5 Dog-Friendly Lake District Pub Walks
That’s right, we’ve rounded up 5 fantastic Lake District dog-friendly walks that combine a pit stop at a cosy Lakeland pub, dreams really do come true. Any dog owner will know that our four-legged friends love nothing more than exploring new terrain especially, so where better to let them run free than here in the beautiful Lake District.
Dog Friendly Pub Walk #1: Stickle Tarn, Langdale
Walk Grade: Challenging
Distance: 1.9 miles
Time: 2 hours
Pub Stop: Sticklebarn, Langdale
A steep path from Sticklebarn follows Stickle Ghyll up the valley. However, don’t let this put you off. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to catch your breath and stop and admire the dramatic scenery including waterfalls and rock pools. The walk also offers fantastic views of Lingmoor. Find walk details here.
A route starting from the National Trust run pub Sticklebarn, nestled in the awe-inspiring valley of Langdale. Sticklebarn offers real ales, hearty food and crackling fires. Therefore, it’s the perfect place for you and your four-legged friend to relax after a bracing walk.
Dog Friendly Pub Walk #2: Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
Grade: Easy
Distance: 2.4 Miles
Time: 1hr 30
Pub Stop: The Brittania Inn, Elterwater
A pleasant walk from Elterwater toward Skelwith following well-maintained paths. The walk takes in serene lakeside meadows, waterfalls and woodland. This is a great walk for those wet weather days where the fells are not as accessible. Also, you’ll find Chesters Cafe at the turning point should you need a mid-walk refreshment. Find Further walk details here.
The Brittania Inn is a traditional Lakeland pub situated in the Langdale Valley. Offering idyllic views, cosy nooks and delicious food, this is most certainly a great place to sit and watch the world pass by, whatever the season.
Dog Friendly Pub Walk #3: Coniston to Tarn Hows
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 6.2 Miles
Time: 2 Hours 30
Pub Stop: The Black Bull Inn, Coniston
A charming walk from Coniston village up to the scenic Tarn Hows which offers beautiful views no matter the season. The walk gently climbs out of the village, passing the lakeshore and through historic woodland before arriving at Tarn Hows where a scenic circular route awaits. To make the route shorter (2 miles – 1 hour) or for those who have mobility issues, you can drive up to Tarn Hows and park in the National Trust car park, allowing you just to complete the circular walk before returning to Coniston village. You can find walk details here.
Nestled in the heart of Coniston, The Black Bull Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the village, offering cosy fires in winter a great outdoor seating area during the summer months, this is certainly the place to enjoy a lazy afternoon. Brewing their own award-winning beer on-site and offering hearty meals, you and your four-legged friend will certainly enjoy your time spent here.
Dog Friendly Pub Walk #4: Grizedale Forest (Carron Crag Trail)
Grade: Hard
Distance: 3 Miles
Time: 2 hours
Pub Stop: Eagles Head, Satterthwaite
Starting and ending at Grizedale Visitors Centre, this circular woodland walk leads up to Carron Crag, the highest point in Grizedale Forest at 314m. Although the climb uphill may be strenuous, the panoramic views towards Coniston Old Man and the Central Lakeland fells are worth the effort. Please note that the trail can be muddy in places (depending on the weather so you might want to pack a towel to wipe down your canine companion). Route details inlcuding trail map can be found here.
The Eagles Head is a 400 year old country pub situated in the idyllic Grizedale Valley. Roaring fires and low beamed ceilings add to the rustic charm of this pub. Serving hearty meals and with views in every direction towards Grizedale Forest this is certainly a welcome haven following a day of forest adventures.
Dog Friendly Pub Walk #5: Grasmere & Rydal Water
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.6 Miles
Time: 2hr 30
Pub Stop: Tweedies Bar, Grasmere
This varied circular walk starts and ends in Grasmere village, taking in both Grasmere and Rydal water. Whilst there are small sections of road walking, the majority of the route follows forest and lakeside trails plus there are plenty of opportunities for water loving dogs to take a dip along the way. Find route details here.
Calling all real ale fans, Tweedies Bar is a CAMRA award winning pub offering a multitude of local and nationally brewed ales. Te pub also offers ample outdoor seating, perfect for the summer months and in the winter fires roar away. Renowned locally for its food offering, Tweedies Bar certainly won’t disappoint.
Dog Friendly Lakes Escapes
To conclude, if the above has wet your appetite for a Lake District adventure with your canine companion, why not treat your pet to a Lake District escape and come stay in one of our dog-friendly cottages, with roaring fires and plenty of walks straight from the door you’re canine companion is sure to enjoy their stay!
Crag Cottage, Coniston, sleeps 4 (2 dogs welcome)
Waverley, Coniston, sleeps 16 (2 dogs welcome)