The best Boxing Day walks with your dog (2025 guide)

We all love our Boxing Day walk, and it’s the perfect way to walk away all of the sins we may have eaten over the festive period. Plus, it means we get to spend more time with our family, and that includes our tailmates. But picking where to go can get difficult, so we're here to help. Here, we list our favourite Boxing Day walks with your dog across the UK, and some tips to enjoy your post-Christmas stroll. Best Boxing Day walks in England The Catbells, Lake District (agile dogs only) Symonds Yat Lackford Lakes Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings, South Downs The Cotswolds Way (any section) Best Boxing Day walks in Scotland Mull of Galloway Trail The Hermitage Ben A'an Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve Urquhart Bay Woods and Loch Ness Circular Best Boxing Day walks in Wales The Garth Mountain, Cardiff Beddgelert, Snowdonia Sgwd yr Eira, Brecon Beacons Pembrokeshire Coast Path Rodney’s Pillar Best Boxing Day walks in Northern Ireland The Mournes Gortin Glen Forest Park Portstewart Strand Castlewellan Forest Park Causeway Coast Best Boxing Day walks near major UK cities London Manchester and Leeds Liverpool and Wrexham Birmingham Bristol Cardiff and Swansea Glasgow and Edinburgh Belfast Dog-friendly pubs and cafés for a post-walk treat Now, we know why you really want to go on that Boxing Day walk...it’s for the post-walk cuppa and snacks! We know it’s difficult to find dog-friendly pubs and cafés, especially if you’re somewhere new. But that’s why we’ve got ManyPets Approved - your go-to guide to dog-friendly businesses near you. If you and your dog are hungry or thirsty for more, then check out ManyPets Approved below for our handpicked selection of the best dog-friendly bars, cafés and things to do. The Boxing Day walk logistics Are car parks open on Boxing Day? Yes, most will be, but make sure you check first. Parking is usually free, but as ever, each car park will have its own rules and regulations. As general guidance: Tips for dealing with busy trails and crowds on Boxing Day Consider your dog’s temperament It’s important to think about your dog’s personality, likes and dislikes beforehand. Dogs who aren’t a fan of crowds may enjoy a more local, quieter walk, for example. Pick a sensible time of day The best times to start your walk depend on you and your dog, but if they’re shy, try going at quieter times like early in the morning. Don’t go so early that it’s dark and freezing, but you can expect peak times to fall in the late morning and after lunch. If you’re going off-peak, plan in advance so you’re not caught out in the dark . Train beforehand We know Christmas and winter are popular times of the year to get a dog, but make sure they’re well-trained to handle walks and crowds before for a long walk. Socialisation training, for example, is a must, and it’s helpful if your dog is comfortable around basic commands like “stay” and “sit”. Use a leash New trails mean you aren’t always aware of risks, so please keep your dog leashed if possible, especially if you’re on a coastal walk or near peaks. Plus, a lot of the walks we’ve suggested above have livestock on them, so you’ll need a leash. Use quiet spots Take quiet moments on the walk to rest with your dog, and reward them with treats and praise if they’ve behaved well - this helps positively reinforce being calm. Walking a reactive or nervous dog on Boxing Day We’d recommend picking somewhere quieter or more local if you have a nervous, reactive dog. It’s about your day, your tailmate and your time together, so don’t feel pressured to go to a popular trail or mingle with crowds if you or your dog don’t enjoy it. After all, some of our favourite walks with our tailmates have been smaller, quieter strolls without the hype. Safety, the law and the boring stuff Dog lead laws & The Countryside Code The Countryside Code is a set of rules which outline the responsibilities people like us, and our tailmates, have when visiting rural areas. The Countryside Code states that you must keep your dog on a short lead on open-access land between March 1st and July 31st. You must also keep your dog “under control” in public spaces, and prevent them from disturbing wildlife, livestock and other people. In reality, it means making sure your dog is leash-trained and well-socialised . Are dogs legally required to be on leads on public footpaths? On most public footpaths, there isn’t a legal requirement to keep your dog on the lead as long as you have “close” or “effective control” of your dog in a public space. But off the public footpath, they must be on a leash. Generally, we’d recommend keeping your dog on a leash as it’s less risky, especially if you aren’t confident in their recall training . Winter hazards We have covered this in our guide on winter walking with your dog, but be careful around ice and frozen water, particularly if you have an older dog or a puppy. It’s easy for dogs to lose their footing as well. Another key hazard to watch out for is antifreeze pools in car parks. These are highly toxic for our pets, so keep a close eye on your dog in the car park, and make sure they don’t drink from any pools or puddles. Paw protection and hypothermia prevention You shouldn’t walk your dog outside if it’s too cold. Freezing temperatures aren’t good for our pets, and if you do go out, make sure they have a coat and, in some cases, paw protection like dog booties. Our dog's paws can suffer in the winter. Rock salt, for example, can irritate them, so try to avoid this on the roads near your walk, and stay proactive with paw care. Hypothermia is a risk, too. As a general guide, here are temperatures where you'll likely need to exercise your dog indoors: What supplies and gear do you need? How dog insurance can help From Boxing Day walks to cuddly nights in, you want to be there for your tailmate. With us, you can get extensive vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, 24/7 video vet access and a load of handpicked Perks. ManyPets dog insurance . For life with your tailmate.

The best Boxing Day walks with your dog (2025 guide)

Content

Dogs and pubs: how to take your pooch for a pint

What’s the 3-second rule in dog training?

UK dog walking laws: how to avoid unlimited fines near livestock this summer

Ben Newman

How much does it cost to neuter a dog in the UK?

Heart murmurs in dogs and cats

12 best low-maintenance dog breeds for easy-going pet owners

Best (and worst) dog breeds for seniors

Cruciate ligament surgery for dogs

Our plans

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country