Winter might not be for everyone when it comes to getting out for walks, but we've still got to get out with our dogs, and also just for our own health and wellbeing. This time of year it's so easy to spend an hour in the park and come home to get clean, dry and warm, but sometimes a winter dog walk can be one of the most rewarding and memorable.
This is why we've collated together our Top 5 dog friendly walks to do in the winter.
Top 5 Dog Friendly Winter Walks
5. Lud's Church and the Roaches
Lud's Church is a much-loved walk just south of Macclesfield, ideal for children and dogs. The route we've chosen starts with a bit of a scramble to the top of the Roaches, but once you're up there, it's well worth the effort, with views stretching for miles. The walk along the top, as you head towards the church, follows a simple, straightforward footpath that even we couldn’t get lost on.
The church itself is an underground chasm, originally built in the 1400s as a secret place of worship. It's both visually and historically awe-inspiring. It feels like you've stumbled into a Tomb Raider game, with huge moss-covered walls and a dramatic stone staircase.
After leaving the church, the route back through the forest is a gentle walk leading to the road and then back towards the car park.
This is a family-friendly walk that can be enjoyed year-round. As it’s fairly steady, it’s an ideal option for a quick outing in unpredictable weather. While Lud's Church tends to attract tourists, visiting in winter often means having it all to yourself.
4. B-29 Overexposed Crash Site
The B-29 Overexposed crash site on Bleaklow Hill, just outside of Glossop, is a classic Peak District walk. While the route has a somewhat dramatic history, it’s a fantastic walk featuring vast open spaces perfect for dogs, along with an impressive view of Manchester from the top.
After parking along the road in the large layby at the foot of the hill, the walk is fairly straightforward to follow, with just one small climb to the top.
At the summit, after passing the trig point, the route leads you through the debris of a U.S. Air Force Superfortress aircraft that crashed in November 1948. The wreckage has been preserved at the top of Bleaklow Hill ever since, serving as a poignant reminder of the site’s history.
We’ve done this walk several times, and it’s always fantastic, but nothing compares to seeing it covered in snow and ice. The rock formations become even more dramatic, coated in shimmering ice crystals. We believe this is a walk every experienced Peak District hiker should try in winter.
3. Lord's Seat and Barf
For this list, we’ve placed this walk in our number 3 spot, but for us personally, it might just be our all-time favorite walk together. Lord's Seat and Barf is a fabulous dog walk. Starting in Whinlatter Forest, the path climbs out of the trees to the top of Lord's Seat, offering fantastic views over the Solway Firth and into Scotland.
The second peak, Barf, is slightly lower but no less impressive, with a stunning view across Bassenthwaite and over to Skiddaw.
We have such a soft spot for this walk that we made a reel about it earlier this year.
We have such a soft spot for this walk we made a reel about it earlier this year:
Like many of the walks on this list, we’ve done this one in all kinds of weather. However, because Lord's Seat is surrounded by much larger mountains, it becomes truly spectacular when they’re covered in snow.
Fun fact: our very first Dog Forbid product shoot was done on this route!
2. Blencathra (easy mode)
Blencathra is a Wainwright classic and the most challenging walk on this list, especially during the winter. That said, if you’re experienced and looking for a truly special dog walk this season, Blencathra is an excellent option.
We tackled it in early February, and after a steep, winding ascent to the summit, we emerged above the clouds in a way we’d never experienced before.
There are plenty of different routes up Blencathra, but in winter, we recommend the easiest route, which starts at the Blencathra Field Centre, right at the foot of the mountain. This path steadily climbs and winds up the side of the hill, avoiding steep drops, making it an ideal choice for a dog walk.
Although not in the top ten tallest peaks, Blencathra is still one of the higher mountains in the Lake District and can be dangerous at this time of year. Make sure you’re fully prepared before attempting this walk this winter.
1. Sheffield Pike
Sheffield Pike is a walk we discovered by chance while staying near Ullswater at The Quiet Site—an incredible and fully sustainable camping and glamping site.
The walk begins from a car park near the southern tip of the lake. The climb is steady, but the higher you go, the better the view becomes of what is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. The route starts by passing through a farm, so dogs will need to be kept on a lead for this section. However, it doesn’t take long to get through, and from there, it’s open fells all the way to the top—making it a perfect dog walk.
Like Lord's Seat, the beauty of this walk lies in its central location, surrounded by larger mountains like Helvellyn, and the breathtaking 360-degree views of Ullswater and the peaks all around Sheffield Pike.
In the summer, it’s an ideal mountain to include when bagging other Wainwrights. However, in snowy or icy conditions, we found this route perfect for taking our time, exploring, playing with the dog, and simply enjoying being out in the snow.
The main reason this walk took the top spot in our Top 5 Dog-Friendly Winter Walks is because, as you near the top of the fell, where it meets the surrounding peaks, the landscape becomes truly vast. With no ledges, sheep, or humans in sight, this underrated walk will always be a special one for us.
