As we head towards the end of National Pet month, we wanted to focus on something especially for all the dog owners out there. Whether you are keen to explore your own home county here in Dorset with your best furry friend, or you are planning a holiday this way accompanied by your marvelous mutts, here are some of our favourite Dorset dog walks.
Wareham Forest
With a large area of Heathland and forest to explore, this is a lovely place to explore for both you and your dog. We love visiting first thing in the morning as the sun comes up and shines through the trees. There are loads of great trails and tracks plus open space for your dog to explore off the lead. Just watch out for your dog disappearing off to chase the Silka deer that roam here though!
Highcliffe Beach
This is a beautiful stretch of coastline – dogs are welcome all year round off the lead on the sand and shingle beach. With access to woods too, you and your canine companion can enjoy a varied walk and finish up at Highcliffe Castle Café for a nice cup of Dorset Tea!
Tyneham Village to Worbarrow Bay
The ghost village of Tyneham, was evacuated during WWII and has sat deserted since. With exhibitions in the church and school to look at you can then head off around the village to explore before heading off on a one mile stretch to the Jurassic Coast’s Worbarrow Bay. With no dog restrictions it’s the perfect place for your canine to go crazy and burn off some energy while you take in some sea air!
Sandbanks Beach
If your pooch loves a paddle then why not head to Sandbanks Beach for a sea dip together. You won’t have full run of the beach through the summer but stick to the designated dog walking areas at the western end and you’ll be in close range to LazyJacks where you can pop along for your favourite cup of Dorset Tea!
Stour Valley Nature Reserve
A lovely riverside walk with gravel paths alongside the water or head off on the trails into woodland, grassland, meadows and arboretum. With two dog beaches with priority access you and your pooch can also take some time to cool off in the crystal clear waters. Go first thing and you may even be lucky enough to spot an otter!
Tuckton Tea Gardens and Wick
Sticking with the River Stour, head to this lovely section of river and you and your dog will have plenty to keep you occupied. The river is a hive of activity with boaters, paddleboarders and kayakers meandering past (as well as bird life to tease your pooches). Head from Tuckton Tea Gardens café up towards Wick and you’ll reach a small beach which is a mecca for mutt meet-ups and a lovely place for them to enjoy a splash. You can then continue all the way through Wick Fields and along the path to Hengistbury Head if you fancy a longer walk.
The North Dorset Trailway
Extending 14 miles from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, the North Dorset Trailway is largely made up of sections of the old Somerset and Dorset railway which, until the 1960s, linked Bournemouth and Bristol. With numerous access points you can chose a short section to stroll or take on a longer trek if you and tour dog are up to it. Traffic free, firm surfaces and no stiles make it an accessible route for all to enjoy safely and easily.
We’d love to hear about your favourite spots to walk your beloved pet in Dorset. Find us on Instagram Facebook or Twitter and send us your photo. Or, if you ever like to treat your furry friend, have you seen our Dorset Tea dog bowls available on our gift shop?