We've picked one standout autumn dog walk from each corner of the UK, so wherever you're based, there's a route close to home. Each entry includes the terrain, what makes it special in autumn, and what to know before you go.
1. North West: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell, Lake District
Location: Aira Force car park, Penrith, CA11 0JS
A misty autumn morning is one of the best times to explore Aira Force. An easy path leads through landscaped gardens home to red squirrels, before climbing further into the woods towards the waterfall itself. Push on past the falls and up onto Gowbarrow Fell, and the crowds thin out fast, rewarding you with sweeping views over Ullswater. For a different perspective on the lake afterwards, dog-friendly Ullswater Steamers run cruises nearby.
Remember to keep dogs under close control near livestock and during ground-nesting season.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Royal at Dockray, Ullswater, A5091, Dockray, Penrith CA11 0JY.
2. North East: Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
Location: Leaplish Waterside Park, near Falstone, or Kielder Castle car park, NE48 1EP
Kielder is a bit of a trek if you're not local, but it's worth the drive. As England's largest forest, spanning more than 6,000 hectares, it offers trails of every length and difficulty, from an easy stroll along the Lakeside Way to a 571 metre hike up Deadwater Fell for far-reaching views. Forestry England land here allows dogs largely off-lead on the waymarked routes, unlike most sites elsewhere in the region that are more restricted.
Parking costs around £5 for the day at the main car parks, and dog-friendly cafés are nearby. Kielder is also home to England's most significant red squirrel population, so keep an eye out.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Blackcock Inn, Falstone, Hexham NE48 1AA
3. East Midlands: Curbar, Froggatt and White Edge, Peak District
Location: Curbar Gap car park, S32 3YR (National Trust)
This circular route links three of the Derwent Valley's finest gritstone slopes in a single walk. From Curbar Gap, head northeast across Big Moor to White Edge, then loop back via Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge, with the views across the valley improving with every step.
Autumn adds something special here too, as this is deer rutting season on Big Moor, and the sound carries right across the valley. The full circuit covers around 9.4km with roughly 380m of ascent and takes three to three and a half hours. Additionally, look out for a Bronze Age stone circle beside the path on Froggatt Edge, because it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Grouse Inn, Longshaw House, Longshaw, Sheffield S11 7TZ
4. West Midlands: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Location: Cannock Chase Visitor Centre
Cannock Chase is one of the West Midlands' best spots for autumn colour, and this woodland walk from the visitor centre takes in several pools with lovely views across the water, with plenty of paths to extend or shorten the route as you fancy. The Chase protects one of the largest surviving areas of lowland heathland in the Midlands, mixing ancient broadleaved woodland with open, sandy plateau. Much of the route suits well-behaved dogs off-lead, but deer and horse riders both use the area, so keep dogs close on the busier paths.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Horns Inn, 61 Slitting Mill Rd, Slitting Mill, Rugeley WS15 2UW
5. South West: Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo, Dartmoor
Location: Fingle Bridge or Castle Drogo car park, Devon
This riverside walk through Teign Gorge is packed with both scenery and history. Follow the River Teign from Fingle Bridge before climbing up to Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England, with gardens to explore once you're up there.
The terrain is a mix of open moorland grass, granite tramway, woodland path and a rocky ascent, without formal waymarking for most of the route. Dartmoor ponies graze freely nearby, so keep dogs on a lead when they're around.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PW
6. South East: Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, New Forest
Location: Blackwater Car Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
This circular loop passes towering Douglas firs and giant Redwoods, with space for off-lead exploring, but keep watch for the New Forest's famous free-roaming ponies. It's also a good spot for autumn fungi, though it's worth keeping dogs close if they're prone to eating things they find on the ground.
This walk is mostly flat and well-shaded, so it's a comfortable choice even on a milder autumn day. Remember to stick to main tracks where signed, and always follow the New Forest Code around ponies, donkeys, cattle and deer.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Filly Inn, Lymington Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7UF
7. Wales: Four Falls Trail, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Location: Waterfall Country, near Pontneddfechan, Powys
This roughly five-mile circular route through Waterfall Country takes in four separate waterfalls, including Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the cascade itself if water levels allow. Spring and autumn are the best times to come, as the waterfalls run at their strongest and the paths are far quieter than in summer.
This walk needs a lead-trained dog, as paths are narrow with steep drops in places. Leads are also required by law on farmland and around livestock, and much of the Beacons is sheep-grazed common land, so stay alert throughout.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Angel Inn, Pontneathvaughan Rd, Glynneath, Neath SA11 5NR.
8. Scotland: Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park
Location: Loch an Eilein car park, Rothiemurchus Forest, near Aviemore
This loop around Loch an Eilein is one of the most scenic low-level walks in the Cairngorms, circling a calm loch within Rothiemurchus Forest with views across to a small island castle. Paths are generally well maintained throughout, and autumn is one of the best times to visit because of pleasant temperatures, far fewer midges, and vivid seasonal colour across the pine forest.
Scotland's right of access gives dog walkers more freedom to roam off-path than in England, though dogs still need to be on a short lead or under close control around livestock and ground-nesting areas.
Dog-friendly pub nearby: The Old Bridge Inn & Bunkhouse, 23 Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PU
Before You Set Off
Rocky descents, slippery riverbanks and long days on the moors all carry a bit of risk, and vet bills for an unexpected injury can run into the hundreds. Pet insurance can help cover treatment costs so an accident on the trail doesn't become a financial one too. If you don't have cover in place, or your policy is coming up for renewal, it's worth comparing quotes to make sure you're getting the right level of protection for your dog.