10 Dog Friendly Walks in Wiltshire
The month of May is National Walking Month so we have put together a list of 10 dog friendly walks in Wiltshire that you can go and discover with your furry friends. There are many wonderful places to walk your dog in the UK so it can be easy to forget some of those little gems that are right on our doorstep. We have been doing a little research combined with some places we have visited ourselves to bring you 10 dog friendly walks in Wiltshire…
Lydiard Park (Swindon) is a lovely Country Park I have been visiting since I was a little girl and whilst I don’t have a dog myself, I do see dogs and their owners walking there every time I visit. The park is well sign posted informing you of where you dog must be on a lead and areas they can be off lead. Lydiard Park has lots of wooded areas and different walks you follow as well as toilets and a lovely cafe facility that is very reasonably priced. There is plenty of pay and display parking here and a great play park for the kids.
Ruby enjoying her walk at Lydiard Park photo by Michael Lucas
Thomas the golden retriever enjoying his walk at Lydiard Park. Photo by Bethany Fry
Westonbirt Arboretum (Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border) is a stunning location for dog friendly walks in Wiltshire and especially beautiful in the autumn with a spectacular array of colours displayed all around the Arboretum. Dogs are welcome off lead in Silk Wood providing they are well behaved and come back when called. Westonbirt has a lovely cafe as well so you can get refreshments.
Trees and woods at Westonbirt Arboretum. Image by Paul Edney
Box Woods and Hazelbury Manor (Corsham) offers lots of bridleways and dog friendly walks. Walks at Box Woods are hilly and offer some stunning views of Bath and Box.
Coate Water is another popular place for dog walkers in Swindon, busy all year round but can get very muddy in the winter so best pack your wellies! Plenty of pay and display parking and the refreshment stand is always very busy serving a large selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks. There is the main walk around Coate Water lake and several other walks off of the lake as well to Hodson, Chiseldon and Barbury Castle, that are usually quieter so good if your dog doesn’t like to be near other dogs.
Trees and wooded area at Coate Water Country Park Swindon (Ollie and Jake hiding behind the trees!)
Castle Combe (Chippenham) is a beautiful country village with stunning scenery and lovely walks. Free and paid parking available in the village. For dog friendly walks in Wiltshire, Castle Comb is a great option offering flat, hilly and wooded walks with on and off lead areas.
Beautiful picturesque village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire. Image by Paul Edney
Shearwater Lake (Warminster) forms part of the Longleat estate featuring open woodlands and fields with stunning flowers and wildlife. Parking seems to be limited and signs say you are not allowed to park on the road so please bear this in mind if you are thinking of visiting during peak times. Great family location with picnic areas and you can ride bikes around the lake. Pay attention to signage stating where your dog needs to be on a lead.
Nightingale Woods (Swindon) is a relatively new community woodland, planted in the 1990s. Lots of wildlife, particularly birds can be found at Nightingale Woods, we visited a few years ago when my boys were in cubs and did a long walk and watched for some birds, the kids loved it. Dogs are welcome at Nightingale Woods and it tends to be quieter than places like Coate Water and Lydiard Park. You can find free parking, a play area here along with 3 walking routes.
Daisy enjoying the water at Lydiard Park photos by Debbie Salem.
Stanton Woods (Swindon) is a 74 hectare estate offering lots of woodland areas for dog friendly walks. There is a large free car park and toilet on site. Definitely pack your wellies if you visit during winter as it gets very muddy in places.
Muddy path at Stanton Woods Wiltshire Jan 2021
Southwick Country Park (Trowbridge) is home to a huge array of wildlife and looks amazing. I have only just discovered it through my research, it definitely looks worth a visit. An impressive 150 acres of farmland with grass paths through fields and woodlands it is a popular spot for dog walkers.
Savernake Forest (Malborough) offers many beautiful walking routes where dogs are welcome and can be off lead providing they are well behaved and have good recall. There is free parking, picnic areas and the toilets are open from Easter to October.
Woodland in Savernake Forest for dog friendly walks in Wiltshire, Malborough nr Swindon. Image by Paul Macallan
Check out our recent blog for lots of tips on how to keep safe and prevent dog theft.
Next week on the blog we will be talking about Pet Friendly Bakes for World Baking Day
Thomas the golden retriever enjoying his walk at Lydiard Park. Photo by Bethany Fry
