The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Greater London

Greater London offers a vast network of dog-friendly trails, with over 500 routes available for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls through urban parks to more challenging hikes in the surrounding countryside.

You'll find a diverse range of terrains. Many routes traverse ancient woodlands like Epping Forest, offering shaded paths. Others follow riverine environments along the Thames Path, providing flat, scenic walks. Hilly terrains with panoramic views, such as those found around Box Hill or Addington Hills, also offer more challenging options. Expect a mix of paved paths, gravel tracks, and natural earth trails.

Yes, Greater London has many easy dog-friendly walks perfect for a relaxed outing. For example, the Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament loop from Charing Cross offers a gentle urban exploration, while the Camden Lock, Primrose Hill and The Regent's Park loop provides an easy stroll through iconic parks.

While Greater London is not known for mountainous terrain, you can find moderate to difficult hikes offering good elevation gain. Areas like Box Hill in the Surrey Hills or parts of the Chiltern Hills provide more strenuous routes with rewarding views. Our guide features 28 difficult dog-friendly hikes for those seeking a greater challenge.

Many trails pass by iconic London landmarks and beautiful natural features. You might spot the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, the Trafalgar Square, or the historic Tower Bridge. For nature lovers, keep an eye out for the Deer in Richmond Park or explore ancient woodlands like Epping Forest and the beechwoods of the Chiltern Hills.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes in Greater London are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An excellent example is the Farthing Downs & Happy Valley loop from Coulsdon, which offers beautiful countryside views and a convenient return to your starting point.

Many dog-friendly hiking locations in Greater London are highly accessible by public transport. Epping Forest, for instance, is reachable by tube. The Thames Path can be accessed from various points along the River Thames via train or bus. The extensive public transport network makes it easy to reach green spaces and trailheads without a car.

The komoot community highly rates dog-friendly hiking in Greater London, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 3,600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the surprising amount of green space within and around the city, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to escape the urban bustle with their dogs. The diversity of landscapes, from ancient woodlands to river walks, is also frequently highlighted.

For those seeking longer adventures, the Thames Path offers an extensive walking route along the River Thames, with sections like the Thames Path: The Championship Course providing a substantial distance. The Green Chain Walk in southeast London also spans 50 miles, linking various parks and woodlands, perfect for multi-day or longer day hikes.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for dog-friendly hikes in Greater London, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially bluebells in woodlands like Ashridge Estate. Autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, and always ensure your dog has access to water. Winter walks can be crisp and clear, but be mindful of muddy conditions on unpaved trails.

Yes, many areas surrounding popular hiking spots in Greater London boast dog-friendly pubs and cafes. After a walk, you'll often find establishments welcoming well-behaved dogs, especially in villages and towns bordering larger green spaces like the Chiltern Hills or along the Thames Path. It's always a good idea to check with the specific venue beforehand.