Every month, Mrs Hudson, along with her three children and Dinky the Irish Wolfhound investigate the best family and dog-friendly heritage attractions that the UK has to offer.
As the summer starts to fade into autumn, we enter perhaps my favourite time of year for getting out and about with the dog. There is something very soothing about going for a walk with Dinky in the autumn months when the trees are changing colour and you can feel the dry crunch beneath your boots.
If you’re like me and you like getting out in the autumn, here are some suggestions for great autumn walks around the UK to explore.
Stourhead, Wiltshire, England
One that’s fairly local to me is the walk around the National Trust’s Stourhead estate. As a National Trust property, there is an entry fee if you’re not a member, but it really is one of my favourite places to see the seasons change. Full of trees and pathways, allowing you to choose how long you want to be tramping around and a delightful café, it’s a wonderful place for a day out.
It’s also dog friendly and if you visit during the school holidays, there are a range of activities going on to keep the kids entertained. It’s always been a firm favourite with our family, just remember that dogs aren’t permitted in the house, so only bring them if you fancy exploring the grounds.
Coed y Brenin, Gwynedd, Wales
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but although I have lived in England since my student days, I am a proud Welsh woman and nothing pleases me more than a trip to my homeland. When it comes to autumnal walks, there are loads of great places to explore, including this one which can be found near Eyri (or Snowdonia to give it its English name).
Coed y Brenin Forest Park is incredibly picturesque and covers over 9000 acres of woodland. Originally, this site was a mining centre, but today it is best known for its walking routes.
There are a number of dog friendly and family friendly trails around the forest, but make sure to check the signage for more details.
Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, England
Another walk that is fairly local to me is this one on the outskirts of Marlborough and managed by the Forestry Commission. Some of the oldest oak trees in Britain can be found here, which is why it’s a great place to see the seasons change.
Dogs are welcome all year round and there are some routes where they can go off lead too.
Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts, Cumbria, England
In the Lake District, is this lovely spot which is perfect for seeing the leaves changing and the reflections on the water. The best route we’ve found is to start at the car park at the bottom of the village and follow the brook until you reach the foot bridge. From here you can easily follow the route through to Rannerdale Knotts which is truly beautiful.
This is another route managed by the National Trust, so while dogs are welcome, it is recommended that they are kept on a lead.
Do you have any good autumnal routes that we should explore with Dinky? You can let us know!
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