The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Great Marlow

Great Marlow boasts over 75 dog-friendly hiking trails, offering a wide variety of options for you and your canine companion. These range from leisurely strolls to more challenging routes through the Chiltern Hills.

Yes, Great Marlow offers plenty of easy dog-friendly walks. With 28 routes rated as 'easy', you'll find gentle paths perfect for a relaxed outing, often along the River Thames or through less strenuous woodland areas. Many of these are suitable for older dogs or those new to hiking.

The terrain around Great Marlow is quite varied. You can expect flat, riverside paths along the Thames, rolling hills and woodlands within the Chiltern Hills AONB, and some trails with undulating forestry. Many routes feature well-maintained footpaths, but some may include natural, unpaved sections, especially in the woods.

Absolutely! Many of the dog-friendly routes in Great Marlow are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Marlow Bottom Stupas loop from Marlow Bottom offers a scenic circular journey through woodlands and past unique cultural landmarks.

You and your dog can enjoy a wealth of scenic highlights. Many trails offer views of the iconic Marlow Suspension Bridge and the River Thames. You might also encounter the historic Hambleden Lock and Weir, or explore tranquil woodlands like Homefield Wood and Bisham Woods. For something unique, some routes pass by the Buddhist Stupas at Holyhill Wood. The Spade Oak Nature Reserve is also a great spot for birdwatching.

Yes, given Great Marlow's location along the River Thames and near Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, many trails offer opportunities for your dog to access water. The Thames Path provides continuous riverside walking, and areas like the Spade Oak Nature Reserve feature water bodies where dogs can often cool off, provided they are under control and it's safe to do so.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Great Marlow, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the abundance of quiet woodlands perfect for dogs to explore off-leash where permitted.

Many of the easier and moderate dog-friendly trails are also ideal for families. Paths along the River Thames, such as those starting from Higginson Park, are generally flat and accessible. Woodland walks, like those around Marlow Common, offer engaging environments for children to explore alongside their dogs.

Spring and autumn are particularly lovely for dog-friendly hikes in Great Marlow. In spring, the woodlands, such as Homefield Wood, come alive with wildflowers and bluebells, offering stunning scenery. Autumn brings vibrant foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but remember to bring plenty of water for your dog and be mindful of warmer temperatures. Winter walks are also beautiful, especially through the frosted Chiltern Hills.

Great Marlow is accessible by public transport, making it possible to reach various trailheads without a car. The town has a railway station, and local bus services connect to surrounding villages and areas within the Chiltern Hills, providing access points to many dog-friendly routes. Always check specific route starting points for the closest public transport links.

For a moderate dog-friendly hike with good views, consider the View of Marlow – Marlow Bottom Woods loop from Marlow Bottom. This route offers a good workout with varied terrain and provides scenic vistas over the surrounding countryside and glimpses of Marlow.

Yes, Great Marlow is on the edge of the Chiltern Hills AONB, providing direct access to its beautiful landscapes. The Chiltern Way – Seymour Court Lane loop from Wycombe Air Park is an excellent example, taking you through the rolling hills and woodlands characteristic of this protected area.