet roads and the wetland boardwalk at the southern end of the lake. There are views towards Cat Bells, Walla Crag and the Borrowdale fells throughout the walk.
Dogs are welcome around Derwent Water throughout the year. Parts of the route pass through farmland, so leads will be needed around livestock.
The walk can also be shortened by combining part of the route with a Keswick Launch boat service, although owners should check the current timetable and dog arrangements before travelling.
What should you take?
Even shorter Lake District walks can become wet, muddy or exposed when the weather changes.
Owners should take water for themselves and their dog, waste bags, a lead and suitable footwear. A towel can also be useful after muddy paths or lakeside paddling.
Check the weather, parking information and any temporary route closures before setting off. Dogs should not be allowed to chase livestock or wildlife, and waste should always be collected and taken away where no bin is available.
