The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Thirlmere

There are over 150 dog-friendly hiking trails around Thirlmere, offering a wide variety of options for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents.

Thirlmere offers a peaceful and natural environment, often less crowded than other parts of the Lake District. Its diverse landscape includes tranquil woodlands, quiet reservoir paths, and dramatic fells, providing varied terrain suitable for dogs of all energy levels. The area's wild beauty and serene atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxing outdoor experience with your dog.

Yes, Thirlmere has over 50 easy dog-friendly routes. Many of these follow the quieter paths around the reservoir and through the coniferous forests, offering relatively flat and accessible terrain. These are perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers and their fit dogs, there are nearly 40 difficult routes available. The Helvellyn range, which dominates the eastern shore of Thirlmere, offers exhilarating experiences with significant elevation gain and stunning views. These trails provide a rewarding challenge for those seeking a more strenuous adventure.

Yes, many of the trails around Thirlmere are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the full circular route around the Thirlmere Reservoir itself, which spans approximately 10 miles and offers a full day's walk through varied scenery.

Thirlmere's trails offer views of several natural landmarks. You can explore the tranquil Thirlmere Reservoir, discover the hidden Hawes How Island, or visit picturesque waterfalls like Launchy Gill Waterfall and Thirlmere Western Shore. The trails also provide panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including Raven Crag and the Helvellyn range.

Many trails in the Thirlmere area provide excellent viewpoints. For instance, the ascent to Raven Crag, though steep, rewards hikers with some of the best panoramic views of the lake and the central fells. Higher elevation trails on the western side of the lake, such as Armboth Fell, High Tove, and High Seat, also offer exquisite views that improve with altitude.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Thirlmere, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the area's quiet beauty, the variety of terrain suitable for dogs, and the stunning natural scenery. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere compared to busier Lake District spots.

While many routes are dog-friendly, one popular option is the The Coffin Route – Grasmere Lake loop from Grasmere, which offers a moderate 11.8 km hike with gentle elevation changes. Another great choice is the View of Derwent Water – View from Walla Crag loop from Keswick, an easier 4.3 km route with rewarding views.

There are several parking areas around Thirlmere. A notable option is the Thirlmere Pay and Display Car Park, which provides convenient access to trails. It's advisable to check for specific parking availability and any charges before your visit, especially during peak seasons.

While specific establishments are not listed in the guide, the Lake District is generally very dog-friendly. You'll find a good selection of pubs and cafes in nearby towns like Keswick that welcome well-behaved dogs, often with water bowls and treats. It's always a good idea to check with the venue beforehand.

Thirlmere is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for dog walking, with milder temperatures and stunning seasonal colours. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon walks are best. Winter walks can be magical, but be prepared for colder weather and potentially icy or muddy conditions on higher trails.