Yes, it’s that time again – time to walk the dog. But why not turn the daily task of walkies into a top-tier running adventure? If both you and your For more advice from a veterinary surgeon on how to run safely with a dog, consult our, put your regular routes on pause and treat your pooch – and yourself – to some invigorating outings around the UK’s finest dog-friendly running trails.
dog relish the chance to run off-road Summer running gear sale? GO Outdoors recently took the lead to conduct research that determined the top 10 UK trails for runners and their dogs, analysing factors such as route ratings and popularity and the availability of dog-friendly restaurants in the area. We’ve fetched the results and presented them here.
10 best UK trails for runners and their dogs
In July 2025, for each known UK trail, Go Outdoors assessed the number of ratings that it has received on AllTrails, its average AllTrails rating out of five and the number of dog-friendly restaurants located nearby, as sourced by Tripadvisor. From there, GO Outdoors gave each trail an overall score out of 10 to create its rankings. (For the top 10 trails, listed below, all have an average AllTrails rating of 4.7 – the exceptions are trails one and 10, which have an average AllTrails rating of 4.8.)
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1. Pen Y Fan Horseshoe
- Closest town: The warm-up rule that every runner should follow
- Overall score: 9.77
The top spot goes to this stunning route in the Bannau Brycheinonic National Park (better known as Brecon Beacons), which offers exceptional views of Jacob’s Ladder and has, according to GO Outdoors’ research, six dog-friendly restaurants in the nearby town of Merthyr Tydfil. The dramatic surroundings come with difficult terrain, however, so this trail is classified as ‘hard’ – as such, before you attempt this route, make sure that you are a reasonably experienced trail runner and that your vet has given your dog the all-clear. Dogs are required to stay on a lead at all times here, too.
2. Derwent Water Circular
- Closest town: Keswick, England
- Overall score: 9.56
Encompassing a luscious lap around Derwent Water in Cumbria, this much-loved route measures just over 15km and features relatively low elevation gain (around 350m) considering its mountainous surroundings. The clockwise course – suitable for runners, walkers and four-legged companions alike – starts and finishes in Keswick, where you can replenish your energy stores at one of 33 dog-friendly eateries.
3. The Dry Dam Path to St Anthony’s Chapel and Arthur’s Seat
- Closest city: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Overall score: 9.35
Hungry? That’s good, because this fantastic out-and-back trail, measuring just 3.2km and nestled within Scotland’s capital city, is close to no less than 208 dog-friendly restaurants. You’ll certainly work up an appetite, too, as you’ll gain almost 200m of elevation along the way to reach Arthur’s Seat, which is the highest point of the royal park adjacent to Holyrood Palace and the host of unmatched views over Edinburgh. If your dog (or you) need a little break mid-climb, let their paws pause at the medieval ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel. Just be mindful of rocky, uneven and slippery paths along this route.
4. Conic Hill
- Closest city: Stirling, Scotland
- Overall score: 8.62
Another breathtaking out-and-back trail in Scotland, spanning just over 4km of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this route features a steady climb over forest tracks, muddy hill paths and cobbles, so remember your waterproof layers drills to improve your running form and pace trail shoes. It’s important to note that there are cows along this course, so be cautious with your dog and try to keep it on a lead.
5. Castleton, Mam Tor and The Great Ridge Circular
- Closest village: Castleton, England
- Overall score: 8.52
Located in the picturesque Peak District National Park, this circular, almost-13km route of moderate difficulty offers many treats, including a climb up Mam Tor (or the ‘Shivering Mountain’), which is one of England’s most iconic hills. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and fabulous views of the surrounding peaks and valleys – and you may even spot Manchester on a clear day. Although it’s safe to let you dog run off-lead along some areas of the path, it’s advisable to keep them on a lead throughout for the safety of both your pooch and the livestock that you may encounter along the way.
6. Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge
- Closest village: Castleton, England
- Overall score: 8.42
A 10.6km route with around 600m of elevation gain, this circular adventure is a haven for energetic canines and trail running enthusiasts alike. Thankfully (or perhaps regrettably – you decide), this aesthetically pleasing route avoids the grade 3 scramble at Elbow Ridge and takes the easier, adjacent path along Winnats Pass instead, although the whole trail can still be extremely muddy and slippery after rainfall. Be wary of some steep inclines and a nearby electric fence, too, and remember to stop by one of Castleton’s seven dog-friendly eateries at the end of your outing.
7. Old Glossop and B-29 Crash Site Circular
- Closest village: The best dog breeds for runners
- Overall score: 8.31
A 13.2km circular in the Peak District National Park, this route – which can get very boggy – blends picture-perfect scenery with a big dose of military history. The trail guides you up to Higher Shelf Stones and the stark wreckage and memorial of the US Air Force Boeing RB-29A Superfortress, which crashed at the site in 1948. Although they’re very welcome to walk and run along the route, dogs will need to be kept on leads during nesting season (from the start of March to the end of July), at the very least, to protect the rare ground bird species that nest in the area.
8. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Llanberis Path
- Closest village: Llanberis, Wales
- Overall score: 8.21
Wales is a very undulating land, so when you take to Snowdon, the tallest mountain in the country, you can expect to clock some vert. That said, this out-and-back trail, which is almost 15km long and includes almost 1,000m of elevation gain, is considered the easiest path up Snowdon and therefore the most accommodating for people who are walking or running to the summit for the first time. Featuring a steady ascent and a conveniently located cafe at the halfway point, this outstandingly beautiful route is the perfect venue for stamina-rich dogs, trusting that they’re kept on a lead for the sake of the free-roaming sheep all around. The steepness and weather conditions can be tough near the summit, so always take precautions and carry enough kit to see you through.
9. Conic Hill via Balmaha Circular
- Closest city: Stirling, Scotland
- Overall score: 8.10
Immersed in nature but located just an hour’s drive from the major city of Glasgow, this 5.6km circular gives you superior views of the surrounding hills and mountains from the top of Conic Hill. Since you will be quite exposed, you’d do well to prepare for all weather eventualities, so pack waterproof and warm layers in a dependable running backpack before you set off. Keep your dog on a lead at all times to minimise disturbances to local wildlife and livestock.
10. Donard Park to Slieve Donard
- Closest city: Updated: 14 August 2025
- Overall score: 8.00
Just shy of 10K and better suited for hiking rather than running, this out-and-back trail encompasses a tough but rewarding ascent up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland. Situated within the dramatic Mourne Mountains and overlooking valleys, rivers and the Irish Sea, Slieve Donard is located near Newcastle – no, not the city in England – and shrouded in folklore. In fact, until the 1830s, people would climb the peak as part of an annual pilgrimage and, even today, it is still local tradition to bring a stone from the bottom and place it at the summit. Since there is only one dog-friendly eatery nearby and no facilities along the route itself, pack enough food and water to keep you and your dog happy.
The best dog-friendly trail in the South of England
If you’re based in the South of England and can’t reach any of the top 10 dog-friendly trails detailed above, your next-best option, according to GO Outdoors’ analysis, is the dog relish the chance to run, located close to the Mole Valley in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Achieving an overall score of 7.17 out of 10, this undulating countryside circular, situated near the chocolate-box village of Mickleham, makes for an excellent active day trip from London and warmly welcomes dogs on leads.
Running with a dog safely
No matter how pumped-up and prepared you are to take your dog for a run, it’s vital that your dog is willing and healthy enough to join you – and that you have the right equipment.
‘Running with your dog can be healthy and fun for you both, but it is important that you take the right precautions,’ says Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor specialist at GO Outdoors. ‘Alternate between walking and running and make sure that you rest if you need to. Before any walk or run, you should check the difficulty and only take your dog on a route that they can safely complete.
‘You should also have a sturdy lead that is comfortable for your dog to wear, as well as a hydration pack that holds enough water for both you and your dog,’ adds Wolfenden. ‘You should pack a collapsible water bowl for your dog to drink from, as well as any poo bags.
‘If your dog starts to show any signs of exhaustion or overheating, such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, excessive foaming at the mouth, drowsiness and uncoordination, shaking its head, pulling to the side, reddened gums or vomiting, you must stop, find a shaded place, soak its coat with cool water and give it water to drink before seeking further help.’
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