Hiking with Dogs

Hiking with dogs can be such a rewarding experience for both you and them especially when the world is such a big place for you both to see.

Travelling with your hiking buddy is so important when the view never ends and you have a lot of ground to cover.

Hiking with Dogs

In this article I want to take a look at hiking with dogs, some of the best places to go and what you need for different environments and terrain. Our family has always enjoyed our weekend outdoor hikes in England (UK) ever since we all had dogs.

Hiking here has been my favourite pastime for many years now, not just because it brings me joy but also because hiking in England can be beautiful and challenging for both us and our dogs all in one go. Since Covid-19 we have had to really embrace what is on our door step and it makes you realise just how beautiful it really is.

I live in the South East of England near the coast but also lived in Yorkshire where myself and others have mountains, trails, country parks and rivers which are perfect for hiking with dogs.

Best Hiking Dogs

The best dogs for going hiking with are obviously active and fit but also not too small or big. You want a hiking dog with a slim build to make the most of hiking in England because you will be going along trails where space can be limited at times.

Hiking dogs should have short hair if the weather is warm and long hair when it gets cold, they should weigh around 30-40lbs which makes them lightweight on your back when hiking with dogs that need hiking accessories such as a hiking backpack designed for dogs.

Remember to keep up their fitness levels by taking them jogging every other day before hiking in England so you're both ready for what comes ahead.

Good hiking dogs have stamina and endurance which means they will stick by your side through thick. A dog can typically walk for up to 3 hours before they need a rest, but hiking is fun so you can't always predict when they'll need their rest!

Of course hiking with dogs would not be complete without mentioning hiking trails in England. There are many across the country that are suitable for hiking so lets explore some of them.

Best Places to Go Hiking with Dogs

The best places to go hiking with dogs in England are those with natural beauty such as mountains, trails and hiking spots that make you feel closer to nature.

For example, hiking dogs can be taken to the Peak District where they have a huge national park which includes hills and moorlands for hiking dogs of all ages. You may even meet some locals who share your love for hiking with dogs during walks or over a cheeky drink and meal in the local pubs.

Hiking with Dogs in the East Of England

The best places to go hiking with dogs in the East of England are the Suffolk Coast and Heaths which have beaches, hiking trails and farming landscapes for a hiking dogs to see.

Norfolk dog walks include hiking trails that are found through the famous Norfolk Broads which hiking dogs tend to love because it can be muddy and wet, but still very beautiful.

Dogs really love the Suffolk Coast and Heaths hiking trails because they can run free and people tend to be more dog friendly. Hiking with dogs in the East of England offers beautiful hiking trails that are good for everyone to enjoy.

Hiking with Dogs in the North East of England

The best hiking spots for when you are with your dog are those with interesting features such as Castle Howard's hiking trails where you can explore a stunning manor house, gardens and landscape too.

If hiking is done at Hardwick Hall hiking dogs could get wet so remember your waterproofs or a hiking Ancol dog coat. The Derwent Gardens are also worth hiking around if you have time before getting back to your car. These are all amazing places where you can hike with dogs in the north east of England.

Post Dog Hike - Dog Friendly Cafes in the North East

The best dog friendly cafes in the north east are those with a nice outdoor area where hiking dogs can stretch their legs and have a drink with you.

Our favourite cafes include:

• The Kicking Cuddy in Seahouses for amazing views over the North Sea

• The Kings Arms Hotel in Hartlepool is always popular because they serve good food and also have an indoor restaurant too which is great if hiking was your thing today but your dog would rather be cosy inside.

• Lastly we'd recommend our favourite Café - Coasters Coffee House + Vintage Shop in Newcastle Upon Tyne as it has a very relaxed atmosphere and a lovely outside terrace for hiking dogs to sit with you after hiking trails in England.

Hiking with Dogs in the North West of England

The best dog hiking spots that are good for walks in the north west are those hiking trails that are found in lakes, mountains and hiking spots close to Liverpool.

Hiking around a lake is a great way for your dog to burn off energy running around you while you're hiking trails. Try giving them a Hund Energy. bar if you need their energy levels to be through the roof!

Hiking around the Lake District has many well known hiking dog spots such as:

The Scafell Pike Hike which is Britain's highest mountain and hiking dogs can explore all year round through its large hiking trails or even enjoy a picnic at the summit, don't forget a Tweedmill picnic blanket.

The Adam Dodds Trail in Ambleside is another popular hiking trail with hikers and their dogs. It has gorgeous views of Rydal Water and Grasmere. If you hike up Roseberry Topping there are stunning views over Teesdale and Coquetdale too.

Post Dog Hike - Dog Friendly Cafes in the North West

The best dog friendly cafes in the north west include the hiking spots Blacka Moor and Elterwater.

Our favourite cafes include:

• The Skipton Dog which is a small dog friendly café in Skipton but it has amazing coffee and cakes paired with a fantastic dog menu for hiking dogs to enjoy too.

• The Young Farmers Arms also have a great outdoor area that hiking dogs can sit with you after hiking trails.

Hiking with Dogs in the Midlands

The best dog hiking spots that are good for walks in the midlands are those hiking trails that are found in lakes, mountains and hiking spots close to Birmingham.

The Lickey Hills offer five hiking trails that vary from one hour hikes to seven hour hikes depending on what hiking trail you choose which makes it good for hiking dogs who like short or long walks too. The views of Birmingham are also very pretty so its worth hiking with dogs just for that fact alone!

If you're looking for some fun hiking trails try exploring the Long Mynd, it has some challenging hills but it's amazing.

Post Dog Hike - Dog Friendly Cafes in the Midlands

The best dog friendly cafes in the midlands are:

• The Coffee Lounge which is situated just outside Dudley town centre for great hiking dog views when enjoying your coffee or tea.

• The Mermaid Cafe in Wolverhampton has an amazing view of the city when hiking dogs are done hiking trails that's worth taking in.

Hiking with Dogs in London

The best dog hiking spots that are good for walks in London are:

Wanstead Flats has great flat hiking trails with plenty of grass for hiking dogs to run around on.

Stanmore Hill takes you to Stanmore country park which is also a great spot for hiking with your dog.

Hampstead Heath is another place you can go with your hiking dog. It's very popular so be ready for lots of barking and distractions but the views of London makes it all worth it!

Post Dog Hike - Dog Friendly Cafes in London

The best dog friendly cafes in the London are:

• The Battersea Dog Café is amazing for hiking dogs who are used to city life or if you're hiking trails in London, this is perfect.

• Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings - Perfect for hiking dogs who like drinking coffee with their owners too!

• Eliot's Café - A great hiking spot where the views of London make hiking trails worth it.

• I Amsterdam Coffee House (If your hiking dog can behave) - Great little place for tasty treats and drinks.

Now we know the best hiking dogs, locations and cafes for a swift drink and bite to eat lets take a look at what dog hiking accessories will help you on your adventures.

Accessories for Hiking with Dogs

As you know hiking with dogs comes with several things you need to consider such as what dog backpack do I need? How will I hydrate my pooch? Is my dog going to struggle in the sun, wind or rain? Will they be car sick from our journey and do I need car safety accessories to ensure I am not breaking the law if they roam free.

Backpacks for Hiking with Dogs

It doesn't matter what hiking pack you have as long as it is big enough for your dog to fit in, but be sure to put them in a harness or vest so they don't slip out.

A K9 sport sack can offer many varieties from the K9 sport sack trainer through to a K9 sport sack Rover 2 for the ultimate trekker. K9 Dog Carriers can be found here.

Dog ID Tag for Hiking with Dogs

You may need a hiking tag on their collar with details if they wander off so consider purchasing a dog ID tag. They start from just £7.99 and are a cheap price to pay for your dog being returned to you.

Hydration and Food Bowls for Hiking with Dogs

A collapsible dog bowl is good to carry and can be filled up anywhere and then collapsed and stored away when not needed.

There's no need for flat bowls that take up too much room, we want hiking gear that is compact and does the job! And who wants metal bowls jingling around whilst walking? Bad news of course because hiking with dogs requires you to keep it light and quiet.

Dog Water Bottle for Hiking with Dogs

A hiking dog water bottle is ideal for hiking with dogs so you can carry your own hydration pack rather than stopping for drinks along the way. Fill up before you start hiking and then go forth. You can fill them at any stream or lake which makes it easy, just remember to boil the water if there's no path of civilization nearby.

Dog Coats for Hiking with Dogs

When hiking in extreme heat, wind or rain it is important to keep an eye on your dog as they may become distressed, dehydrated or worse. You need hiking accessories that are sturdy but lightweight such as an Ancol or Rukka dog coat. These are also great when it rains unexpectedly because otherwise what will you both do when you're out hiking?

Sore Paws when Hiking with Dogs

Have you heard the secret? Mushers secret? Mushers secret paw wax is the best hiking accessory for your dog's paws. It offers paw protection from extreme temperatures, ice and heat.

Keep a jar in your hiking bag and make sure to treat their paws after hiking! Musher's secret paw wax forms a breathable barrier that creates a tough, invisible shield between your dog's paws and the ground. It works instantly to protect against salt, chemicals, ice build up and warm pavements.

Questions about Hiking with Dogs

here are some of the most common questions we receive in our online chat and when out adventuring with our dogs and chatting with others. 

How Long can Dogs Hike for?

A few hours for hiking is ample for dogs. I have seen very old dogs hiking all day along with their human companions. A dogs limbs will begin to get sore after walking for several miles, but the dog's pain threshold is significantly higher than humans. Most dogs will stop when they are tired and need a good rest after a good stretch of walking.

Warning: You should always be careful with younger dogs and dogs with smaller limbs. Dogs need to build up to long distances and can have injuries just like us so don't risk causing an injury and take your time with them.

What's the Largest Dog Backpack for Hiking with Dogs?

TA dog backpack can be big enough to carry a large dog for those who are strong enough to lift it. The K9 sport sack Rover 2 will be as big as you will ever need.

Can Puppies Go on a Long Hike? 

I wouldn't recommend hiking with a puppy for an extended period of time, especially if it is its first hike. Though they do great on shorter hikes I would limit it to one or two hours maximum. A K9 sport sack could come in useful for carrying your puppy back and don't forget to add in a K9 booster block for the bottom of the bag just in case they are too small!

Is Hiking with Dogs Safe?

It is safe to hike with your dog if you have everything you need. As I said before make sure you have water for yourself and your dog, a windproof lighter in case of fire, a cell phone in cases of emergency, spare leash or lead if needed, poop bags to pick up after your dog and the biggest thing is to be prepared to carry it (including your dog) all back home over short distances if necessary.

Conclusion

Not only hiking with dogs is great for your mental health offering you time to get out into nature but it will keep you fit hiking trails around town. Just remember to hydrate before hiking with dogs and after hiking too! Whether hiking in London or out in the middle of nowhere, there are plenty of hiking accessories that can help make your adventure one for the books. You don't want to miss an amazing hiking trail because you forgot some hiking products - trust me I've been there! But now with Travfurler we can help you find these hiking products and more so sign up today and take advantage of 5% off on some premium doggy goodies.