Best Spring Dog Walks to Enjoy This Easter
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Spring is finally here, and after months of muddy fields and early sunsets, it is time to make the most of longer days, warmer weather and the UK countryside at its colourful best. Whether you are looking for bluebell-carpeted woodlands, golden daffodil trails or windswept coastal paths, we have rounded up 10 of the best spring dog walks to enjoy with your four-legged friend this Easter.
Before you head out, remember to keep your dog on a lead around livestock (lambing season is in full swing), check for ticks after woodland walks, and bring plenty of water for you both.Â
1. Farndale Daffodil Walk, North York Moors
A gentle riverside trail through one of England's most famous wild daffodil displays, with golden blooms lining the banks of the River Dove from mid-March to mid-April.
Distance: 3.5 miles (there and back) Difficulty: Easy Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/north-yorkshire/farndale-daffodils-circular
2. Rhossili Bay Circular, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Three miles of golden sand, dramatic cliff-top views and the chance to spot seals at Worm's Head make this one of the UK's most spectacular spring coastal walks.
Distance: 7.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Map: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/wales/swansea/gower-coast-walk-rhossili-bay-circular
3. Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire
The largest continuous new native forest in England, with ancient woodland that transforms into a breathtaking carpet of bluebells from late April. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads during bluebell season.
Distance: 2.7 miles (Heartwood Hike trail) Difficulty: Easy Map: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/hertfordshire/heartwood-hike
4. Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle Circular, Northumberland
A beautiful coastal loop past a dramatic ruined castle, sweeping sandy beaches at Embleton Bay and spectacular spring wildflowers along the dunes. Dogs are welcome along the path but cannot enter the castle itself.
Distance: 4.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/northumberland/craster-embleton-bay-and-dunstanburgh-castle-circular
5. Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular, Peak District
A family favourite featuring the famous stepping stones across the River Dove, limestone rock formations and the option to climb Thorpe Cloud for panoramic views over the White Peak.
Distance: 3.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/staffordshire/dovedale-stepping-stones-circular
6. Tarn Hows Circular, Lake District, Cumbria
One of the Lake District's most picturesque and accessible walks, looping around a stunning tarn with mountain views and woodland paths. The well-surfaced trail is pushchair and wheelchair friendly, making it ideal for the whole family.
Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy Map: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/cumbria/tarn-hows-circular-walk
7. Daffodil Trail, Gloucestershire's Golden Triangle
The meadows and woodlands around Kempley, Dymock and Oxenhall are known as Gloucestershire's "Golden Triangle" and offer some of the finest wild daffodil displays in the country. The Poets Path between Dymock and Ketford is a lovely 8-mile route through the heart of it.
Distance: 8 miles (Poets Path) Difficulty: Moderate Map: https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/walking
8. Culzean Country Park, Ayrshire, Scotland
A magnificent coastal estate with dramatic cliffs, woodland paths and miles of beaches where your dog can enjoy a good run. In spring, the surrounding woodland comes alive with wild garlic and bluebells.
Distance: Various trails from 1 to 5 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Map:https://www.alltrails.com/parks/scotland/south-ayrshire/culzean-country-park
9. South Downs Way: Devil's Dyke, West Sussex
One of the most famous viewpoints on the South Downs, once described by artist John Constable as "the grandest view in the world." In spring, wild flowers pop up across the chalk meadows and the views stretch for miles in every direction.
Distance: 3.5 miles (Devil's Dyke circular) Difficulty: Moderate Map: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/west-sussex/devils-dyke-circular-walk
10. Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows make Ashridge a wonderful spring destination. Rich in wildlife and history, from Iron Age farms to connections with Capability Brown, it is also home to the Bridgewater Monument and the views from Ivinghoe Beacon.
Distance: Various trails from 2 to 6 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Map:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hertfordshire-bedfordshire/ashridge-estate
If none of these take your fancy you can check out our Winter Walks guide here.Â
How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable on Spring Walks
Spring is a wonderful time to get outdoors, but it can also bring its own challenges for dogs with sensitive skin. Warmer weather, pollen, grass seeds and increased contact with undergrowth can all trigger itching, redness or irritation.
Here are a few tips to help keep your dog comfortable this season:
- Check paws after every walk for grass seeds, thorns or signs of irritation.
- Watch for ticks, especially after walks through long grass or woodland. Check your dog thoroughly when you get home.
- Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl on longer walks.
- Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, particularly during lambing season.
- Look after their skin. If your dog is prone to dry, itchy or sensitive skin, a daily skincare routine can make a real difference. Dog Stuff is a natural balm that helps calm irritated skin and supports the skin's natural barrier, while Food Stuff is a 100% natural daily food supplement that supports skin and coat health from within. Used together, they offer gentle inside-and-out support.