4.5
(2239)
19,102
hikers
151
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Norwood offer a variety of landscapes, primarily featuring woodlands and water bodies like reservoirs. The region provides a network of paths suitable for different skill levels, from gentle reservoir loops to longer, more undulating routes. These trails often traverse mixed woods and provide views of the surrounding natural environment.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.7
(6)
14
hikers
17.5km
04:50
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
858
hikers
5.41km
01:26
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
42
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lovely spot with a bench for having lunch and admiring the packhorse bridge over a gently flowing river.
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Fabulous scenic spot for a break, however, there are only 3 or 4 tables that I could see, so being next to Fewston car park I imagine they would fill up quickly (my photos take at around 7am). There are also numerous benches along the track around the eastern side of the reservoir.
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Valve house just north of Swinsty Cottage at the eastern edge of Swinsty Reservoir dam. Presumably still in operation and working effectively. Back in 2011 the valves at the adjacent Fewston Reservoir were found to be leaking and were repaired by Blackhall Valvologists https://blackhall.co.uk/fewston-reservoir-valve-repair-refurbishment.html
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Small bridge at the southern end of the dam allows you to peer over and see the overflow for Fewston Reservoir and the sloping masonry weirs that channel overflow down into Swinsty Reservoir. Great views of both reservoirs northwest to Fewston and southeast to Swinsty.
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Good quality paths all the way around Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, with parking at Swinsty Moor Plantation, Fewston village, Blubberhouses, and Thruscross Reservoir dam. If you do all 3 reservoirs then that clocks in at a 15-mile route, but is well worth it. The paths around the southern reservoirs are generally wide and flat. There are benches at periodic intervals on the eastern side of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, where you can take a break and admire the views.
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Easy to access and walk along the water's edge, levels quite low in spring of 2025 (see photos).
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Quite a few opportunities all around the reservoirs to head toward the water's edge, so you are unlikely to get completely stuck if you go off-piste. In early 2025 the water level is quite low.
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The track along this part of the reservoir is very good quality and clearly well-trodden: wide and flat, and provides welcome shade when the sun is scorching.
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Komoot offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hikes and walks around Norwood, with over 140 routes to explore. This includes a diverse range of trails, from easy strolls to more challenging adventures, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.
The Norwood area boasts diverse landscapes perfect for hiking with your dog. You'll find extensive woodlands with eastern white pine, red maple, and hemlock, as well as significant wetlands and water features like scenic ponds and streams. Many trails also feature rolling hills and rocky summits offering expansive views. Some areas even have boardwalks for easier access through wetlands.
Yes, Norwood offers plenty of easy dog-friendly trails. Out of the over 140 routes, 71 are classified as easy, making them perfect for leisurely walks with your canine companion or for those looking for a less strenuous outing. An example of an easy route is the Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble, which covers 3.7 km with minimal elevation gain.
For scenic views, consider trails that lead to higher elevations or offer lakeside perspectives. The region features rocky summits like Great Blue Hill and Noanet Peak, which provide expansive vistas, including the Boston skyline. Many trails also wind around picturesque ponds such as Ponkapoag Pond. You can also find highlights like the Fewston Reservoir Circular Path offering great viewpoints.
Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Norwood are circular, allowing for varied scenery without retracing your steps. For instance, the Fewston Reservoir Dam – View of Fewston Reservoir loop from Norwood is a moderate 17.5 km circular route that offers a comprehensive experience of the local landscape.
The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails around Norwood, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 2,100 ratings. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the suitability of the trails for dogs, highlighting the enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging adventure with their dog, Norwood offers several moderate to difficult trails. For example, the View of Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Norwood is a moderate 17.8 km hike with significant elevation changes, perfect for a longer outing.
Yes, the Norwood area is rich in water features. Many trails wind alongside scenic ponds like Ponkapoag Pond and Willet Pond, as well as various rivers and streams. Some areas, like Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, even feature unique swamp boardwalks, offering a different kind of waterside experience for you and your dog.
Beyond the general scenery, you can discover unique natural features. The region is known for its diverse woodlands, wetlands, and rolling hills. Keep an eye out for unique geological formations like glacial eskers and areas featuring rare Rosebay rhododendrons. Highlights such as Rombalds Moor Trig Point or Riva Hill Summit offer specific points of interest.
Many of the easy and moderate trails in Norwood are suitable for families with dogs. Parks like Francis William Bird Park offer over three miles of easy walking paths through woodlands and meadows. The Blue Hills Reservation also has family-friendly options like the Houghton's Pond Loop. Look for trails with gentle gradients and clear paths for a comfortable family outing.
The diverse ecosystems around Norwood support a variety of wildlife. On your dog-friendly hikes, you might spot various bird species, including those in protected sanctuaries like Moose Hill. Keep an eye out for small mammals, turtles, and frogs, especially near wetlands and water bodies. Always keep your dog under control to protect local wildlife.


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