Are you looking for short, dog friendly walks in the Peak District?
The Peak District is one of the UK’s most rewarding landscapes to explore with your dog. With its mix of gentle dales, open moorland, reservoirs and historic trails, it offers countless opportunities for relaxed adventures with four‑legged companions.
To help visitors and locals make the most of these landscapes, OS has launched Dog‑friendly Walks Made Easy: Peak District, a new title in the Short Walks Made Easy family. Written by Stephanie Cooke, and supported by Jim the black Labrador, the guide brings together ten leisurely dog friendly walks in the Peak District, each chosen for their scenery, simplicity and suitability for dogs.
These routes highlight the best of the Peak Distict National Park for dog owners. Every walk includes guidance on drinking water, safe paddling spots, shady rest areas and where dogs need to be on a lead, making it easy to plan a low‑stress day out. Easy‑to‑use maps, clear route profiles and step‑by‑step directions help walkers stay confident on the footpaths, while nearby dog‑friendly cafés and pubs offer welcoming spots to rest after a day outdoors.
Dog Friendly Walks in the Peak District: An Interview with Author Stephanie Cooke
To learn more about the inspiration behind the guide, I spoke with Stephanie about her favourite Peak District dog walks, the challenges of planning routes from a dog’s perspective, and her adventures with Jim, whose friendly face appears throughout the book.
How did you come to write the new dog‑friendly guide?
“I’ve always been a keen walker, and with the Peak District so nearby, I spend much of my free time there. I enjoy long‑distance walking and have completed the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast, among others.
I was lucky enough to co‑author one of the Short Walks Made Easy guides last year, and I enjoyed writing it so much that I eagerly agreed to write this new dog‑friendly guide. Although Jim isn’t my dog, I am a big part of his life, and we enjoy regular walks together. We are always seeking out new adventures, so writing this guide felt like a great opportunity, not only to share some of our favourite spots, but also to discover more.”
What is Jim like, and what kinds of walks does he enjoy?
“Jim is a really loving soul, as gentle as he can be despite his size – he’s a real goofy softy. He believes he is much smaller than he actually is and is convinced he makes an excellent lap dog.
Jim isn’t the brightest dog, but he’s loyal and very keen to please. He loves a walk where he can roam off‑lead or on a long line, sniffing all the smells and grazing on anything vaguely edible. He adores the water – the muddier the better – and looks for any excuse for a swim.”
How did you choose the ten routes, and what mattered most?
“I chose some of the routes from my own experiences and previous adventures with Jim, and I also asked fellow dog walkers about their favourite walks. Then Jim and I spent time exploring them on the ground.
What mattered to me was the potential for off‑lead time or opportunities to use a long line, as dogs love to run free. Many dogs enjoy swimming, so I wanted to include some water‑based walks. And of course, there had to be plenty of enticing smells.”
What challenges did you face when researching the routes?
“Some of the Dark Peak moors are lovely to walk along, with great views, but access for dogs is either prohibited or restricted. Dog attacks on livestock have been increasing, and there’s always a risk when walking near cows with calves. I wanted the walks to be as livestock‑free as possible. While there are cows on Baslow Edge, they are used to seeing walkers with dogs.
Some routes I considered were beautiful but involved walking along a busy road, which is not ideal with a dog. And some Peak District stiles are very narrow or require climbing, so I wanted alternatives for less athletic dogs.”
Was there a walk Jim especially enjoyed?
“Jim loved the Nine Ladies walk the most. There was plenty of off‑lead time and opportunities to potter and sniff around the stones.
It was a close call between this walk and Milldale, as there was swimming to be had in the River Dove and caves to explore. Plus a shop offering ice cream for dogs!”
Did you find any lesser‑known spots along the way?
“The Goyt Valley is much quieter than the more popular areas of the Peak District, but it is stunning, with outstanding views and the dramatic ruins of Errwood Hall.
Despite visiting Monyash several times, I had never walked through Bagshaw Dale. This is a hidden gem that Jim and I had completely to ourselves.
The shores of Damflask Reservoir also offered some unexpectedly good swimming opportunities just off the main path.”
Start Exploring the Peak District with Your Dog
Get your copy of Dog‑friendly Walks Made Easy: Peak District and discover ten gentle, well‑planned routes designed for dogs, families and walkers of all ages. With clear mapping, dog‑specific tips and OS Maps access for every route, it’s everything you need for your next adventure in the national park.
By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of Get Outside – the Ordnance Survey Blog. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.
