The Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular in the Yorkshire Dales is the top dog-friendly walking trail in the UK, according to new research by Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The holiday home agency created a ranking of the nation’s favourite walks to tackle with dogs by analysing data from AllTrails, TripAdvisor and Instagram*.
Dog-friendly walks have been ranked based on their overall popularity, the quality of ratings by fellow hikers and ‘Instagram worthiness’, based on the number of times the location hashtag has been used.
The Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular is a 6.5m loop near Austwick. The easiest to hike of the three Yorkshire Peaks, Pen-y-Ghent is perfect for those that want a more accessible route with lots of open spaces for their dogs to explore.
Catbells via Allerdale Ramble in the Lake District comes in as runner up; the slightly shorter 3.6m loop takes just under two and a half hours to complete, with great views and a cave for you and your pet to cool off.
Grasmere and Helm Crag Circular, which is also in the Lake District, rounds out the top three. The 4.5m loop takes just under three hours to complete, with a lower hill than the surrounding fells to suit your furry friends, but still with incredible views.
If a pawfect shot of your pup is what you’re after, head out to Conic Hill in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, whose dramatic landscape has been shared more than 30,000 times on Instagram.
Walking is an important consideration when choosing a UK break, with eight in 10 saying they have either been on a staycation, or would consider booking one, based on the quality of the nearby walking routes**.
And more than three quarters (77%) believe having a range of countryside and coastal paths to explore is important when they are holidaying in the UK.
Chief Executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, Graham Donoghue said: “Great walking trails are the heart of a memorable staycation, and the reason why so many Brits are happy to explore the incredible landscapes we have right on our doorstep.
“Holidaying closer to home also allows the whole family to enjoy the fun, dogs included, and with the number of bookings from pet owners going up year-on-year, it’s no surprise that Brits are on the lookout for the best dog-friendly trails.”
For a guide to the UK’s top 10 dog-friendly walking routes, visit https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/inspiration/guides/walking/dog-friendly-walks/
The top 10 dog-friendly walking trails in the UK:
| Route | Location | Length | Time to complete |
| Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular | Yorkshire Dales National Park
|
6.5m
|
3h 38m
|
| Catbells via Allerdale Ramble | Lake District National Park
|
3.6m
|
2h 24m
|
| Grasmere and Helm Crag Circular
|
Lake District National Park
|
4.5m | 2h 50m
|
| Rydal Water and Rydal Mount Circular
|
Lake District National Park
|
2.9m | 1h 32m
|
| Connemara and Diamond Hill Loop
|
Connemara National Park
|
4.7m | 2h 46m
|
| Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove
|
Yorkshire Dales National Park
|
4.9m | 2h 29m
|
| Conic Hill
|
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park | 2.4m | 1h 47m
|
| Llyn Idwal Circular
|
Snowdonia National Park | 2.9m | 1h 44m
|
| Sugarloaf and Usk Mynydd Llanwenarth Circular
|
Brecon Beacons National Park
|
4.2m | 2h 28m |
| Flash and Three Shires Head Circular
|
Peak District National Park | 7.2m | 3h 18m |
