Dog-friendly walks near me

In the heart of the city and out in the countryside, waterways have always been popular places to take a stroll. And with over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers to explore, there's plenty of room for everyone. So if your dog's as polite and respectful as you are, then grab that lead and take to the towpath for some dog-friendly walks.

Make sure everyone has a good time

• Keep your dog on a short lead around busy spots like locks and bridges
• Make sure they're wearing a collar with an ID tag
• Please pick up anything your dog might drop and pop it in a bin

And we're sorry, but however tempting it might be, we can't let dogs swim in the canals. Think of the ducks.

Paula Boyden, deputy veterinary director at the Dogs Trust, says “Many dog owners enjoy taking their dogs for walks along the canals and rivers because it's generally quite quiet. Many city dwellers find the peaceful nature of the waterways a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. All dogs enjoy a long walk and exploring with their noses, so all the smells – people, boats and animals – are wonderful for environment enrichment.”

Staying safe

During the winter, it's especially important to keep your dog on a lead when enjoying a walk. Dogs can easily get distracted by ducks and geese and if the canal is frozen they can run onto what they think is solid ground.

If your dog does go into the water, don't jump in after it, instead:

• Keep your voice calm and encourage your dog to swim over to you where you can lift them out more safely
• If they are unable to do this, try to reach them with a line or long branch

Dog-friendly sites on the canals

All these places welcome dogs but may require dogs to be on leads. This list is not exhaustive, these are just some of our favourites.

Cassiobury Park, Watford

Cassiobury Park is Watford's secret gem - not too far from the town centre. The park is a tranquil and relaxing place, and also a great location to walk your dog and watch the boats glide past on the Grand Union Canal. Don't miss the hump back bridge by the lock.

Fradley Junction, Staffordshire

Fradley Junction is where the Trent & Mersey Canal meets the Coventry Canal. There are a number of walking routes around the site, with information boards giving an insight into the local canal history.

Foxton Locks, Leicestershire

This famous flight of ten locks on the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is the centre of a popular site for walkers, where visitors can view the historic Foxton Inclined Plane – a pioneering boat lift from the early 20th century – and spend time spotting wildlife around the side ponds that supply the locks with water. Dogs should be kept on the lead around the locks and inclined plane, but there are plenty of off-lead walks nearby. Both the pubs and the café on site have dog-friendly areas.

Hatton Flight, Warwickshire

This picturesque spot on the Grand Union Canal was once known as the 'stairway to heaven' by boatmen. The flight was widened in the 1930s, and the old narrow locks can still be seen alongside the new ones. A walk here is a great chance to watch the boats go by, and the area is well-provided with dog waste bins at locks 26, 36, 41, 43 and 45.

Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire

This two-and-a-half-mile-long lake was created to keep the West Midlands canal network supplied with water and is now a popular leisure attraction for water sports, fishing and, of course, dog walking. The distance around the lake is about five miles, or if you want to venture further afield, you can join the Staffordshire Way, which runs along the western side of the lake.

Bingley Five-Rise Locks, Yorkshire

This Grade I listed structure dates back to the 18th century and is the steepest flight of locks in the UK. It's a staircase lock, meaning that the lower gate of one lock forms the upper gate of the next. A boat going through the locks is an impressive sight that often draws a crowd of walkers who have stopped to watch. Dogs can be off the lead along this stretch of canal, but it's recommended that they be kept on the lead by the locks themselves.

Bugsworth Basin, Derbyshire

The only remaining interchange between a canal and a tramway, this historic site at the head of the Peak Forest Canal has been restored and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A heritage trail with information boards guides visitors around the canal, tramways, warehouses and wharves. Dogs are allowed on the towpath on the lead.