The gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside is brimming with places to walk your dog — from short woodland strolls for pooches with little legs, to brisk hikes on the hills and across the fields for the most energetic pets.
So, grab the lead and head out for some scenic walkies with SoGlos selecting 14 of the best places to exercise your four-legged friends in the county.
Dog walking at Mallards Pike in the Forest of Dean
Combining beautiful lakeside views and pristine woodland surroundings, Mallards Pike is a great spot for a picturesque dog walk, whatever the season.
Curious pooches will love following the scents of woodland wildlife along the Forestry England site’s various walking trails, while there’s a designated swimming area for adventurous dogs to take a dip.
Just remember to follow Forestry England's dog code at forestryengland.uk/dog-code to keep you and your dog safe while exploring.
Dog walking along the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Ramble along the Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean with your dog for a spot of fresh air, exercise and alfresco culture, spotting the site's inspiring sculptures.
The four-and-a-half-mile route is located at Beechenhurst, which is also home to a lovely cafe serving light lunches and refreshments and an outdoor picnic area, where owners are welcome to sit with their dogs.
Dog walking at Painswick Beacon
Set off to the summit of Painswick Beacon with your pooch for brilliant views across the Cotswold escarpment, with plenty of opportunities for off-lead adventures on the way. Just keep an eye out for golfers and be mindful of the grazing cattle on route.
Make a real day of it by stopping off at the nearby Painswick Rococo Garden, one of Gloucestershire's best dog-friendly attractions which welcomes well-behaved pups for walks around its enchanting grounds — as long as they are kept on a lead.
Dog walking at Rodborough Common near Stroud
Expect nothing short of incredible views over the Stroud Valley and Severn Estuary when walking on Rodborough Common.
Dogs and their owners can enjoy anything from a one-mile loop to a longer route through the nearby Cotswold villages, with plenty of open space for energetic pooches to bound through the grass.
Dog walking at the Severn Ham in Tewkesbury
Open fields and well-trodden paths make the Severn Ham an ideal spot for a leisurely walk with dogs of all sizes, with the ancient water meadow accessible via a small footbridge from Tewkesbury town centre.
The flat stroll has plenty to keep both people and pets occupied, with chances to soak up the calm of the unspoiled nature, spot beautiful wildflowers and see impressive views of the Malvern Hills in the distance.
Dog walking at Broadway Tower
Just over the Worcestershire border, dogs and their owners can enjoy a lung-busting walk up to Broadway Tower, the second highest point in the Cotswolds with stunning views over the countryside.
With a circular route starting in Broadway, walkers and their furry companions can hike to the top of the hill to take in the scenery, before heading back down to the quintessential Cotswold village where they'll find plenty of dog-friendly pubs for a pit stop.
Dog walking at Cranham Woods near Gloucester
Renowned for its impressive mountain biking trails, Cranham Woods is also a great spot for walks that will get tails wagging.
Wander through the beech woodland, past Cooper’s Hill, the famous site of Gloucestershire’s annual Cheese Rolling event, and back through the trees — with plenty of squirrels to chase and scents to track along the way.
Dog walking at Cotswold Water Park
Spanning 42 square miles and encompassing over 100 lakes, Cotswold Water Park is home to many great circular walks for walkers and their furry friends to enjoy.
Dogs will love exploring the variety of landscapes, from canal towpaths to spacious meadows – although it is recommended that they are kept away from the lakes, so as not to disturb the wildlife.
Dog walking at Coaley Peak near Stroud
Forming part of the Cotswold Way, which stretches 102 miles from Bath into Gloucestershire, Coaley Peak boasts beautiful views across the River Severn, with walkers able to see as far as south Wales on a clear day.
There’s plenty of open space for lively dogs to play fetch, wildflower meadows to stroll through and even picnic spots to enjoy in the warmer months.
Dog walking at Pittville Park in Cheltenham
With masses of space to roam around and meet other four-legged friends, Cheltenham’s Pittville Park is a great place to spend quality time with your beloved pooch.
There’s even dog-friendly ice cream available to take away from the cafes — with sweet treats and hot drinks for humans, too.
Dog walking in Winchcombe and the Sudeley Valley
Popular with walkers with and without dogs, Winchcombe is one of the Cotswolds' best walking centres, with long-distance routes surrounding the town.
Get on the Cotswold Way and set off towards Broadway in one direction, or to Belas Knap and beyond in the other; or follow the Windrush Way along the Sudeley Valley, with plenty of open space for dogs to stretch their legs and scenic views for days.
Dog walking at Robinswood Hill in Gloucester
Dogs and their owners can lap up the beautiful 250 acres of rolling countryside at Robinswood Hill in Gloucester, with wrap-around views of the county and beyond from the summit.
With multiple waymarked trails and plenty of wildlife to look out for, it’s a top choice for getting out in the fresh air with four-legged friends.
Dog walking at Stratford Park in Stroud
Stratford Park offers 56 acres for dogs to exercise in, complete with a scenic lake and an arboretum to explore.
Also great for family days out, the Stroud park is a popular spot for picnics in warmer months, with a play area to keep little ones entertained while your pooch blows off some steam.
Dog walking at Cleeve Hill in Cheltenham
A trek to the top of Gloucestershire's highest point, Cleeve Hill, is enough to wear out any energetic dog, and rewards walkers with incredible views over Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and beyond.
With intersecting footpaths to follow, the site offers different routes for owners to explore with their furry companions, with the chance to get on the Cotswold Way, too.
