Top 15 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Bedfordshire

There are many interesting and attractive places to visit in Bedfordshire, but the county is often overlooked in favour of Cambridgeshire. It’s the least populous of the “shires” and the least close to either London or Cambridge, but it’s still simple to get to.

Most of the county’s population is concentrated in two cities—Luton and Bedford—so the rest is rural. This includes a beautiful stretch of the Chilterns. It’s a great place to take the dog for a walk because there’s so much open space and gorgeous views.

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There are trails suitable for people of all ages and hiking abilities, whether you’re looking for a brief stroll or a full day of exploring. Here is a collection of some of our recommended dog-walking paths in Bedfordshire.

COUNTRY & COUNTRY PARK WALKS

AMPTHILL GREAT PARK

Ampthill Castle, a prominent manor during Henry VIII’s reign, was built on what was once a deer park. The formerly grand manor house eventually fell into disrepair and had to be replaced by a more modern dwelling, which is still standing today. Then, the illustrious Capability Brown was tasked with landscaping the park. Lots of well-maintained, clearly marked pathways make it possible to go on long walks with Fido. Otherwise, you can do a 2-mile loop that begins near the tennis courts. If your dog is well-behaved, you won’t even need to tether them to you in the parking lots or at the cafe.

The park is crossed by the Greensand Way long-distance trail, which offers great views of the surrounding countryside if you hike up to it. The park features more than just historical structures, floral displays, and agricultural land. There are dog-friendly parks, a great cafe, tennis courts, a cricket club, a football club, and an angling club.

Distance Covered on Foot: 3.2 Kilometres
Effort Level: Low
Where to Begin: Tennis Courts at Ampthill Park
Trails on an even, level surface.
Parking is free?
Those interested in writing to us should send correspondence to: Ampthill Park, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2HF

PRIORY COUNTRY PARK

Priory Country Park, located on the outskirts of Bedford, is a popular destination for dog owners and their canine companions of all ages. The largest of the lakes provides a convenient starting point for a circular walk that takes about half an hour to complete. There is also a beach where you can stop and let your dog run about in the water; it’s a popular area for dog owners and their pets. Remember that there are periods during the summer when the water is unsuitable for dogs due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Kids and pets can enjoy the wide fields and playground. Otherwise, you can take a stroll through the woods and along the lakes. Thanks to the available services and paved walking routes, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll regardless of your age or the needs of your dog. You can even “pup” in a cafe for a bite to eat. There are hundreds of acres to explore, and while some parts of the park can get busy with bicycles, children, and other walkers, the vast majority of it is tranquil and quiet.

Infinite Variability in Walk Time
Effort Level: Low
Park entry is the initial location.
Trails on an even, level surface.
Parking is free?
The location is at Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ.

COLMWORTH CIRCULARS

Even though the Coffee Cup Cafe is physically located on the Colmworth golf course, golfers and non-golfers alike are welcome to stop by for a cup of Joe, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat anytime. The inside area is open to well-behaved dogs as well, however the outdoor seating is recommended on busier days (or when the sun is out). You can park here and then take one of the dog-tested, mapped-out loops around the cafe and its surroundings.

With all the walks beginning and ending at the cafe, it’s the ideal location to refuel after a strenuous outing with Fido in rural Bedfordshire. Channels End’s longest walk is a round route that’s easy on the feet thanks to the level terrain and well-maintained routes that lead through open fields and woods. Included in this hike is a section through Colmworth Country Park, where you and your dog can enjoy some time off the beaten path.

There are additional routes starting at 5 km if this one seems too long for your legs, or if you don’t want to be out too long before you have some cake at the cafe.

Time Required: 11 hours and 9 minutes
Effort Level: Low
The Coffee Cup as the Point of Departure Cafe
Trails, fields, woodland, inclines, declines, level, and sloping ground.
Parking is free?
Location: New Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2AP (Colmworth Golf Club).

DUNSTABLE DOWNS

The Dunstable Downs is an amazing natural landscape. It should come as no surprise that the highest point in Bedfordshire, this chalk escarpment located in the Chilterns AONB, offers breathtaking landscapes and views. The beautiful scenery will serve to stimulate your dog as much as it does you, and the long walk will provide excellent workout for both of you. There are many trails in the area to choose from, but if you’re looking for a popular one, start at the Chilterns Gateway Centre and follow the path around.

The walk’s beginning and ending points are both the tourist centre, where you can take advantage of the amenities. On this walk, your dog will need to be leashed at all times. This is due in part to the abundance of historical sites in the region, such as a Neolithic hill fort’s ramparts, a Medieval rabbit warren, and prehistoric burial mounds. A portion of the path follows ancient paths worn smooth by the passage of generations of drovers and travellers.

You’ll have to climb a hill near the conclusion of the trail, but the payoff is a breathtaking panorama of the Aylesbury Vale. One of our favourite places to take our dogs is Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, which is located about a mile to the south of the downs and is accessible by car or foot.

Distance Walked: 10.4 kilometres
Effort Required: Low to Moderate
The Chilterns Gateway Centre will serve as the initial point of departure.
Paths, fields, inclines, and declines all make up the terrain.
Parking is free?
Send mail to: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY

WOODLAND WALKS

THE FOREST OF MARSTON VALE

The communal forest of Marston Vale is already magnificent, and it will continue to improve as time passes. The area’s industrial heritage is commemorated by the factory towers that remain even though the ground was reclaimed from brickworks. Near the tourist centre, you’ll find a network of well-maintained hiking routes of varying lengths, all of which are suitable for a pleasant day out with Fido.

Timberland Trail is long, but it’s not the longest. Taking this daylong loop through the woods will ensure that both you and Fido get plenty of exercise. It begins at the Forest Center, continues around the lake via Stewartby, and ends in the secluded woods of Kings Wood. The route back takes you via Ampthill and the Great Park on the way to the starting point.

In addition to the ruins of Houghton Hall and Katherine’s Cross, there are many other attractions along this route. Meanwhile, the dog will have a great time on this long stroll across a variety of settings, especially since he or she will have lots of possibilities to run free. Start your stroll at any point along the ring; there are facilities available along the way.

Distance of Walk: 21.2Km
Effort Required: Low to Moderate
The Centre of the Forest is the Point of Origin.
Trails on an even, level surface.
Parking is free?
Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR The Forest Centre, Station Road

MAULDEN WOOD

Maulden Wood is home to some of Bedfordshire’s most enchanted dog-walking paths and is one of the county’s largest remaining tracts of historic woodland. Dark and dense patches of mixed woods are interspersed with more open stretches of grassland and heaths.

The broadleaf forests and conifer plantations both have extensive path networks, so you may keep coming back to discover something new each time. The grassland and the woods provide two quite different environments, each with its own unique flora and fauna, and thus lots of things for you and your dog to see and do on your stroll. The trails range from short, paved walks to winding, wooded hikes. Through the woods, you can also reach the Greensand Way long-distance trail. Only picnic spots are available, but luckily the dog-friendly Dog and Badger pub is conveniently located just on the forest’s outskirts. Also close by is the Stone Jug.

Distance of a 6.4-Kilometer Walk
Effort Level: Low
Deadman’s Hill lay-by serves as the starting point for a hike over wooded, trail-ridden, rocky, and sloping terrain.
Parking is free?
Locate us at: Maulden Wood, Central Bedfordshire, MK45 3QT

WHIPSNADE TREE CATHEDRAL

After seeing the construction of Liverpool Cathedral and reflecting on his experiences in World War I, Edward Blyth came to the conclusion that constructing a cathedral out of plants would result in a structure that is immeasurably more beautiful. To emphasise the planting and produce a “enclosure of worship,” trees and bushes were placed roughly in the shape of a Medieval cathedral. Wartime disruptions prevented Blyth from finishing his garden and “cathedral.” After the war ended, however, construction was finally finished and religious services resumed there, where they remain to this day.

It’s fine to bring Fido to the cathedral with you. The park’s 10 acres are open for exploration, and it includes lawned chapels and cloisters that serve as “walls” of various trees. After taking in this one-of-a-kind “building,” you and Fido can stroll the short distance to the Old Hunter’s Lodge, where you will be warmly welcomed.

Distance Covered by Walking: 2 Kilometers
Effort Level: Low
Cathedral of Whipsnade as the initial point of departure
Wet, muddy, rocky, and sloping terrain in a wooded area.
Parking is free?
The following is the full address: Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LQ

ASPLEY WOOD

Among the many wooded areas in Bedfordshire, Aspley Wood is a sizable one. There is still some ancient forest here, but the area is primarily covered by conifer plantations. Due to its size, the area’s kilometres of paths ensure that you and your dog will always have something new to discover. The Longslade Trail is one of many predetermined paths through the area.

A dog must be kept on a leash in certain parts of the forest, however they are clearly marked and outnumbered by the many places where dogs are free to run around. Keep a towel in the trunk in case your dog discovers one of the forest’s ponds before you do.

Keep a look out for horseback riders and, especially, mountain bikers, as this area is frequented by both. Walking through the woods alone can be a relaxing experience if you stay away from the well travelled paths used by mountain bikers. Ample free parking is available, and if you need access to facilities before or after your walk, you can always drive into Aspley Guise or Woburn Sands, which are both close by. The woods also connect to a network of hiking trails, notably the Greensands Way.

Distance of a 10km Walk
Effort Level: Low
The Longslade parking lot serves as the starting point.
Wet, muddy, rocky, and sloping terrain in a wooded area.
Parking is free?
Aspley Heath, MK17 9HZ, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

WATERSIDE WALKS

LEIGHTON BUZZARD TO BLETCHLEY

The Grand Union Canal is a great place to take your dog for a stroll in Bedfordshire. The towpath is a popular destination for bikers and pedestrians of all ages and skill levels. With its smooth surface, this walkway is ideal for a stroll beside the placid canal. You might want to keep your dog on a leash so they don’t run into traffic or jump into the ocean. However, if the walkway is clear and you are confident that your dog won’t be drawn into the canal, they may be allowed some freedom to explore.

From Leighton Buzzard to Bletchley, along the canal, on a linear path that’s quite easy to follow. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk back, or if not, you can always take the train.

You could also take the train back after walking the larger distance in the opposite way, from Tring to Leighton Buzzard. If you need to use the restroom, you can either stop in one of the two towns that sit on either end of the towpath, or you can take a detour along the way.

Distance Covered by Foot: 9.6 kilometres
Effort Level: Low
The Black Bridge is the starting point.
Level, path-like ground.
Lack of Free Parking:
Postal Code and Address: Black Bridge, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AL

BEDFORD TO KEMPSTON MILL

You and your puppy can have a nice stroll down the Great Ouse from the bridge outside the town hall to the location of the historic mill in Kempston and back to Bedford along the other side of the waterway. Assuming you stick to the prescribed path, finding your way around is a breeze because the river will be on your left the whole time. This dog-friendly path in Bedfordshire is ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll with Fido, who may or may not want to cool off with a dip in the stream. It’s surprisingly peaceful for being so close to town, as you’ll be walking beside woods and meadows for most of the trip.

Start and finish your walk in Bedford, where you’ll find a variety of convenient local amenities. If you and your dog need to take a break, you’ll be happy to know that Kempston Mill marks the halfway point and features restrooms and a cafe that welcomes canines. This is a flat and relatively long walk, so take some time to relax and refuel along the way.

Distance Covered by Foot: 9.6 kilometres
Effort Level: Low
The Borough Council of Bedford is the starting point.
Paths, trails, a level playing field.
Lack of Free Parking:
Postal Code: MK42 9AP Bedford

STEWARTBY LAKE

You may have been to Stewartby Lake on one of your many walks around Marston Vale. A round around the lake’s edges makes up this walk, which is long enough to be a pleasant outing for the whole family or the dog. The chimneys of the former brickworks, located within Millennium Country Park, loom over the placid waterways.

However, you can easily modify your route to incorporate some of the smaller lakes and ponds in the area. If you and Fido are feeling energetic and want to make a day of it, you can find even more great dog walking routes in Bedfordshire by venturing towards Marston Vale.

Since you are already inside the national park, you are welcome to use its amenities. There are water bowls outside the forest centre, and dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area of the cafe. Dogs need to be watched closely, although they can be off leash if they behave themselves.

Distance Covered by Walk: 5 Kilometers
Effort Level: Low
First Stop: The Heart of the Woods
Paths, trails, a level playing field.
Parking is free?
Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR The Forest Centre

TIDDENFOOT WATERSIDE PARK

To the south of Leighton Buzzard, you’ll find Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. Lake water has been dumped into this former sandbox, turning it into a vast body of water surrounded by open grassland, scrub, and woods. It’s a well-maintained spot, ideal for strolls while taking in the landscape and letting your dog sniff about in the bushes. The dog will likely have more fun on this walk than you do because they can cool down in the lake. It’s a popular place for dogs to go for a swim, so you might run across a few other dog owners there. The sand near the banks can make for a muddy walk, so bring a towel to dry off the dog when you get back to the car.

In addition to being reachable by car, the park is also reachable on foot through the towpath of the Grand Union Canal. Those coming from Leighton Buzzard on one of our favourite strolls down the canal would be able to make a short diversion to Tiddenfoot. You may get some food at the Sorelli Cafe on the main street, which is dog-friendly as long as you keep them on leashes.

How Far: a 1.3-Km Stroll
Effort Level: Low
We’ll meet in the Tiddenfoot Waterside parking lot.
Paths, trails, a level playing field.
Parking is free?
Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2AE.

HILL WALKS

BARTON HILLS

Within the Chilterns AONB sits the Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, a stunning stretch of rugged downland and woodland. That’s the thing: it’s gorgeous! The modest (but steep) ranges of hills and valleys are just as enjoyable to hike across as they are to look at. It’s a popular destination since it offers some of the greatest dog walking pathways in Bedfordshire, as well as strolls suitable for families and opportunities to observe local wildlife. With the summer, the chalk grassland is covered in colourful wildflowers, while the downland and forest are home to unique flora and fauna including stouts and hares.

Many paths crisscross the area, some of which are so faint they disappear into the grass. Walking in the tracks of others or along the contours of the hills is a simple way to find your way. While you can let your dog off leash here, you should be warned that there are wild horses in the area. Parking is available on Church Lane, and the nature reserve is a short walk away. The Bull, one of three local watering holes in nearby Barton-le-Clay, welcomes canine patrons.

Distance Covered on Foot: 3.5Km
Effort Required: Low to Moderate
Church Lane is the starting point.
Trails, flat, grassy, wooded, and hilly landscapes.
Parking is free?
In Bedford, at Barton-le-Clay; MK45 4LA.

CHILTERN HILLS

Following this path is the finest way to see the hills for which the Chilterns are known. The trek is slightly more difficult due to the undulating environment, but the payoff in terms of scenery is substantial. After making the ascent to the top of Deacon Hill, your view will be unrivalled for kilometres around. Surrounded by the Barton Hills Nature Reserve, another great site for uphill walks and dog walking trails in Bedfordshire, Deacon Hill is also an area of special scientific importance.

The hills don’t make this too challenging of a hike. The topography is flat, and the distance between peaks is small. Keep your dog on a leash if you venture out into the fields where sheep may be grazing. This hike takes you through picturesque, typically British countryside, and it culminates in a trip to the local watering hole. Dog-loving The Live and Let Live in Pegsdon serves as the walk’s starting and ending point.

Distance Walked: 7.9Km
Effort Required: Low to Moderate
Pegsdon Way is the starting point.
The landscape consists of flat grassy slopes and even-spaced trails.
Parking is free?
SG5 3JS Pegsdon is the correct address.

SHARPENHOE CLAPPERS

Sharpenhoe is a group of four properties that are known for their proximity to a forest and a chalk cliff. When in Sharpenhoe, many dog owners head to The Clappers. Beautiful flowery fields, enchanted woods, and a little bit of a hill trek up the Clappers are all part of your visit here. The ascent is gradual and relatively brief, making it rather easy. A portion of the trail follows the Icknield Way, the oldest road in Britain and a long-distance footpath.

The land is protected and administered as a nature preserve, but you can let your dog off the leash and go about with you as long as they stay close by. A dog-friendly pub, The Bull, may be found in neighbouring Barton-le-Clay. Not far from here is the beautiful Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, perfect for a walk with your dog in Bedfordshire.

Distance Covered by Foot: 7 Kilometers
Effort Level: Low
Sharpenhoe Clappers parking lot is the starting point.
Wet, muddy, rocky, and sloping terrain in a wooded area.
Parking is free?
Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, Bedfordshire LU3 3PP