Dog-friendly walks in Warwickshire are the order of the day in this historic county. For an outdoor treat with your canine companion join the thousands that love dog walking in Warwickshire which offers countryside made for four paws to explore. There are enough of the best pubs in Warwickshire for dogs for pit stops along the way too.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Warwickshire
With its swathes of scenic countryside, hills and valleys, ancient woodland there are opportunities to lose yourself in the beauty of Shakespeare Country. The River Avon with its canal leading to natural riverside banks, has some of the best countrysides dog walks in Warwickshire too.
The Best Walks in Warwickshire for Dogs
1. Hatton Locks
A canal towpath with plenty of countryside and woodland, it is a five-mile circular walk is full of changing landscapes. Its country lanes skirt Hampton on the Hill. Pass Whitehall Wood and Hatton Country World. If you need to refuel there is the Hatton Arms perched above the flight of 11 locks known as the Stairway to Heaven.
2. Aston Cantlow
Shakespeare was keen on canines it seems, mentioning dogs in his work more than 200 times. Put on your hiking boots and prepare those paws for a trip along fields towards Rough Hill and on to Newnham following the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal to Woottton Wawen, before heading back along the River Alne that eventually leads to Aston Cantlow.
3. Kenilworth Circular
This is a two-mile stroll around Kenilworth Castle and town. From the castle’s car park you and Fido can follow the footpaths through romantic ruins and the landscaped formal Elizabethan Gardens, into Abbey Fields Park. If you want to venture further there are waymarked trails taking you into Kenilworth Common Nature Reserve.
4. Ufton Fields Nature Reserve
Managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust this 100-acre site is a haven known for its and colourful insects and birds. There are bird hides and fishing lakes where you will see 17 types of dragonfly and in the meadows, there are 28 species of butterfly. A mostly flat, waymarked surfaced footpath for an easy walk with your waggytail.
5. Charlcote Park, Warwick
There are clear dog-walking routes on these historical grounds that will take you a leisurely hour with the Victorian mansion as a backdrop. Wildlife conservation is paramount and livestock such as sheep and deer often give birth to their young in the fields. Don’t forget to take your binoculars for a bit of kingfisher and heron spotting on the banks of the River Avon.
The Best Woodland Walks in Warwickshire with Dogs
1. Ten Shilling Wood, Canley
This forms part of the ancient woodlands of Canley that is only 10 minutes by car from Coventry town centre. The wood has remained unchained in 200 years. You and your pup might be tempted out of the 12-acres of Ten Shilling to explore the 48 acres of Park Wood that lies beyond.
2. Oakley Wood, Leamington Spa
There has been woodland here since the 1500s but now it is mainly made up of Scots pine. The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is busy with a broadleaf planting project and you and your canine companion can explore this by following either the red waymarked route or the shorter blue one.
3. Hay Wood, Solihull
It is a two-mile walk in two halves taking in the picturesque Baddesley Clinton manor house and its walled garden, and then the adjacent Hay Wood with its trails through ancient trees. You and your four-legged companion will see carpets of bluebells, foxgloves, butterflies and Muntjac deer. At the end, there is pint for you and a bowl of fresh water for Fido at the Tom O’Wood pub at Rowington.
Country Park Walks in Warwickshire
1. Ryton’s Pools Country Park, Bubbenhall
Take the 2.6-mile loop with Lassie that has well-marked paths plotted out in the maps available at the Visitor Centre. It is 100 acres with woodland, pools and lakes where you can sit and have a picnic and do some wildlife spotting while your furry friend forages in the rich soil.
2. Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, Southam
For far-reaching views from its rugged ironstone hills that rise to 667ft, you and your trusted friend are in for a challenging climb. You will pass quarry remains and abandoned hilltop beacons referring to the helping information points across the site. The three-mile circular trek is one of the best countryside walks in Warwickshire.
3. Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Atherstone
Canals, hills, bluebells and pre-historic sites form part of this six-mile route beginning and ending in the market town of Atherstone. You walk beside the Coventry Canal from the town. You will pass 11 locks along the way and in the park satisfy the archaeologist in you by checking out the Oldbury Camp Iron Age hill fort.
Walks Near Warwick
1. Turkey Farm Walk, Hatton
It is only a 12-minute drive from Warwick in the picturesque village of Hatton. The walk is relatively short, plotted along 1.24 miles of countryside through farmland and down to Beausale Lane. It falls within a private estate, so it is advisable to take your tyke tripping the meadow-fantastic on a lead. Many of the Warwickshire dog friendly cottages are close to these trails which is why they are so popular.
2. Warwick Racecourse and Jubilee Wood
If you want to take a punt on a perfect route for you and your pooch then the racecourse and adjoining wood is going to be a good bet. It is a 1.74-mile circular walk that is only available on non-race days. Walk the course and head off into Jubilee Wood to clock up the paw miles under the shady trees.
3. Priory Park, Warwick
Park in one of the market town’s car parks and take your pick which entrance you and your canine companion will enter this historical park named after the Priory of St Sepulchre which stood there during the 12th century. Today you can explore its meadow and woodland parks while the buzzards glide overhead and bunny rabbits scamper in the long grass.
LAST WORD
From racecourse runs to hill hikes leading to pre-historic forts, magical woodland with carpets of bluebells and meadows with butterflies you and your pet are going to be in seventh heaven, these are just a few of the pet friendly days out in Warwickshire. Of course, you are going to need refuelling and relaxing and no fear because you will come across some of the pet friendly pubs in Warwickshire on your travels.
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