Top 10 Woodland Walks for Dogs in England

Why Dogs Love Woodland Walks

Woodland walks are often the best choice for dogs. The canopy provides shade in summer and shelter in rain. The varied terrain, scents and wildlife stimulate dogs mentally. And the enclosed environment makes off-lead walking easier, even for dogs with imperfect recall.

Our Top 10 Woodland Walks

1. Epping Forest, Greater London - 6,000 acres of ancient woodland on London's edge. Off-lead throughout with no seasonal restrictions. Ancient pollarded hornbeam and beech create an atmospheric landscape.

2. Delamere Forest, Cheshire - 2,400 acres of mixed woodland with waymarked trails, a lake and dedicated dog walking routes. Flat terrain and good paths make it accessible year-round.

3. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria - Lake District forest with sculpture trails through the trees. Off-lead in the forest with mountain views through gaps in the canopy.

4. Glen Affric, Highland - Ancient Caledonian pine forest, one of the finest remnants of the great Scottish forest. Off-lead walking with red squirrel, deer and golden eagle sightings possible.

5. Savernake Forest, Wiltshire - Ancient forest with cathedral-like avenues of beech trees. Off-lead walking on quiet tracks. The only privately owned forest in England.

6. Padley Gorge, Derbyshire - Sessile oak woodland along a boulder-strewn stream. The autumn colours are among the finest in England. Dogs love the stream crossings.

7. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - 42 square miles of ancient forest with wild boar, fallow deer and designated dog walking areas. A magical landscape that feels genuinely wild.

8. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire - Home of the Major Oak, estimated at 800 years old. Waymarked trails through ancient woodland with off-lead areas.

9. Bolderwood, New Forest - Towering Douglas fir and redwoods in the heart of the New Forest. Deer viewing platform and well-maintained trails through atmospheric woodland.

10. Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire - Ancient royal hunting forest with a quiet, mystical atmosphere. Spring wildflowers and bluebells carpet the forest floor.

Tips for Woodland Walking with Dogs

Check for ticks after every woodland walk, particularly in spring and summer. Carry a tick removal tool. Be aware of adders in sunny clearings. Keep dogs away from forestry operations. Respect any temporary path closures.