The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Stanhope

Stanhope offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 70 routes available for you and your canine companion to explore.

Yes, Stanhope caters to all abilities. You'll find a good mix of trails, including over 25 easy routes perfect for a leisurely stroll, more than 35 moderate options for a longer adventure, and several challenging hikes for experienced dogs and their owners.

The dog-friendly trails around Stanhope traverse diverse landscapes within the North Pennines National Landscape. Expect to encounter expansive moorlands, tranquil river valleys along the River Wear, and scenic paths around reservoirs like Burnhope Reservoir. Many routes also showcase the area's rich geological heritage.

Absolutely. Many of the dog-friendly routes in Stanhope are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, consider the easy Westgate and Slitt Wood loop, or the moderate Burnhope Reservoir and Cowshill loop for a scenic outing.

Many trails offer stunning natural features and historical points of interest. You might encounter dramatic gorges, impressive waterfalls like Cauldron Snout Waterfall or Ashgill Force, and various summits offering panoramic views, such as Bolt's Law summit. The region's mining history is also visible in places like Slitt Wood and Ashes Quarry.

For active dogs and experienced hikers, Stanhope offers more challenging routes. The Crow Coal Hill and Weardale Way Circular is a difficult, longer option, while the Five Pikes and the Elephant Trees loop provides a moderate, yet substantial, moorland ascent.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails around Stanhope, with an average score of 4.55 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the peacefulness of the moorlands and river valleys, and the clear paths that make for enjoyable walks with dogs.

Stanhope and the surrounding villages in Weardale are generally welcoming to hikers and their dogs. Many local pubs and cafes offer outdoor seating or designated dog-friendly areas, perfect for a refreshment stop after your walk. It's always a good idea to check with individual establishments beforehand.

Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring, with blooming wildflowers and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the landscape. Winter hikes can be stunning, especially on the moorlands, but require appropriate gear and checking weather conditions due to potential snow or ice.

When hiking with your dog in Stanhope, especially on moorland trails or near farmland, it's important to keep your dog under close control, ideally on a lead, to protect livestock and ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code and ensure you carry water for your dog, especially on longer routes.

The Weardale Way is a significant long-distance trail in the region. You can find more detailed information about its various sections and the route itself on the Durham County Council website: The Weardale Way.