The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Shropshire

Shropshire offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 160 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

Shropshire's dog-friendly trails traverse diverse landscapes. You'll find everything from the vast heathlands of The Long Mynd, rocky tors and scree at The Stiperstones, to woodlands, riverbanks, and ancient hillforts. Many routes offer varied surfaces, from well-maintained paths to more rugged, natural terrain.

Yes, for an easy and scenic walk, consider the Haughmond Hill Viewpoint loop from Upton Magna. This 5.8 km route offers lovely views and is generally considered easy, perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Several trails in Shropshire feature beautiful lakes and water bodies. The Seggy Pool – Dudmaston Comer Woods and Lake loop from Eardington Halt is an excellent option, offering pleasant lakeside walking. You can also explore areas around highlights like The Mere, Ellesmere or Carding Mill Valley Reservoir.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, Shropshire has a few difficult routes, though the majority are easy to moderate. The region's varied terrain, particularly in areas like the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, can offer strenuous climbs and longer distances. While specific difficult routes are fewer, you can combine moderate trails or tackle the steeper sections of hills like The Wrekin or The Clee Hills for a good workout.

The komoot community highly rates dog-friendly hiking in Shropshire, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 3,100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks with their canine companions.

Yes, Shropshire's trails often combine natural beauty with rich history. For example, the Kynaston's Cave – Nesscliffe Hillfort loop from Ruyton-XI-Towns takes you past both Kynaston's Cave and Nesscliffe Hillfort. Many routes also explore areas with Iron Age hillforts or sections of the ancient Offa's Dyke.

Absolutely. Many of Shropshire's dog-friendly trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This is convenient for parking and exploring. Examples include the Haughmond Hill Viewpoint loop and the Dudmaston Comer Woods and Lake loop.

For a longer, moderate hike, consider the Knowles Mill – Bewdley Riverside Promenade loop from Wyre Forest. This route spans over 16 km and offers a good challenge with varied terrain, perfect for a full day out with your dog.

When walking in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock. The Long Mynd, for instance, is home to wild Welsh mountain ponies. Always follow the Countryside Code, pick up after your dog, and be mindful of ground-nesting birds, particularly during spring and early summer.

Shropshire's natural features are a highlight. You'll encounter the unique quartzite ridge of The Stiperstones, the expansive heathland of The Long Mynd, and the dramatic geological exposures of The Ercall. Many trails also wind through ancient woodlands and offer panoramic views from hilltops like The Wrekin and Caer Caradoc.