Right in the heart of England is the Cotswolds, where the bustle of modern life is left behind in favour of rural living, beautiful countryside and a gentler pace of life.
One of the best aspects of the Cotswolds is its abundance of walking trials for everyone from occasional ramblers to serious hikers, and plenty to do for dog lovers.
If you’re going on a day out with your dog or are going on a holiday to the Cotswolds, here are some of the best dog friendly routes in the area.
English: Track on the Brockhampton Estate Looking south-east with Holy Bank Wood on the right. This is also the entrance for woodland walks on the estate, which is quite hard to spot from the main road. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Brockhampton Estate
This beautiful National Trust property, just off the A44 near Worcester, is surrounded by a 1,700 acre estate where dogs are welcome to roam. This mixture of park and woodland has plenty of treats to discover, including sculptures hidden amongst the ancient trees and an ornamental lawn pool. Dogs are not welcome at the house, which dates back to the 1500s and is surrounded by a picturesque moat, but it is worth a visit. There is also a farmers market on the first Saturday of every month. Dogs need to be kept on a lead around the farm animals, as the estate has both Hereford cattle and Ryeland sheep.
Crickley Hill Country Park
This Gloucestershire park, close to Gloucester and the Cotswold Way, is a vast, hilly landscape and an isolated, ancient part of the Cotswold countryside. The park is particularly notable for its views across to the Brecon Beacons and Robinswood Hill. The area is rich in flowers and fauna, and there are walks for every ability, from short trials to more advanced hill walking. This beautiful patch of countryside is also dog friendly.
Newark Park
Another National Trust property surrounded by unspoiled countryside and ramble trails for you and your dog. Near the charming village of Wotton-Under-Edge, this Tudor hunting lodge has excellent views across the valleys of South Gloucestershire. From the car park, it’s a 3 mile ramble to a quiet, hidden lake that takes you past redwood trees, streams and woodland canopies.
Aldermaston Wharf
This short walk is perfect for older dogs. Off Basingstoke Road in Aldermaston in Berkshire is a relaxed stroll down by the Kennet and Avon canal. There’s plenty of birdlife to spot as you wave to the canal boats that lazily float by. There’s also a tea rooms and pub close by if you want to end your walk with a treat. If you fancy a longer walk, there are walks by the canal beyond the wharf.
The Piddington Red Kite Walk in the Chilterns
The Chilterns are an area of outstanding natural beauty, and there are a range of circular walks and rambles to do for all abilities. If you visit between October and April, keep your eyes peeled for red kites, who have been successfully reintroduced into the area over the last few years.
The Piddington walk, which starts in the small village in Oxfordshire, is a 4.5 mile walk with no stiles, kissing gates or steep hills, and is ideal for dogs. Some fields will have livestock so make sure you have the lead handy at all times.
Woodchester Park
Close to Stroud in Gloucestershire, this dramatic landscape is filled with little surprises and secrets, from beautiful secluded lakes to an unfinished gothic mansion peeking out of the woodland. Trials are marked and ramblers are rewarded with picturesque views and lots of little discoveries on the way (that your dog may find first!).
Cotswold Water Park
This vast park covers an area of 40 square miles and contains over 150 lakes. The area is rich in wildlife, particularly waterfowl both familiar and not so familiar, and it’s packed with dog friendly walks and rambles to explore. The park also has plenty of activities for the family, from water sports to hiring a BBQ and hanging out on the Cotswold’s very own beach!
Robins Wood Hill
This vast patch of unspoiled countryside just outside of Gloucester is the best place to ‘get away from it all’, and your dog will love it too. The walk to the beacon on top of the hill is a little bit steep, but healthy dogs (and humans!) will be fine, and the view across to the Severn Bridge and the Malverns are more than worth the climb. The surrounding woodland is beautiful, if overgrown in patches, and great for curious dogs.
Shotover Country Park
Just to the east of Oxford is 289 acres of flawless countryside with great views across the unspoiled landscape of south Oxfordshire. This park is packed with wildlife due to its variety of landscapes. Well kept paths criss cross the park’s valleys and woods. If you’re staying in bustling Oxford, this is the best place to take your dog out for a treat in the fresh open air.
Chipping Campden
A three mile stroll that explores the circumference around the charming Gloucestershire market town means that you and your dog can go and explore the narrow paths of the countryside without being too far from refreshments. This is also the start of the Cotswold Way, a trial that explores the most beautiful parts of the Cotswolds, with Chipping Campden being a highlight.
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Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Alex works with http://www.cotswoldjourneys.com/cotswold-walking-tours/, a walking tour provider in the Cotswolds. She is a keen walker and, as well as the Cotswolds, enjoys the beauties of the Peak District and the Dorset coast.
