The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Eyam

There are 8 dog-friendly hiking trails around Eyam featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate loops to more challenging treks, all suitable for exploring with your canine companion.

The terrain around Eyam is diverse, reflecting its position where the White Peak limestone dales meet the Dark Peak gritstone edges. You can expect rolling hills, deep valleys, expansive moorlands, and ancient woodlands. Some paths, especially on moorland routes like the one to Sir William Hill, can be uneven, rocky, and muddy, so appropriate footwear for both you and your dog is recommended.

While most routes in this guide are rated as moderate, Eyam offers options that are accessible and scenic. For example, the area has easy loops like the Eyam, Riley Graves, and Cucklet Delf loop (4.2 miles) or the Stoney Middleton loop from Eyam (3.4 miles), which are popular for their accessibility and views within the Peak District National Park. These are generally suitable for families and those seeking a less strenuous walk with their dog.

Eyam's unique history is integrated into many trails. You can visit sites like Plague Cottage, Riley Graves (the burial site of plague victims), and the Boundary Stone, which marked the cordon sanitaire during the 17th-century plague. Natural features include the limestone craglet of Cucklet Delf and the expansive Eyam Moor. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass Sir William Hill Trig Point.

Yes, several routes offer stunning panoramic views. The Sir William Hill Trig Point – View of Eyam loop provides expansive moorland vistas, including views of the Kinder Massif, The Great Ridge, Ladybower, Hathersage, and Stanage Edge. These higher points offer excellent opportunities to take in the diverse Peak District landscape with your dog.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Eyam, with an average score of 4.68 stars. Hikers often praise the combination of historical interest with beautiful natural scenery, the varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks with dogs. The sense of history intertwined with the landscape is a frequently highlighted aspect.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes around Eyam are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Eyam and Derwent Valley Heritage Way Loop and the Abney Moor – Abney loop from Eyam CP, providing convenient options for a full day out.

While many areas in the Peak District are dog-friendly, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code, which advises keeping dogs on a lead around farm animals. Some areas, particularly moorlands, may have specific restrictions during nesting seasons. Look out for local signage.

Yes, for experienced walkers seeking a challenge, routes like the Eyam and Derwent Valley Heritage Way Loop offer longer distances (over 16 km) and significant elevation gain (around 378m). These trails traverse varied terrain, including moorland and valleys, providing a more strenuous workout for you and your dog.

Beyond Eyam's immediate surroundings, the wider Peak District offers many natural attractions. While specific highlights like Mam Tor or Higger Tor are popular peaks and climbs, many trails around Eyam itself feature ancient woodlands, deep cloughs like Bretton Clough, and the geological formation of Cucklet Delf, all accessible with your dog.

Eyam is a welcoming village, and many establishments in the Peak District are becoming increasingly dog-friendly. While specific recommendations are beyond the scope of this guide, it's common to find pubs and cafes in Eyam and nearby villages that welcome well-behaved dogs, often with water bowls available. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand.