The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Grizedale Forest

There are over 100 dog-friendly hiking trails in Grizedale Forest, offering a wide range of options for all abilities. You'll find everything from easy strolls to challenging long-distance hikes suitable for you and your canine companion.

Yes, Grizedale Forest offers many easy dog-friendly routes. For example, the Tarn Hows – Tom Ghyll Waterfalls loop from Coniston is an easy 5.8 km hike that's perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog. Many trails are well-maintained and relatively flat, ideal for a gentle walk.

Grizedale Forest boasts diverse scenery, from dense woodlands and peaceful tarns to hilly areas offering panoramic views. You can expect picturesque vistas across the Lake District Fells, the Howgills, and even as far as Morecambe Bay from higher points like Carron Crag. Many trails also feature unique outdoor sculptures integrated into the natural surroundings.

Absolutely! Grizedale Forest is famous for its outdoor sculpture trail, with over 40 unique artworks scattered throughout the forest. You might also encounter natural landmarks like Carron Crag, the highest point in Grizedale offering stunning 360-degree views, or the peaceful Grizedale Tarn. Keep an eye out for highlights like the RUUP Megaphone Sculptures or the 17 Degrees South Sculpture.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Grizedale Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring different sections of the forest and enjoying varied landscapes. For example, the The Coniston Inn – Bluebird Café loop from Hawkshead is a moderate circular route.

Grizedale Forest is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant new growth and wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular foliage. Summer is popular for longer days, and winter can provide crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy or icy. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially during adverse weather.

For those seeking a more challenging adventure with their dog, Grizedale Forest has several difficult routes. The Moss Eccles Tarn – Hawkshead Village loop from Satterthwaite is a demanding 18.5 km hike with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience for fit hikers and their well-trained dogs.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Grizedale Forest, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 7,400 ratings. Reviewers often praise the well-marked paths, the stunning views from viewpoints like Carron Crag, and the variety of routes suitable for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.

Grizedale Forest is a haven for wildlife. While hiking with your dog, you might spot indigenous red deer, roe deer, buzzards, barn owls, and red kites. The forest is also home to a variety of butterflies and dragonflies, especially near water features. Keeping your dog on a lead in certain areas helps protect the local wildlife.

Yes, you can find dog-friendly routes that include beautiful water features. The Tarn Hows – Tom Ghyll Waterfalls loop from Coniston is an excellent example, taking you past both Tarn Hows and the Tom Ghyll Waterfalls. Grizedale Tarn, a peaceful natural mountain lake, is also accessible via scenic walks.

While Grizedale Forest itself is primarily natural, some longer dog-friendly routes venture towards nearby points of interest. For instance, the challenging Wray Castle – Moss Eccles Tarn loop from Hawkshead offers a substantial hike that passes by the impressive Wray Castle, allowing you to enjoy both nature and a historical landmark from the outside.