The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Killington Reservoir

There are over 15 dog-friendly hiking routes around Killington Reservoir, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring a suitable option for various fitness levels and preferences.

The terrain around Killington Reservoir is diverse, featuring gentle hills, open pastures, and quiet woodlands. Many trails offer continuous views of the expansive reservoir and distant Cumbrian fells. You'll find paths suitable for a leisurely stroll with your dog, as well as more challenging ascents like the Winder Summit Trig Points loop, which involves significant elevation gain.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Winder Summit Trig Points – View from Winder Summit loop is a great circular option for a moderate hike with your dog, offering panoramic views. Another option is the longer Cunswick Scar & Scout Scar loop from Kendal, which is a more difficult circular trail.

For a longer and more challenging experience, consider the Cunswick Scar & Scout Scar loop from Kendal, which spans over 18 km and is rated as difficult. Another excellent choice is the Cunswick Scar summit cairn – The Mushroom on Scout Scar loop from Oxenholme Lake District, a moderate 17 km route that offers expansive views.

While hiking with your dog, you'll encounter the expansive Killington Reservoir itself, offering continuous water views. The western shore is home to Burns Beck Moss Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, ideal for birdwatching. You might also spot historic structures like the Lowgill Viaduct on some routes, or enjoy views across to distant fells and the broader Cumbrian landscape.

The dog-friendly trails around Killington Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the picturesque landscapes, the variety of routes, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with their canine companions.

Absolutely. The Winder Summit Trig Points – View from Winder Summit loop from St Gregory's Church, Vale of Lune is a moderate 10.5 km hike that provides excellent views from Winder Summit. Another great option is the Arant Haw summit cairn – Sedbergh Town Centre loop from Sedbergh School, which is 8.3 km and offers rewarding vistas from Arant Haw.

Yes, Killington Reservoir is conveniently located next to a motorway service station, which offers ample parking facilities, making it easy to access the trails with your dog.

Killington Reservoir is a great destination for dog-friendly hikes year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, offering a different, often quieter, experience of the Cumbrian landscape.

While the trails are dog-friendly, it's always recommended to keep your dog under control, especially when passing through areas with livestock or near the Burns Beck Moss Nature Reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with abundant wildlife. Please also remember to clean up after your dog to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Yes, Killington Reservoir is just a few miles west of Sedbergh, where you can access the long-distance Dales Way. This offers opportunities to extend your dog-friendly adventures along waterside trails, such as those found along the River Lune.