The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Nottingham

Nottingham offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking options. You'll find over 110 routes suitable for you and your canine companion, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails around Nottingham, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from ancient woodlands to serene waterside paths, and the well-maintained routes that make for enjoyable outings with their dogs.

Yes, Nottingham has plenty of easy dog-friendly walks. Approximately 45 of the available routes are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog, suitable for families, or for those looking for a less strenuous outing. Many of these can be found in parks like Wollaton Park or along the Nottingham Canal.

The terrain around Nottingham is quite varied. You can expect well-maintained paths through ancient woodlands like Sherwood Forest, gentle trails around lakes and wetlands at places like Attenborough Nature Reserve, and riverside paths along the River Trent. Some areas, particularly in the Nottinghamshire Wolds, offer rolling hills and meadows, while the nearby Peak District provides more rugged, elevated terrain for those seeking a challenge.

Absolutely! Many dog-friendly routes in Nottingham feature beautiful water elements. You can explore trails along the Nottingham Canal and River Trent, or visit areas with lakes such as Clumber Park's picturesque 83-acre lake. Additionally, highlights like Highfields Lake, University Park, and Colwick Country Park Lakes offer scenic waterside walks.

Yes, there are many circular routes perfect for dog walking. For example, the Grantham Canal Path – Colliery Canal Lock Gates loop from Holme Pierrepont offers a pleasant circular walk. Other areas like Clumber Park and sections of the Robin Hood Way also provide excellent circular options for you and your dog.

For scenic views, consider trails in areas like Gedling Country Park, which offers diverse scenery and elevated viewpoints. Bestwood Country Park also provides woodland paths with stunning vantage points of Nottingham. The Nottinghamshire Wolds feature rolling hills that offer expansive countryside vistas.

While specific access rules vary, many outdoor historical sites and their grounds are dog-friendly. For instance, the grounds of Newstead Abbey, Lord Byron's historic home, offer beautiful gardens and outdoor trails. You can also explore areas near historical highlights like Bulwell Hall Ruins or Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (from the outside) on your walks.

Many pubs and cafes in Nottinghamshire are becoming increasingly dog-friendly, especially those located near popular walking routes. While specific establishments aren't listed here, it's always a good idea to check with local businesses directly before your visit to confirm their dog policies. Areas like Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park often have visitor centers or nearby villages with options.

For those seeking a greater challenge, Nottingham offers some moderate to difficult dog-friendly routes. Approximately 60 routes are moderate, and 9 are difficult. While not directly in Nottingham, the Peak District National Park is easily accessible within about an hour and provides significantly more challenging hikes with substantial elevation, such as Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, which are popular with experienced walkers and their dogs.

Nottingham offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn showcases stunning foliage, particularly in woodlands like Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park. Summer is ideal for longer days, but remember to bring plenty of water for your dog. Winter walks can be beautiful, especially after a fresh snowfall, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, many of Nottingham's dog-friendly trails are also suitable for families. The numerous easy routes, particularly in parks like Wollaton Park, Attenborough Nature Reserve, and Gedling Country Park, offer gentle terrain and interesting sights for all ages. These parks often have well-surfaced paths and amenities, making them ideal for a family outing with your dog.