We love any excuse for a long walk and adventure (usually accompanied by our furry friends) with the chance to explore the great outdoors, set up a perfect picnic spot and enjoy some fresh air. With so many different walks to choose from, we've teamed up with Crabtree & Crabtree to narrow down our favourites in the North of England and the South of Scotland. We've also got some stunning staycation inspiration to choose from too!
1. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland, England
Stretching across Northumberland’s most wild and beautiful countryside, with many impressive landmarks and viewpoints discover along its length, Hadrian’s Wall is a 73-mile-long defensive barrier. Built by the Romans in 122AD and peppered with castles, barracks, ramparts and forts it’s a fascinating place for a dog walk. The best walks are found in The Northumberland National Park - home to the longest surviving stretch of the wall, several fascinating museums and excavation sites such as Vindolanda, plus the iconic Sycamore’s Gap, where you can stop for a picnic or pose for a picture with your pooch.
Stay nearby: Sleeping four plus two dogs, Aydon Castle Cottage is a charming hideaway for a holiday with your hound. Off the beaten track, yet just three miles from Corbridge, the cottage is cosy and country in feel and has a fully enclosed walled garden. Nestled in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country and hugged by lush woodland, it is surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that you can explore with your dog – walkies heaven!
2. North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
Equally as idyllic for windswept beach wanders, a potter round independent shops and visit to very dog-friendly coffee shops as it is for those feeling energetic, coastal North Berwick is one of our favourite dog walking destinations. Scamper up to the top of North Berwick Law – a small but steep local hill with stunning panoramic vistas over coastal East Lothian and beyond or set off east along the beaches and coastal paths to see the ruins of Tantallon Castle, once a stronghold of the Douglas family. If you’re after a longer adventure, you can link up with the John Muir Way and wander along to Dunbar or along the coast towards Gullane and beyond to Edinburgh.
Stay nearby: Just three miles from the East Lothian Coast, Fenton Lodge (sleeping 4 + 1 dog) is an outstanding two-bed, two-bathroom lodge house with vast views across rich rolling countryside and over the 16th century Fenton Tower (which you can also rent through Crabtree & Crabtree). Beautifully appointed, it’s the perfect place to retire to after a long day exploring the many footpaths, beaches and golf courses, which are all within an easy striking distance.
3. Yorkshire Wolds Way, Yorkshire, England
For a good scenic countryside yomp, we love to head to the characteristic dry valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds. Known as ‘dales’ or ‘slacks’ by the locals, these dry valleys criss-cross the Yorkshire Wolds plateau and offer peace and quiet in spades. Take in the steep-sided valleys and expansive views on the seven-mile circular route that starts and finishes in the in the village of Fridaythorpe. Following some of the Yorkshire Wolds way for part of the route, this walk combines some well-trodden paths with some more off-the-beaten track trails.
Stay nearby: Set in a pretty Yorkshire Wolds village with plenty of countryside walks on the doorstep, Rose Cottage is an ideal base for those looking to explore the best of God’s Own Country. With a farmhouse kitchen, a fire-warmed sitting room and three comfortable double bedrooms, this charming cottage sleeps six and welcomes up to two dogs.
4. St Abb’s, Berwickshire, Scotland
If you’re in the mood for fresh sea air, sea swims in sheltered coves and craggy coastal scenery aplenty, then a walk through the rocky grasslands and along the rugged clifftops of St Abbs Head is just the ticket. Wild, refreshing and teeming with birdlife you’ll feel far from it all while exploring this coastal trail – but in reality, it’s very easily accessed from the A1. Follow the 2-mile Discovery Trail with the optional additions of the Lighthouse Loop (additional 1 mile) and Mire Loch Loop (additional ½ mile), which takes in the stunning sights of the volcano-formed cliffs.
Stay nearby: Take in sweeping views of sugar-soft golden sands and the ocean beyond while staying at one of Crabtree & Crabtree’s six sleek seaside apartments at Coldingham Bay. A scenic coastal walk (or short drive) away from St. Abb’s this sheltered bay is the perfect place to call home while you and your furry friend explore the stunning surrounding coastline. (all the images in this folder are of coldingham bay – sadly we don’t have permission to share any of st. Abb’s).
5. The Eildon Hills, Melrose, Scotland
The triple-peaked Eildon Hill is probably the best known, most loved and most recognisable landmark in the Scottish Borders. With a volcanic past, the hills overlook the beautiful valley of the River Tweed and have long inspired folklore and writers including the Sir Walter Scott – his beloved Borders home Abbotsford lies just a few miles away – who included them in his The Lay of the Last Minstrel. With a choice of distances for walkers and dogs of all abilities an invigorating hike up the Eildons – followed by refreshments in the handsome market town of Melrose after - is a memorable way to view the surrounding Borders landscape from a new perspective.
Stay nearby: Enjoy outstanding views across rolling Borders countryside and over the Eildon Hills from the comfort of your holiday home at the Smiddy – part of a superb barn conversion that comprises three other fantastic properties: the Brye, Granary and Stables. Sleeping four plus two dogs this light-filled space combines fantastic views with relaxed open-plan living.
6. Craster, Northumberland, England
If you and your dog love long sandy beach walks and bracing sea swims, then the beautiful 6-mile loop from Craster to Low Newton and back is for you. Starting in the famous fishing village of Craster, this walk passes the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and runs along Embleton Sands taking in the best of the Northumberland Coast. Stop for a slap-up mid-way lunch at the Ship Inn at Newton before enjoying the sights in reverse.
Stay nearby: With breathtaking sea views, a village pub and wonderful beach walks which extend for mile-upon-perfect-mile, Calder Cottage is an idyllic base for two, plus one dog. Just half a mile from the beach, seaside picnics, dramatic sunsets and early morning swims are all order of the day when you stay here.
We'd love to hear about all your favourite walks! Let us know in the comments below.