Wonderful Wales has so much it’s famous for, we simply can’t fit it all into one article for you! However, what you will find is that there is an abundance of dog-friendly walks in Wales, from the north coast across to the east and back onto the mainland. In this guide, we’ll take you through the very best of them.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Wonderful Wales
If you’re keen to make the most of the great outdoors in your Welsh homeland, or if you are travelling from afar, now is the time to start planning your journey. While you’re at it, take a peek at the best dog-friendly pubs in Wales, too!
The Best Walks in Wales for Dogs to Really Explore
1. Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd
Ok – including the whole of a National Park might be cheating a little, but we can’t not include Snowdonia in our list! This wonderful, sprawling parkland area boasts the biggest peaks across the country, and it’s also famous for its Lakeland. There’s a bit of everything for dog lovers here!
2. Allt yr Esgair Circular, Brecon Beacons
Whenever you think of mountains and peaks in Wales, you probably think of the Brecon Beacons. The Allt yr Esgair Circular is a popular trail that’s long and pleasant, with incredible rolling countryside views over the Black Mountains. This is another National Park in Wales worth every footstep.
3. The Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire
To the north of Pembrokeshire, you and your pets will find the stunning Preseli Hills and Mountains trail, offering an ancient landscape for you to survey up in the heavens. While not the tallest of peaks, you’ll be surprised at just what you can see.
4. Offa’s Dyke, Knighton
The Offa’s Dyke Path has legendary status with Welsh walkers, offering a huge link between Prestatyn and the Sedbury Cliffs. This is a walk that extends for a blistering 177 miles! However, you’re going to want to explore the tranquil sights and scenes as much as possible – break it up along the route!
5. Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
Tintern Abbey is a stunning Welsh relic that stands between England and Wales, offering heritage that goes all the way back to the 12th century. There are some delightful walks in the area, particularly around the River Wye, which is just nearby. It’s history and dog walking fun in one.
Fascinating Forest and Woodland Walks in Wales with Dogs
1. Tywi Forest, Ceredigion
Tywi Forest is perhaps one of the first woodland spots that dog walkers think of when it comes to the best that Wales has to offer. Extending more than 15,000 acres, this green and lush plot are absolutely wonderful if your pet loves nothing more than running wild through thickets.
2. Newborough Forest, Anglesey
Close enough for coastal fun in Anglesey, Newborough Forest and Warren offer dunes to one side and an amazing array of trees and thickets to the other. Wonderfully networked, this is a lovingly preserved woodland space ideal for dog walkers and all pet breeds. Take a look around!
3. Gwydyr Forest Park, Conwy
Heading back to Snowdonia, the Gwydyr Forest Park is a Conwy marvel that nestles deep within the wider reaches of the National Park, brimming with lakeside walks, wildlife spots and more. It’s also ideal for cyclists if you enjoy taking to two wheels every once in a while.
Best Coastal Dog Walks in Wales You’re Sure to Love
1. The Wales Coast Path
This walk does what it says in the description! The Wales Coast Path is absolutely huge as well as breath-taking. It’s actually only been an ‘official’ fixture since 2012 and offers 870 miles of beach trails and cliffside views for you to enjoy. There are tons of stops and spots on the route.
2. Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea
Breaking away from the city of Swansea, Three Cliffs Bay offers a marvellous vantage point or two over the dunes and cliffs, with a lovely, simple shoreline that you and your pet can explore at your leisure. This is a popular dog-walking spot as it’s close to the city.
3. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Yes – there is a whole National Park dedicated to dog friendly beaches in Wales! Wonderfully preserved for solo hikers, families and dog lovers, this celebration of Wales; rugged coastlines and incredible sea views have to be explored if you are in the vicinity. There’s lots of history here, too.
Wales’ Wonderful National Park Walks
1. Bodnant Garden, Tal-y-Cafn
Bodnant Garden is a historic spot that’s been in the same family for more than five generations. Thankfully, much of it is dog friendly! It’s also right at the edge of the wonderful Conwy Valley, meaning if you fancy going for a wilder dog walking in Wales, you can.
2. Plas Newydd, Anglesey
Plas Newydd is Welsh for ‘New House’, and refers to both the estate here as well as the park, gardens and woodlands surrounding it. A wonderful dog-friendly escape, you’re close to the Menai Strait, and you’ll have the chance to break out of the forest to explore Welsh history.
3. Llyn Peninsula, Snowdonia
Ok – our last trip to the National Park – and the Llyn Peninsula is often known as Snowdon’s Arm! It’s around 30 miles long and will take you down some of the most gorgeous beaches and sea views in the region. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, too.
Places To Stay
Cottage Breaks
Search Wales pooch-friendly holiday rentals on our main page. We also cover Wales dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays here.
Cabin Breaks
See our selection of pet friendly holiday lodges in Wales here.
Last Word
As you might imagine, there is plenty of luxury dog friendly things in Wales. It is just as well-known for its woodland and National Trust scenes as it is for its coast. It’s the only country in the world to have a walking trail that extends the whole of its coastline! That’s an incredible feat and one that many dog walkers are going to want to check out for themselves.
Walks across Wales are only the beginning. Have you started looking into pet friendly days out in Wales, too? This is a country of dog lovers, meaning you are always sure to find more than a few interesting spots where pets are welcome all year round.
Wales offers such a diverse holiday experience. Whether you are heading here for an overnight stay or a longer stretch of time, there are lots to see and do. What’s more, your pets are sure to love the sheer variety of natural scenes and trails in the area. There are more than a few good places to walk dogs if you know where to look.
Take it from us – you are going to want to spend some time researching the best dog walks around Wales – your pup will most certainly thank you for it!