The UK is a great place to explore with man’s best friend and there are 7.3 million dog owners across the country to prove it. Pack your walking boots and take your dog on these exciting trails around Britain’s coasts and countryside.

The winter can be a great time to explore frosty landscapes and windswept beaches but these places will be just as fun to explore in summer. There are plenty of places to rest and revive along the way, where four legged friends will also be welcome. Enjoy browsing these dog friendly walks from Hi Tec and let our images inspire you.

The Gower Peninsula

Walking

The Gower Peninsula’s long stretches of wide sandy beaches are great to let your dog run around for hours off the lead. Many beaches in this area of South Wales allow dog access all year. Top canine friendly beaches include the award winning Rhossili beach and Llangennith Bay.

Relax and refresh

The peninsula is full of dog friendly pubs and guest houses, where you can both relax after a long stroll. The Greyhound Inn, in Old Walls, has an open fire in the bar area where your canine chum can warm himself. The pub also offers water for dogs and a full bar menu for humans.

The Scottish Highlands

Walking

The Scottish lochs are riddled with scenic walking trails. There are plenty of interesting sights, smells and sounds that your dog will love exploring. Everywhere you go you’ll find open parkland, forest trails or scented heather. You might even see a stag or two.

Relax and refresh

Many local campsites and homely holiday cottages accommodate dogs. Coire Cas sleeps six and is situated right in the middle if the Cairngorms. For a larger holiday cottage, Croftside house at Allt Mor cottages sleeps nine and has enough room for two dogs.

Cornwall’s Coast

Walking

Cornwall has miles of interconnected public footpaths, scenic fishing villages and stunning views. It is perfect for dog owners who want to take their canine chum on a longer trail or a multicentre walking holiday. There are a number of dog friendly beaches including the beautiful Praa Sands.

Relax and refresh

There are plenty of places to stop along the route. The Old Albion Inn in Crantock has two furry hosts to welcome you and dog, as well as local walks in the surrounding village. Cornwall is also home to a number of dog friendly hotels including the luxurious Helsbury Park holiday cottages and the St Agnes Hotel.

The Lake District

Walking

The open spaces and impressive scenery make the Lake District worth tackling. Your dog will love the different smells, textures and wildlife that you can find on the fells.

Dogs are welcome on many of the popular trails. The walk around Cartmel village includes fantastic sites of the Leven Estuary and some of the area’s historical monuments. Tarn Hows is a gentler walk, which allows you to take in pine forests and Beatrix Potter’s cottage where your dog might enjoy searching for Peter Rabbit.

Relax and refresh

There are plenty of pet friendly B&Bs and cottages for you both to get a good rest. These include the Old Vicarage B&B in Ambleside and Low Nest Farm near Keswick.

Dorset

Walking

Dorset is home to a range of designated dog friendly walks. With the spectacular coastal scenery of the Isle of Purbeck and East Dorset’s countryside, there is plenty of variation for you and your dog to have a fantastic walk.

Relax and refresh

Dorset boasts a number of dog friendly pubs, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Fox Inn at Ansty is situated in a lovely village surrounded by local trails. This pub only allows dogs in the bar area, but will make special arrangements to serve its full restaurant menu to dog owners. The Fox and Hounds at Cattiston is perfect for dogs despite its name. The pub has its own canine menu, which includes pig ears. Dog biscuits are available in exchange for a donation to the RSPCA.

For more walking inspiration, visit www.hi-tec.com/inspiring-uk-walks/