Forest adventures for you and your furry friends
January is Walk Your Dog Month, the perfect time to explore the nation’s forests with your canine companion. With varying lengths and a variety of views, we've got plenty of ideas for your best dog walk yet.
Soak up the winter sunshine and get those tails wagging on one of Forestry England’s carefully selected top 10 dog-friendly walks in the forest.
1. Kilburn Woods - Hood Hill Walk (1.2 miles)
This scenic undulating circular walk will take you through serene mixed woodlands before leading you down a main forest trail, where you will arrive back at the car park to be rewarded with a view of the iconic White Horse.
Dating from 1857, Kilburn White Horse is one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. Stop to admire the view while you and your furry friend have a well-deserved treat!
2. Grizedale Forest – Carron Crag Trail (3 miles)
With breathtaking panoramic views across the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills and Morecambe Bay, the steep and circular Carron Crag Trail is perfect for an adventurous climb with your canine. There are unique forest sculptures to admire along the way, until you reach the top of Grizedale at 314 metres high.
3. Haldon Forest – Raptor Trail (3 miles)
The Raptor Trail leads you on a hilly, circular trail through some of Haldon’s spectacular towering conifer trees. The path is wide and fully surfaced, with some steep climbs and descents. There are frequent resting places along the trail for you and your pup to soak up the forest atmosphere.
Once you’ve completed the trail, head back to the visitor hub for a well-earned drink at our free doggy fountain. The Raptor trail is suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters which can be hired on site (pre-booking recommended).
4. Westonbirt Arboretum – Silk Wood Loop (2 miles)
This walk takes you on a circular route through the expansive Silk Wood, winding through beautiful ancient woodland and featuring a mix of native and exotic trees.
Well-behaved dogs are free to roam off-lead, allowing both you and your canine chum to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. You’ll find benches dotted along the way for rest stops, making this an ideal route whether you fancy an energetic dog walk or a more relaxed amble.
5. Westonbirt Arboretum – The Link Walk
Known for its striking maple trees, the Link Walk route offers a tranquil and scenic experience for a short, leisurely stroll. Pause at the charming Silk Wood Barn, a rustic, open-air shelter nestled in the peaceful landscape of Silk Wood, providing an excellent stop for you and your dog to recharge before continuing your stroll.
Both routes finish near the restaurant where your pup can enjoy a special treat - doggy ice cream! Find out more to plan your visit to Forestry England Westonbirt with your dog.
6. Wyre Forest – Giants Trail (1.9 miles)
A great way to explore Wyre Forest with your four-legged friend, the circular Giants Trail takes you past the arboretum before descending into the ‘Valley of the Giants’, where our magnificent Douglas fir trees stand tall. The arboretum is an enclosed area, which is great for dogs explore and has plenty of benches for humans too!
Whilst you can take a pushchair around the trail, please note some sections are steep and it’s not suitable for wheelchairs. Once back at the visitor centre, make sure you pamper your pooch in our dog wash.
7. Sherwood Pines – Ranger’s Path (4.5 miles)
Head to Ranger’s Path at Sherwood Pines if you’re looking for a longer hike with your four-legged friend. Stretching 4.5 miles through the forest, there is plenty for you and your pooch to explore in the outer, quieter areas of this pine and broadleaf woodland.
This walk also offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy some woodland wellbeing amongst the rich historical and natural features of the area.
8. Wendover Woods – Hill Fort trail (2 miles)
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Chilterns, Wendover Woods is home to five stunning walking trails and plenty of sights, sounds and smells to explore! One of your options is the Hill Fort trail, which will take you on surfaced and unsurfaced woodland paths around the Iron Age Boddington Hillfort, offering picturesque views over the Vale of Aylesbury and the Chiltern Hills.
9. Friston Forest – Butchers Trudge (1 mile)
If it’s a quick, scenic walk you’re after, try the Butchers Trudge loop at Friston Forest in East Sussex. This short walk takes you from the Butchershole car park into expansive beech woodland, making it a perfect dog walk and a great way to explore the countryside.
10. Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit
Make your forest visit a grand day out by trying one of our Wallace & Gromit Forest Walkies trail routes. Available at 21 forests across England, these interactive dog-focused trails feature a variety of games and fun challenges for you and your dog to complete together, with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.
Pick up a £5 activity pack from your nearest participating forest to grab a gift for your dog, a gift for you and everything you need for the best dog walk ever! You’ve even got the chance to win a £1,500 dog-friendly Forest Holidays break.
Remember to follow our forest dog code - keep your dog in sight, bag and bin their poo, and follow local signs to keep everyone safe and happy.
Forestry England national membership means you and your dog can have even more wonderful walks in hundreds of forests across England while supporting our work to care for the forests we all love. You can find out more about becoming a member at forestryengland.uk/membership.
