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12 January 2024
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It’s one of the most beautiful spots in all the UK – with crystal-clear lakes, stunning mountains and breathtaking valleys. The Lake District is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors in all its rugged glory. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this English gem will capture your heart. As one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations, it’s also a truly pawsome destination for our four-legged friends, guaranteed to get their tails wagging!
Your dog will love the sights, sounds and smells of the Lake District. Think of it as a wild, unspoilt adventure playground! Just imagine your dog walking with you on a windswept mountain, surrounded by breathtaking views – the purpling heather, the rolling hills, the lush forests, the crisp, clean air. Those puppy-dog eyes are going to light up like a Christmas tree!
You could spend a lifetime in the Lake District and still be left wanting more. However, in this blog post, we’ve only got 48 hours – so let’s make the most of it!
The Lake District is an epic national park, and it can feel overwhelming wondering how to fit in as much as possible when you’re only staying for a couple of days. Our top tip is to choose a central location such as Keswick or Windermere – these are close to some of the best attractions the Lakes has to offer. You don’t want to waste hours of precious time travelling between destinations, so make sure you choose the most convenient location possible.
Arrive in the Lake District and take some time to explore Windermere. If you want to take it easy, just sit back, relax and enjoy a boat cruise around the lake. Dogs ride for free! Or if you fancy stretching your legs, you could take the Orrest Head Viewpoint Walk, which is well signposted from the Windermere Hotel. The route is a 3.5km round trip and offers panoramic views over Windermere and the central fells. It only takes around 20 minutes to reach the summit so it’s a nice way to ease you and your dog in for the weekend! If you’re looking for a great place to eat, we recommend the Boardwalk Bar & Grill, a lovely dog-friendly destination in Windermere!
Take a trip to Coniston (about 30 minutes’ drive from Windermere) and embark on the short but picturesque Tom Gill Waterfall walk, starting at the Glen Mary Bridge National Trust car park. The epic waterfall drops 30 feet into the gorge below and is a beauty to behold. For those with energetic pooches, continue to Tarn Hows to extend the walk – and if you’re lucky, tire them out!
Another great dog-friendly walk in Coniston is the Banishead Quarry & Waterfall. Park at Walnar Scar Road car park and enjoy exploring the remnants of this old slate mine, its crystalline waters and waterfall. Cumbria’s iconic mountain, The Old Man of Coniston, offers a beautiful backdrop for most of the walk. After all that exploring, we recommend having a bite to eat at Herdwicks Café & Bistro, a superb choice for dog lovers!
There’s a wealth of attractions in Keswick but the one thing you absolutely must do is the Catbells walk! The 3.5-mile Catbells walking route will take you to the summit of this beautiful mountain, offering stunning panoramic views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale. Trust us, the views will take your breath away – and your dog will love it! The trail is suitable for hikers of most abilities but there is a short scrambling section that you can avoid by taking the south ascent.
Another jewel in Keswick’s crown is the Castlerigg Stone Circle, believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. If you’ve never seen Stonehenge before, this is the next best thing! Dating back to around 3000 BC, the stone circle is an awe-inspiring spectacle, with some 38 free-standing stones. You and your dog will feel like ancient Druids when you reach this spot! It’s a great place for a picnic, with fantastic views of fields and mountains – or why not enjoy some tasty pub grub at the dog-friendly Pack Horse Inn in Keswick if you don’t fancy dining al fresco?
This 48-hour itinerary has barely scratched the surface of all that the Lake District has to offer you and your four-legged friend – but hopefully it’s given you plenty of inspiration for your next road trip. There is so much to see and do in the Lakes, you really will be spoiled for choice! Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, admiring beautiful waterfalls, or gazing across crystalline waters, the Lakes is a veritable feast for the senses! For now, it’s time to head home – no doubt with a tired and happy pooch at your side!
Here at No Fuss Travel Guides, we absolutely love dogs – and it’s no surprise that they are our faithful companions for many a road trip. In fact, we believe the journey of life is sweeter when travelled with a dog. That’s why we created the Dog-Friendly Weekends Away UK guidebook, which is packed with ideas and itineraries for you and your furry friend to enjoy. The Lake District is one of just many locations we’ve covered in this book. You can order your copy here – and start planning your next weekend getaway with your four-legged bestie!
