Dog-friendly pub walks and winter hikes

The UK has some amazing hikes that are worth the ramble year-round. But we know what you want when you’re walking with your tailmate in tow in winter: a warm, dog-friendly pub at the end of it.

Here, we share our favourite winter dog-friendly pub walks in the UK. Whether you want a refreshing pint or a warm meal at the end of it, we’re sure they’ll tick the box!

Should you hike or have a long walk with a dog in winter?

Sorry to give a bit of a non-answer, but it depends. Here are the factors to consider:

Visibility (how much light is left)

It’s essential you don’t get caught out on the trail at night if you’re unprepared - it’s dangerous for both you and your dog. So, make sure you time your walk properly to avoid the early nighttime in winter.

However, if you’re planning on taking your dog on a non-hike, local walk after the sun goes down, our guide on walking your dog at night can help.

Trail conditions and weather

The weather and trail conditions are the real barometer of whether a walk is dangerous or not. While many dogs can enjoy cooler weather, things get dangerous when it’s very cold, and you should avoid trails with icy conditions, as these increase the likelihood of trips, slips, and falls. Heavy rain or fog can also make conditions treacherous so check the forecast before leaving home.

Your dog’s health and breed

Dogs with thick, double coats, like Huskies or Malamutes, tend to fare better in cold weather, while those with thin coats, like Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, struggle. These breeds shouldn’t be exposed to chilly temperatures for very long.

You’ll also need to consider your dog’s age and health - you shouldn’t walk old, very young or sick dogs for lengthy periods in the winter cold. Oh, you’ll need to consider whether your dog likes the cold.

Things like dog jackets can help make things more comfortable for your canine companion, but it’s important to be realistic about their physical abilities when planning a hike.

When is it too cold for winter walks with dogs?

Here’s a quick look at when it’s too cold for dogs to go for a walk:

• 7°C (45°F): Only dogs well-adapted to the cold will feel comfortable in this range.

• 0°C (32°F): Dangerous for most dogs out for prolonged lengths of time, but especially small, thin-coated ones.

• -6°C (20°F): Too cold for most dogs. This is highly dangerous. In this range, cold-related health problems, like hypothermia, are a risk.

It’s more important, though, to monitor for signs that your dog is too cold and adapt accordingly. Hypothermia signs in dogs include:

• Confusion

• Decrease in alertness

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle stiffness

• Slowed breathing

• Very strong lethargy or weakness

Our article on walking dogs in winter can cover more if you need it, and always see a vet if your pet has any of the signs above.

England (South & North)

The South Downs Way & The Half Moon, Plumpton

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 2/5. The Downs tends to have chalky soil, so it doesn’t stay boggy for too long. Do check the weather beforehand, though.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: It’s a very exposed walk - don’t go if it’s near sundown. You should plan around three hours for your walk. It’s preferable to do this earlier in the day, like mid-morning.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Plumpton train station is nearby.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: Very dog-friendly pub, and some reviewers have noted communal dog towels by the door.

• Drying Areas: Large, open bar area with stone floors and a traditional fireplace.

• Dog-friendliness: Very dog-friendly pub, with occasional goodies for well-behaved pups (AKA all of them).

Malham Cove & The Lister Arms, North Yorkshire

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 4/5. The rocks can get very slippery, so it’s only worthwhile on a mild winter’s day.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: The limestone pavement can be incredibly slippery in icy conditions; avoid it in icy or very wet conditions.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Malham National Park car park is large but fills early. Local "DalesBus" services are significantly reduced in winter.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: The pub offers a "dog wash" station with towels for resident and visiting canines.

• Drying Areas: A quintessential cosy pub with gorgeous interiors and plenty of nooks to rest and recover.

• Dog-friendliness: Dogs are allowed in the pub, but they aren’t allowed in the restaurant.

Kingston-upon-Thames to Hampton Court and the Mute Swan pub

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 1/5. A rare winter win! The majority of this route is paved or well-drained gravel. Ideal for those who want a cleaner-paw walk despite the winter rain.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: It’s a well-marked path, but there’s no lighting along long stretches of the river. Make sure you go earlier in the day. Prepare for cyclists, too, and pack reflective clothing if you’re on the path near dusk.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Direct trains from London Waterloo to either end. If driving, the Hampton Court Green car park is your best bet. Make sure your pet is well-prepared for public transport.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: The Mute Swan provides a dedicated "Dog Station" near the entrance with fresh water and a communal "lost and found" for tennis balls.

• Drying Areas: As a cosy pub, it features log fires and deep rugs in the bar area, where dogs are treated well.

• Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome in the bar, but not the restaurant.

West Hythe Giraffe Walk to Unit#1 Microbar

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 2/5. Mostly flat, surfaced paths along the Royal Military Canal. It can get a bit puddly, though.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: The path is very exposed to coastal winds. The "Giraffe-spotting" fence line is unlit, so aim to finish your safari loop by 3PM at the latest.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Difficult to get to by bus. You can park at the West Hythe car park but it’s small. Some pet parents prefer to park in the Prince of Wales pub.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: Unit#1 is near a boutique dog shop, so you can often find high-quality drying towels and grooming supplies on-site. But no official muddy paws station.

• Drying Areas: It’s a well-insulated space, but there’s no official drying areas - so make sure you bring a towel with you!

• Dog-friendliness: Lots of treats from the dog shop on-site.

Bulkeley Hill Circular to The Bickerton Poacher

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 4/5. The Sandstone Trail sections can become a "clay-slide" in mid-winter. Stick to the ridge paths to avoid the worst of the boggy valley floor. Pick a dry, mild day for this.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: The elevation offers great views, but the descent through the woods becomes treacherous in twilight. Plan to finish early in the day.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Very limited public transport. The pub has a big car park. Roads can be dangerous, so drive safely in winter.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: No dedicated washing stations.

• Drying Areas: The Bickerton Poacher is a sprawling, traditional space with multiple open fires and hard stone floors that radiate warmth. Perfect for a damp dog!

• Dog-friendliness: No dedicated dog menu. Dogs are only allowed in the bar area.

Scotland (Lowlands & Highlands)

The Hermitage & The Taybank, Dunkeld

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 3/5. Well-maintained paths, but expect "crunchy" frozen mud or slush near the waterfalls.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: The forest canopy makes it dark very early. Make sure you’re all done by 3PM. The walk is considered easy.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Dunkeld & Birnam station is a short walk away. The main Hermitage car park can be icy.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: No formal shower, but the pub provides a "hydration station" and plenty of floor space for wet dogs.

• Drying Areas: The Taybank features comfy, warm interiors with a dog-centric atmosphere. There’s no dedicated drying area, so pack towels.

• Dog-friendliness: A fully dog-friendly pub in the “most dog-friendly town” in Scotland!

Elie Chainwalk/Beach & The Ship Inn, Fife

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 1/5. Sand doesn’t get muddy.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: Be extremely careful with the tide. You must check the tide times beforehand. Aim to finish well before sundown (3PM).

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Ample parking in Elie. Bus services from St Andrews are reliable but finish early in the evening.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: Outside tap and hose available for rinsing, but it may be a bit too cold for that!

• Drying Areas: Underfloor heating in parts of the bar area makes it cosy for wet, tired dogs.

• Dog-friendliness: Very dog-friendly with a special doggy menu.

Burns Circular Walk to The Globe, Dumfries

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 3/5. Gets muddy in the forested sections, so prepare accordingly.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: Walk takes around an hour to 90 minutes to finish, so make sure you plan to get it all done by 3PM. The trail is moderately difficult.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: There’s a bus or train to Dumfries. For parking, you can park in the Robert Burns Museum car park or find on-street parking near the circular walk.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: There’s a nearby pet-friendly coffee shop called Paws & Go which has a dog shower service. Fancy!

• Drying Areas: No dedicated drying area. Pack towels!

• Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome in the bar only, but it’s cosy enough in there - trust us!

Wales (North & South)

The Garth Mountain & Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, Cardiff

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 4/5. The lower woodland sections can be a "quagmire" after rain; the upper ridge is drier but rocky. Avoid if it’s icy or rainy.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: The path is steep and can be confusing in fog. Pick a mild, clear day if possible.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: Limited street parking in the village. The Stagecoach bus from Cardiff stops right outside the pub.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: The pub has a hose in the rear garden area for a quick rinse. Perhaps avoid this in the cold, though!

• Drying Areas: A cosy, stone-walled downstairs bar with a massive open hearth. Perfect for cleaning up mucky pups!

• Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome in the beer garden and bar, but must be kept on-leash.

Llangollen Canal & The Sun Trevor, Denbighshire

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 4/5. Can get boggy after heavy rain. Areas of the towpath are well-packed gravel, but other parts become a quagmire.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: Since you’re so close to water, make sure you only walk here in the daytime. Aim to finish around 3PM.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: The pub has its own large car park. Canal boaters often moor right outside.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: Dog towels are often provided at the entrance during the winter months.

• Drying Areas: Roaring log fires ensure your dog will warm up and dry quickly.

• Dog-friendliness: Dog-friendly pub, with a well-liked doggy menu.

Laugharne, Carmarthenshire to Brown's Hotel

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 3/5. Some parts can get very muddy, but it’s mostly tarmac paths and boardways. The steps to Dylan Thomas’s home may get slippery.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: You should only walk here in the day since it’s near an estuary. Check tide times carefully beforehand.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: There’s a car park near Laugharne Castle. Make sure you keep your dogs leashed if you walk through the town, since the roads are very tight. There is very limited on-street parking.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: No dedicated section.

• Drying Areas: No dedicated section.

• Dog-friendliness: Brown’s Hotel is dog-friendly, meaning you can both feel cultured as you sit in Dylan Thomas’s favourite haunt.

Northern Ireland (Antrim & Fermanagh)

Divis Ridge Trail & The Dirty Onion, Belfast

• The "Mud-Factor" Rating: 3/5. The Ridge Trail has a gravel path, but open sections get very muddy.

• Daylight Safety & Navigation: Cloud can descend rapidly here, reducing visibility to meters. Stick strictly to the marked paths and make sure the weather is clear.

• Public Transport vs. Parking: National Trust car park at the trailhead. You can likely get a taxi from Belfast.

• The "Muddy Paws" Station: No dedicated area.

• Drying Areas: Famous for its massive peat fire. Expect warmth, a toasty smell and nice vibes while you and your dog dry off.

• Dog-friendliness: Known for "Doggie Social" events and homemade treats.

ManyPets Approved

Want to see more dog-friendly places?

Discover more