Yorkshire trail crowned the dog-friendly hike capital of the UK — full list of locations
The Lake District may hold several spots, but one Yorkshire village has been crowned the best hike for families and their canine companions
As the mercury begins to rise and the summer of 2026 approaches, dog owners are being encouraged to swap the local park for the ‘best of the best’ in the British countryside.
Outdoor experts at Millets have conducted a comprehensive study into the UK's walking trails, ranking them based on average user ratings, the sheer volume of reviews, and trail difficulty to create a definitive ‘Dog-Friendly Hike Score.’
To calculate their scores, the research team used a weighted index to ensure the most reliable results for pet owners, factoring in the sheer volume of reviews alongside the average rating.
The study prevented one-hit wonders (trails with only a handful of five-star reviews) from skewing the results.
This approach prioritised consistency, ensuring that the top-ranked locations are tried-and-tested favourites with a proven track record of accessibility and quality for dogs of all sizes.
Additionally, the inclusion of trail difficulty allows owners to gauge whether a hike is a gentle stroll for our smaller companions, or a more demanding ‘moderate’ trek suited for high-energy breeds.
After the dust had settled, there was one clear winner - and only a mere 90 minutes away from Leeds city centre.
Where is the best dog-friendly hiking spot in the United Kingdom?
According to the data, the gold medal goes to the Malham Landscape Trail in North Yorkshire.
Earning a massive 9.37 out of 10 on the ‘Dog-Friendly Hike Score,’ this trail is a triple threat of Yorkshire beauty, taking in the magical waterfall of Janet’s Foss, the dramatic ravine of Gordale Scar, and the world-famous limestone pavement of Malham Cove.
While the Lake District had more entries in the top 10 overall, none could match the consistent high ratings and accessibility that Malham offers for both humans and their four-legged companions.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the UK
While Yorkshire takes the crown, the Lake District dominated the volume of the list. Here are the top ten trails in the UK according to the study:
- 1. Malham Landscape Trail (Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove) – Yorkshire (Score: 9.37)
- 2. Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular – The Lake District (Score: 8.96)
- 3. Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular – The Lake District (Score: 8.76)
- 4. Buttermere Circular – The Lake District (Score: 8.48)
- 5. Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley) – Glencoe, Scotland (Score: 8.42)
- 6. Rydal Water and Cave Circular – The Lake District (Score: 7.80)
- 7. Simonside and Dove Crag Circular – Northumberland (Score: 7.46)
- 8. Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn – Anglesey, Wales (Score: 7.40)
- 9. Box Hill, Lodge Hill and Juniper Hill Circular – Surrey (Score: 7.39)
- 10. Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Circular – Derbyshire (Score: 7.33)