Dog Walks in Buxton
18 walks to explore with your dog in Buxton, Derbyshire
Buxton sits right on the edge of the Peak District's White and Dark Peak boundary, making it one of the most rewarding bases in the country for a weekend of walking with your dog. At 1,000 feet above sea level, it's the highest market town in England, and that elevation gives you near-instant access to gritstone edges, reservoir loops and limestone dales the moment you pull the boots on.
The spa-town centre is compact and easy to navigate with a lead-bound dog, and the Pavilion Gardens alongside the River Wye are a gentle place to stretch legs before heading out to something wilder. Most visitors come here specifically for the walking — the trail network radiating out from Buxton is genuinely enormous, with easy reservoir circuits for older dogs and big moorland days for the stronger walkers.
Best Dog Walks in Buxton
The Goyt Valley Reservoirs Walk (4 to 7 miles, easy to moderate) is the classic Buxton starter — quiet forestry tracks, two reservoirs, and plenty of water access for dogs that love a swim. For something more dramatic, The Roaches Walk (4 to 6 miles, moderate) climbs onto one of Staffordshire's most iconic gritstone edges with huge views across the moors. In spring, Lud's Church Walk (3 to 5 miles, easy) is a shaded, mossy ravine that feels a world away from the open tops. Closer to town, the Buxton to Solomon's Temple Walk is a quick 3 to 5 mile loop that gets you a panoramic viewpoint without needing to drive anywhere.
Planning Your Visit
Parking is best at Pavilion Gardens or the Market Place pay-and-display for in-town walks; for the reservoirs use the Errwood or Fernilee car parks off the A5004. Be aware that much of the open moorland has ground-nesting birds from March to July, so dogs should be on leads during that window. There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs around The Crescent for a post-walk pint, and several dog-friendly Buxton pubs welcome muddy paws in their flagstone bars. If you're planning a bigger day out, most routes in the area are navigable year-round, but winter snow can close some of the higher lanes without warning.
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