Find out more about North Wales and Cumbria’s most picturesque winter dog walking routes to ensure you have a paw-some time outdoors!
The sun may have set across the skies of North Wales and Cumbria, but there’s plenty of beautiful and natural reasons to enjoy the great outdoors! The colder weather is definitely upon us, and to celebrate the start of this season, we’ve put together a list of must-visit dog-friendly hikes just for you!
Wrap up warm, get that coat on your canine, and enjoy these stunning winter dog walking routes close to one of our Lyons holiday park locations…
Winter dog walking routes in North Wales:
1. Point of Ayr Beach, Talacre
A must-visit landmark for locals and tourists alike, this long and picturesque beach is popular all year round for dog walkers. There are no restrictions in terms of walking your dog in the winter, but do watch out for the quicksand and rising waters!
Always pay attention to the weather, wind direction and tide timetable, and take a flask of coffee as the coastal winds can get rather chilly. Your dog will love this easy and flat walk, and you can enjoy stunning views of the Irish Sea and even the Dee Estuary.
Close to: Lyons St Mary’s Touring Park
Postcode: CH8 9SA
2. Coed y Gopa, Abergele
Boasting stunning views of the town of Abergele and beyond, Coed y Gopa is the perfect place to let your dog off-lead (providing it’s safe and there are no immediate threats around!)
This popular forest is comprised of two stunning wooded hills, offering a plethora of wildlife, natural habitats and flora and fauna for you and your pooch to enjoy. There’s also parking, public access and grassland and even some historical features – find out more here.
Close to: Lyons Lyndale, Lyons Kingsley and Lyons Abbeyffordd
Postcode: LL22 8DS
3. Llangollen History Trail
Looking for breathtaking views, history, wildlife and natural wonders? The Llangollen History Trail is the perfect winter dog walking route for you and your pooch this summer! Take in panoramic views of Castell Dinas Bran, Valle Crucis Abbey and the Horseshoe Falls while your dog enjoys the miles of open space to roam, as well as hills to climb and mountains to conquer!
Close to: Lyons Woodlands Hall
Postcode: Start at Castell Dinas Bran, Valle Crucis Abbey or the Horseshoe Falls
4. Gwydyr Forest, Betws-y-Coed
With plenty of woodland, streams, and grassland to explore, this popular town is a dog’s paradise. Located in the stunning Snowdonian range, Betws Y Coed itself proves for a wonderful day out with the family, with cafes, pubs and gift shops to browse in between walks.
The woods themselves surround the popular town and is considered relatively easy and flat. Off-lead options are available, just ensure, as ever, that it is safe to let your dog loose as this walk can get popular with runners, hikers and families even during winter!
Close to: Lyons Pendyffryn Hall
Postcode: LL24 0AA
Winter dog walking routes in Cumbria:
1. Derwentwater Lakeshore, Keswick
Suitable for dogs – and humans! – of all ages and abilities, this stunning lakeside walk seems daunting at 5 miles long but can easily be cut down or enjoyed over a long meander with a sandwich and a flask of coffee! Enjoy the beautiful changing colours in the leaves of the surrounding woodlands, and take in the crisp chill of the waterside air.
Distance from Lyons Manor House: 27 miles
Postcode: CA12 5XN
2. Castlerigg Stone Circle
You can’t visit Cumbria without taking a trip to this historic monument! Castlerigg Stone Circle is made of local metamorphic slate, and is an absolute vision in the winter! Take in views of Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra on this easy and pleasant walk.
Distance from Lyons Manor House: 25 miles
Postcode: CA12 4RN
3. Aira Force, Penrith
Save this stunning roam for the winter when rainfall and chilly weather make this popular winter dog walking route even more impressive! There are woodlands, waterfalls and hills for you and your pooch to enjoy, and there are options to extend or cut short your walk if you’re feeling brave – or feeling chilly!
Distance from Lyons Manor House: 35 miles
Postcode: CA11 0JY
4. Whinlatter Forest Park, Keswick
Although a man-made forest from WW1, there’s plenty of natural phenomena to ensure you and your four-legged friend have the most paw-some winter hike. Take in panoramic views of the Lake District from England’s sole mountain forest, and there’s even plenty for the humans in the family to enjoy such as Go Ape, segways and even alpaca walks!
Distance from Lyons Manor House: 19 miles
Postcode: CA12 5TW
5. Cumbria Coastal Way
This spectacular designated trail takes in gorgeous views of the entire 180 miles of the Cumbrian Coastal Way. Pick a chunk, pack a picnic, grab your pooch and get ready to be wowed by some of the most stunning secluded beaches, industrial heritage sites and dog-friendly trails. Considered rather challenging due to the potential puddles, climbs and uneven ground, this popular hike is definitely a winter dog walking route to crack on with this season.
Distance from Lyons Manor House: 22 miles
Postcode: start at Whitehaven Harbour, CA28 7HS
We want to see your winter dog walking snaps! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook today for your chance to be featured on our social pages using the hashtag #mylyonsparks!
