Best Dog Walks in the West Midlands

If you’re looking for the best dog walks in the West Midlands, there are plenty to choose from. From the Malvern Hills and Cannock Chase to National Trust estates, country parks and woodland trails, the region has walks to suit everything from a quick stroll to a full day out with your dog.

This guide covers dog friendly walks across the whole West Midlands region, including Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands county. As I live in Worcestershire and spend a lot of time walking and running in the area, I’ve included a mixture of walks that I know and enjoy myself alongside other places that are particularly well suited to exploring with a dog.

Dog rules can vary depending on the location and time of year, particularly around livestock and wildlife. I’ve included useful information about restrictions where possible, but it’s always worth checking the latest guidance before setting off.

Best Dog Walks in the West Midlands at a Glance

Dog walk	County	Best for
Malvern Hills	Worcestershire	Hill walks and spectacular views
Wyre Forest	Worcestershire	Woodland walks
Croome	Worcestershire	Parkland and easier walks
Broadway and Broadway Tower	Worcestershire	Cotswold views and longer walks
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd	Shropshire	Hill walking and views
Comer Woods	Shropshire	Woodland and off-lead opportunities
Cannock Chase	Staffordshire	Long woodland and heathland walks
Kinver Edge	Staffordshire	Woodland, heathland and views
Hatton Locks	Warwickshire	Easy canal-side walking
Charlecote Park	Warwickshire	Historic parkland
Croft Castle and Parkland	Herefordshire	Countryside and parkland
Queenswood Country Park	Herefordshire	Woodland walks
Sutton Park	West Midlands	Varied walks and longer routes

Dog Walks in Herefordshire

Herefordshire’s countryside makes it a brilliant place for dog walking, with everything from woodland trails and riverside paths to historic estates and open parkland. The county is particularly good if you prefer quieter rural walks, with plenty of opportunities to combine a decent walk with impressive views, historic buildings and somewhere to stop for refreshments afterwards. Here are some of the best dog walks in Herefordshire to explore.

Croft Castle and Parkland

Croft Castle and Parkland is a National Trust property near Leominster with around 1,500 acres of woodland, farmland and historic parkland to explore. There are five waymarked walks, taking in features including ancient trees, Fishpool Valley and the Iron Age hillfort at Croft Ambrey. Routes range from an easy 1.5-mile ancient tree walk to longer and more challenging walks through the estate.

Dogs on leads are welcome on all of the parkland walks and can also visit the walled garden and the area around the castle. Livestock graze in parts of the estate, so dogs need to remain under close control, and they shouldn’t be allowed to swim in the pools at Fishpool Valley. Dogs can join their owners in the glazed section of the tea-room, and water bowls and dog waste bins are available.

Dogs: Welcome on leads throughout the parkland walks and walled garden; not permitted inside the castle.

Location: Yarpole, near Leominster, Herefordshire.

Tip: This is one of my favourite dog walks in Herefordshire and it’s absolutely gorgeous in Autumn. I insist on going most years once the leaves turn, there’s nowhere else quite like it. We usually have a stroll around the National Trust grounds, grab a coffee and a scone to warm up and head into the woods for a good long walk with the dogs. There’s a section of the café where dogs can sit inside with you and you can also sit outside with them. If you’re there with children, make sure you check out the lovely natural play area. Dogs can walk through it with you too.

Website: Croft Castle National Trust

Review: Plutonium Sox review of a dog friendly day out at Croft Castle.

Brockhampton Estate

Brockhampton near Bromyard is a 1,700-acre National Trust estate with parkland, woodland and orchards surrounding the medieval manor house. There are four waymarked walking routes, ranging from a short one-mile trail with views towards the Malvern Hills and Clee Hills to longer walks through the woodland and historic parkland. The 1.5-mile Orchard Walk follows hard-standing paths, making it a useful option if you’re looking for an easier route.

Dogs are welcome on all of the waymarked routes, through the orchards and around the outside of the manor house. As Brockhampton is a working farm with livestock and wildlife, dogs need to be kept on leads throughout the estate. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the manor house or indoor catering areas, but they can join you in the outside seating areas. Water bowls and dog waste bins are provided.

Tip: This is another Herefordshire National Trust property that I highly recommend for a day out with dogs. It’s great for kids too, they often have a family trail as well as various play areas. I like going into the woods here with the dogs, but it does get quite muddy so if you’re heading there in the wetter months I’d advise wellies or at least very sturdy walking boots. A towel in the car to give the dogs a wipe down at the end of the walk is a great option too.

Dogs: Welcome on leads throughout the grounds and all waymarked walking routes.

Location: Bringsty, near Bromyard, Herefordshire.

Website: Brockhampton National Trust.

Berrington Hall

Berrington Hall near Leominster has 250 acres of parkland and woodland within Capability Brown’s final landscape design. There are several waymarked walks to choose from, including an easy one-mile route around the lake and a longer 3.1-mile parkland walk through the wider estate. The routes take in a mixture of open parkland, woodland and views of the Georgian mansion, while the lake itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Dogs are welcome throughout the parkland, courtyard and gardens but need to be kept on leads because livestock graze on the estate. Dogs aren’t permitted inside the mansion, but the Stables café seating area is dog friendly, and there are water bowls and dog waste bins available.

Dogs: Welcome on leads throughout the parkland and gardens.

Location: Near Leominster, Herefordshire.

Tip: This one is a lot more formal than the other National Trust properties in Herefordshire. It’s much more of a walk around a grand estate rather than a stomp around the woods. It’s also got some nice play areas for kids that are a bit more structured than the other Herefordshire National Trust properties.

Website: Berrington Hall

Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum

Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, between Hereford and Leominster, offers around 123 acres of woodland to explore with a network of waymarked walking trails. The site combines ancient native woodland with an arboretum containing trees from around the world, and there is a viewpoint with far-reaching views across the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.

Dogs are welcome at Queenswood, although there are some areas where they need to be kept on leads, including around the visitor facilities and within the designated SSSI woodland. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the Woodland Café, making this a useful choice if you want somewhere to stop for food or a drink after your walk. There are also toilets and parking on site.

Dogs: Welcome; leads are required in specified areas, and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Woodland Café.

Location: Dinmore Hill, between Hereford and Leominster, Herefordshire.

Dog Walks in Shropshire

Shropshire is an excellent county for dog walking, with everything from woodland trails and historic estates to some of the best hill walking in the West Midlands. The Shropshire Hills provide plenty of opportunities for longer walks with spectacular views, while places such as National Trust estates and country parks offer easier routes with useful facilities. Here are some of the best dog walks in Shropshire to explore.

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd is easily my favourite place for a dog walk in Shropshire and possibly anywhere in the West Midlands. With a small reservoir that welcomes open water swimmers, a small but beautiful waterfall and wild horses wandering around, there’s really nowhere else quite like it.

The area also offers some of the most varied walking in Shropshire, with routes ranging from relatively short valley walks to longer hikes across the hills. The National Trust looks after more than 2,000 hectares here, with streams, waterfalls, heathland and extensive views across the Shropshire Hills.

There are several routes to choose from. One of the most popular follows Carding Mill Valley to the waterfall at Lightspout, while longer walks can continue onto the Long Mynd and towards high points such as Pole Bank. The terrain varies considerably depending on the route, with some steep, rocky and uneven sections.

Dogs are welcome, but the Long Mynd is an important habitat for wildlife and is also used for grazing. Dogs need to be kept under close control and should be on leads around livestock and during periods when requested to protect ground-nesting birds. Carding Mill Valley has parking, toilets and a café, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the wider area.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under close control and use a lead around livestock and where requested.

Tip: I would park at the National Trust car park, but bear in mind that it gets REALLY busy at certain times of year. The café’s only little but it has classic National Trust fare and I highly recommend the pasties.

Location: Church Stretton, Shropshire.

Website: Carding Mill Valley National Trust.

Review: Plutonium Sox review of a dog friendly day out at Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd.

Attingham Park

Attingham Park near Shrewsbury is a great place for a dog walk, with extensive parkland, woodland and riverside paths to explore. There are several marked walking routes of different lengths, including the one-mile riverside walk, the 2.5-mile Wildlife Walk through the Deer Park and the three-mile Repton Ramble.

Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor areas at Attingham, although they need to be kept on leads except in designated off-lead areas. There’s a year-round off-lead zone in the woodland where dogs can have a run, and you’ll also find water and dog waste bins around the estate.

The paths are a mixture of grass, woodland trails and harder surfaces, with some routes becoming muddy after wet weather. There are toilets and places to buy food and drinks near the main visitor area, making Attingham a good option if you want to turn a dog walk into a longer day out.

Dogs: Welcome in outdoor areas; leads are required except in designated off-lead areas.

Location: Atcham, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Website: National Trust Attingham Park.

Comer Woods and the Dudmaston Estate

Comer Woods, near Bridgnorth, is part of the wider Dudmaston Estate and is particularly well set up for dog walking. There are several waymarked trails through the woodland, ranging from the easy 1.5-mile White Admiral Walk to longer routes such as the three-mile Three Pools Walk and 3.8-mile Morfe Walk. You can also extend your walk beyond the woods into the wider Dudmaston countryside.

Comer Woods has the National Trust’s highest three-pawprint dog-friendly rating. Dogs need to be on leads in the car park and Heath Meadow and around livestock, but they can explore off lead on much of the remaining trail network as long as they’re kept under effective control. The café has outdoor seating and water bowls, and there are toilets and dog waste bins near the main visitor area.

Dogs: Welcome throughout Comer Woods, with both on- and off-lead areas.

Location: Quatford, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

Website: Dudmaston Estate Comer Woods National Trust.

Wenlock Edge

Wenlock Edge is a long limestone escarpment running through the Shropshire countryside, with ancient woodland, grassland and far-reaching views. It’s a good choice if you prefer a countryside dog walk rather than a formal National Trust property, with paths running through the woods and along the Edge.

There are various routes to choose from, including the National Trust’s easy two-mile Jenny Wind circular walk, which follows woodland tracks and green lanes and passes reminders of the area’s industrial past. Dogs are welcome at Wenlock Edge throughout the year but should be kept under close control. Facilities are fairly limited, so this is one to treat as a proper countryside walk rather than a full visitor-attraction day out.

Dogs: Welcome, but keep them under close control.

Location: Wenlock Edge, Shropshire.

Dog Walks in Staffordshire

Staffordshire has some fantastic places to walk with a dog, from the vast woodland and heathland of Cannock Chase to riverside paths, historic estates and quieter countryside trails. There are options for everything from a short woodland stroll to a longer day out, with several locations offering cafés and other facilities too. Here are some of the best dog walks in Staffordshire to explore.

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is easily my favourite place for a dog walk in Staffordshire. It’s one of the largest areas of open countryside in the county, with thousands of acres of woodland and heathland crossed by walking trails, bridleways and forest tracks. There are numerous routes to choose from, ranging from short waymarked trails to much longer walks through the wider Cannock Chase National Landscape.

Forestry England manages Cannock Chase Forest, where walking trails include the easy Fairoak Trail around the pools and the longer Sherbrook Valley Trail. The wider Chase also includes heathland, valleys and woodland managed by different organisations, so there are plenty of options for creating longer routes.

Dogs are welcome, but Cannock Chase is an important habitat for wildlife and there are seasonal restrictions in some areas. Dogs should be kept under close control, particularly around livestock and wildlife, and local signs should be followed. Facilities including parking, toilets and refreshments are available at several popular starting points, including Birches Valley Forest Centre.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under close control and follow signs regarding wildlife, livestock and seasonal restrictions.

Location: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire.

Tip: Cannock Chase is great for cycling so look out for cyclists when you’re there with dogs. If you’re visiting with young children, you’ll probably get a longer walk if they bring bikes or balance bikes and there are plenty of flat trails that will suit them. Look out for the free doggy obstacle course while you’re there.

Website: Cannock Chase Forestry England.

Kinver Edge

Kinver Edge has some beautiful walks and the views from the top of the hill are stunning. The area offers a mixture of woodland and open heathland walks, with views across the surrounding Staffordshire countryside. The National Trust manages around 600 acres here, with a network of footpaths and several walking routes that can be combined with a visit to the unusual Rock Houses carved into the sandstone beneath the Edge.

One option is the approximately three-mile circular walk across Kinver Edge, which takes in woodland, heathland and the Iron Age hillfort at the highest point. There are also shorter trails around the Rock Houses and opportunities to extend a walk into the surrounding countryside.

Dogs are welcome across Kinver Edge but should be kept under close control, particularly around livestock and wildlife. There are areas where leads are required, so it’s important to follow the signs during your visit. Dogs are also welcome in the outdoor areas at the Rock Houses, although there are restrictions on where they can go inside.

Dogs: Welcome on Kinver Edge; keep under close control and follow signs regarding leads, livestock and wildlife.

Location: Kinver, Staffordshire.

Tip: Dogs can’t go into the rock houses themselves, although you can walk up to the caves and sit outside the café with them. It doesn’t take long to walk around the inside of the caves, so if you’re going with people it’s easy enough to take turns to wait with the dogs. That said, if you’re not too bothered about the café or caves, there’s no need to pay the National Trust entry fee, and you can still enjoy lovely walks around Kinver Edge.

Website: Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses National Trust.

Review: Plutonium Sox Review of a dog friendly day out at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses.

Downs Banks

Downs Banks near Stone is a particularly good choice for a relatively short dog walk in Staffordshire. The National Trust has a dedicated dog-friendly circular route of around two miles, following the stream through woodland before giving you the option of climbing to the higher ground for panoramic views across the Staffordshire countryside. There’s also a slightly longer 2.5-mile route if you want a more challenging walk.

Dogs are welcome throughout the year and well-behaved dogs can be off lead where appropriate. There may be cattle grazing on the heathland, so it’s important to keep dogs under close control and follow any signs during your visit. Facilities are fairly limited, making this more of a countryside walk than a full day-out destination.

Dogs: Welcome, with off-lead walking possible for well-behaved dogs where appropriate.

Location: Near Stone, Staffordshire.

Shugborough Estate

With around 900 acres of parkland to explore, Shugborough Estate near Stafford offers plenty of space for a longer dog walk. Dogs are welcome across the outdoor areas of the National Trust estate, including the parkland, walled garden and pleasure grounds, so you can combine a walk with exploring much of the wider property.

Dogs should be kept on short leads across the estate, particularly around livestock. Shugborough is also a useful option if you want somewhere to stop for refreshments during your walk, as dogs are welcome inside Park Farm Café as well as its outdoor seating areas. Water bowls, taps and dog waste bins are available around the estate.

Dogs: Welcome on leads throughout the outdoor areas, with a dog-friendly café at Park Farm.

Location: Milford, near Stafford, Staffordshire.

Dog Walks in Warwickshire

Warwickshire has plenty of variety when it comes to walking with a dog, from peaceful canal towpaths and woodland trails to historic estates surrounded by open countryside. There are easy routes for a relaxed stroll as well as longer walks that combine several different landscapes. Here are some of the best dog walks in Warwickshire to explore.

Hatton Locks

Hatton Locks is a great choice for a waterside dog walk in Warwickshire, following the Grand Union Canal through open countryside near Warwick. The impressive flight of 21 locks, sometimes known as the “Stairway to Heaven”, provides plenty to see along the way, with generally easy walking along the towpath.

For a longer outing, there’s a circular walk of around five miles taking in the locks, canal towpath, woodland and surrounding countryside. Dogs are welcome, although they should be kept under close control around the locks, other towpath users and livestock. The Hatton Locks Café also provides a convenient place to stop for refreshments.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under close control around locks, livestock and other towpath users.

Location: Hatton, near Warwick, Warwickshire.

Charlecote Park

Charlecote Park is a beautiful National Trust estate near Stratford-upon-Avon, with extensive parkland surrounding the historic house. The River Avon runs through the estate and the park is home to a herd of fallow deer, creating a particularly scenic setting for a walk.

Dogs are welcome in designated areas of the parkland, but they need to be kept on a short lead because of the deer and other livestock. Dog access varies across the estate, with some areas including the house and formal gardens off limits, so it’s worth checking the current National Trust dog-walking information before visiting.

There are marked routes through the areas of parkland that are open to dogs, and facilities at Charlecote include parking, toilets and places to stop for refreshments.

Dogs: Welcome on short leads in designated areas of the parkland; restrictions apply around the house, gardens, deer and livestock.

Location: Charlecote, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

Tip: This is definitely one for keeping dogs on a lead at risk of a “Fenton” moment as there’s a huge herd of free roaming deer. That said, the deer are lovely to see and make quite a majestic sight as you stroll around the parkland.

Website: Charlecote Park National Trust.

Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton is a National Trust property near Solihull, surrounded by countryside, woodland and farmland. While dogs aren’t permitted in the house or formal garden, there are several walking routes through the wider estate and surrounding countryside where dogs are welcome.

One of the longer options is the circular walk linking Baddesley Clinton with nearby Packwood House, following country lanes, public footpaths, woodland and sections of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Shorter walks are also possible using the network of public footpaths around the estate.

Dogs should be kept under close control and on leads where required, particularly around livestock and on sections of the route that cross farmland. Facilities at Baddesley Clinton include parking, toilets and a café, with designated areas where visitors with dogs can stop for refreshments.

Dogs: Welcome on the estate walks and public footpaths; keep under close control and follow local signs regarding leads and livestock.

Location: Baddesley Clinton, near Solihull, Warwickshire.

Website: Baddesley Clinton National Trust.

Packwood House

Packwood House near Lapworth has around 150 acres of parkland, meadows and woodland, with several walking routes across the wider estate. A good option for dog walkers is the three-mile circular estate walk, while the longer five-mile route links Packwood with Baddesley Clinton via the Warwickshire countryside and Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. There’s also an easy one-mile Welly Walk if you’re looking for something shorter.

Dogs on leads are welcome on the public footpaths across the estate, as well as in the barnyard and on the café terrace. They aren’t allowed in the house or formal gardens, and you’ll need to take particular care around livestock in the surrounding fields. Water bowls are available in the barnyard and on the café terrace.

Dogs: Welcome on leads on public footpaths across the estate; not permitted in the house or formal gardens.

Location: Lapworth, Warwickshire.

Dog Walks in Worcestershire

Worcestershire has some of the most varied dog walking in the West Midlands, from the dramatic hills and views of the Malverns and Bredon Hill to woodland trails, historic estates and country parks. There are challenging walks for those looking to cover a few miles as well as easier routes with cafés and other facilities nearby. Here are some of the best dog walks in Worcestershire to explore.

Malvern Hills

I’m a bit biased here because the Malvern Hills is my local dog-walking area and I absolutely love it. The hills offer an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways. Routes range from short walks around the lower slopes to longer hikes taking in several summits. The end to end is around 10 miles, or walk back to make it twenty. Be careful though – it takes longer than you think because the hills can be quite steep. The highest point is Worcestershire Beacon at 425 metres, while other popular areas include British Camp, Herefordshire Beacon and North Hill.

There are numerous places to start a walk, including car parks around British Camp, the Wyche Cutting and the northern end of the hills. This makes it easy to choose a route to suit the distance and amount of climbing you want to do. Longer walks can follow sections of the ridge, with extensive views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond.

Dogs are welcome on the Malvern Hills, but livestock graze in many areas and the hills are also important for wildlife. Dogs should be kept under effective control and put on leads around livestock and where requested. There are cafés, pubs and other places for refreshments around the hills and in Great Malvern.

Tip: I’ve written an extensive guide to walking on the Malvern Hills – including a few routes of different lengths and where to stop en route for food and drinks.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under effective control and use a lead around livestock and where required.

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire.

Bredon Hill

Bredon Hill rises above the Vale of Evesham in southern Worcestershire and offers a network of public footpaths through farmland, woodland and open hillside. At its highest point, the hill reaches 299 metres and is topped by Parsons Folly, also known as Banbury Stone Tower, with extensive views across the surrounding countryside.

There are several possible starting points for walks up Bredon Hill, including the villages of Elmley Castle, Great Comberton and Kemerton, making it possible to create circular routes of different lengths. The summit area also contains the remains of an Iron Age hillfort and is part of a National Nature Reserve.

Dogs can use the public rights of way, but much of the surrounding land is agricultural and livestock may be present. Dogs should therefore be kept under close control and on leads around livestock, with particular care taken during lambing season.

Dogs: Welcome on public rights of way; keep under close control and use a lead around livestock.

Location: Bredon Hill, near Evesham, Worcestershire.

Tip: I love going up Bredon Hill around July time when the cherries are ripe. There are so many cherry trees up there and they seem to be cultivated cherries rather than the smaller wild cherries. I’d advise taking a container with you on your walk if you go at that time of year.

Broadway and Broadway Tower

Broadway and Broadway Tower offer a choice of dog walks through the Worcestershire countryside and along the Cotswold escarpment. One option is to walk from the village of Broadway up to Broadway Tower, following public footpaths through fields and gradually climbing to one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. The route provides extensive views across the Vale of Evesham and surrounding countryside.

Broadway Tower sits within a 50-acre estate and enclosed deer park, with additional walking opportunities around the grounds. Dogs are welcome around the estate but need to be kept on leads, particularly because of the resident deer. Dogs aren’t permitted inside the Tower Museum, but there is dog-friendly seating at the café.

There are several ways to extend the walk using the surrounding footpath network and sections of the Cotswold Way, or you can return to Broadway to explore the village and stop for refreshments.

Dogs: Welcome around the Broadway Tower estate and on surrounding public footpaths; keep dogs on leads around the deer and livestock.

Tip: If you’re not keen on trekking up from the village to the tower, you can park at the tower and take a stroll around there. The ice creams at the café by Broadway Tower are delicious. If you don’t want to buy one then definitely leave the children at home, I’ve never made it up there without forking out for an ice cream.

Location: Broadway, Worcestershire.

Croome

Croome is another one of my favourite places to walk the dogs. It’s a National Trust estate near Worcester, with extensive parkland designed by Capability Brown surrounding Croome Court. There are several walking routes through the estate, taking in open parkland, woodland, lakeside paths and features including the Rotunda and the Park Seat.

Dogs are welcome across much of the parkland and there is plenty of space for a longer walk. They need to be kept under close control and on leads where required, particularly around livestock and wildlife. There are some areas where dogs aren’t permitted, so it’s worth following the signs around the estate during your visit.

Facilities include parking, toilets and places to stop for refreshments, with designated dog-friendly seating available.

Dogs: Welcome across much of the parkland; follow local signs and keep dogs on leads where required.

Location: High Green, near Worcester, Worcestershire.

Tip: Croome is a great place to visit as a family because there are two lovely play areas for children. The natural play area welcomes dogs, but they have to wait outside the more formal park. The views at sunset are glorious.

Website: Croome National Trust.

Review: Plutonium Sox review of Croome.

Clent Hills

Clent Hills is a great place for dog walking in Worcestershire, with miles of footpaths and bridleways through woodland and open countryside and some fantastic views across the surrounding area. There are several waymarked routes to choose from, ranging from an easy one-mile walk to the Four Stones to the more challenging 4.3-mile Badger Trail. The 3.2-mile Butterfly Trail is another good option, taking in both Clent Hill and Walton Hill.

Dogs are welcome throughout Clent Hills and there are large areas where they can be off lead under close control. Leads are required in some places, including the car park, café area and Viewpoint path, as well as around livestock. Extra care is needed during lambing season. There’s also a dog-friendly café at Nimmings Wood car park, with water bowls and dog treats available.

Dogs: Welcome throughout, with off-lead walking permitted in many areas; leads are required in specified areas and around livestock.

Location: Clent, near Stourbridge, Worcestershire.

Hanbury Hall

Hanbury Hall is a National Trust property near Droitwich Spa, surrounded by parkland and countryside with a network of paths to explore. Walks around the wider estate take in farmland, woodland and views of the Hall, with public footpaths allowing you to extend your route into the surrounding Worcestershire countryside.

Dogs are welcome in the parkland and on the wider estate but need to be kept under close control, particularly where livestock are grazing. Access for dogs is restricted in some areas of the property, including the house and formal gardens, so follow the signs during your visit.

Facilities include parking, toilets and refreshments, making Hanbury Hall an easy place to combine a countryside dog walk with a longer visit.

Dogs: Welcome in the parkland and wider estate; keep under close control and follow restrictions around livestock and formal areas.

Location: Hanbury, near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.

Website: Hanbury Hall National Trust.

Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is another dog walk I absolutely love. It’s one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in Britain, with an extensive network of trails through woodland managed by Forestry England. There are several waymarked walking routes of different lengths, as well as numerous forest tracks and public rights of way that make it easy to extend your walk.

The terrain varies from broad forest tracks to narrower woodland paths, with some steeper sections depending on the route you choose. The forest is rich in wildlife and includes streams, open areas and viewpoints along the trails.

Dogs are welcome in Wyre Forest, but should be kept under control and local signs followed, particularly around wildlife and other forest users. The main visitor area at Callow Hill has parking, toilets and refreshments, making it a convenient starting point for a walk.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under appropriate control and follow any local restrictions.

Location: Callow Hill, near Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Tip: Wyre Forest is great to visit with kids as well as dogs. It’s got a children’s play area and a family-friendly cycle trail. If your dog gets a bit muddy running around the woods, there’s a dog wash. They’re allowed in the café too.

Website: Wyre Forest – Forestry England.

Worcester Woods Country Park

Worcester Woods Country Park is a great place for a dog walk. There’s a really nice café and two children’s playgrounds too. The area covers around 100 acres on the edge of Worcester, combining woodland, meadows and open grassland. The park is made up of two nature reserves, Nunnery Wood and Hornhill Meadow, with a network of surfaced and unsurfaced paths that can be combined to create walks of different lengths.

The relatively gentle terrain makes this a good option for an easier dog walk compared with some of Worcestershire’s hillier locations. Routes take you through woodland and wildflower meadows, with plenty of opportunities to extend your walk around the wider park.

Dogs are welcome, although they should be kept under control and restrictions apply in some areas to protect wildlife and other visitors. The Countryside Centre provides parking and toilets, and there is also a café, making Worcester Woods a convenient option for a walk with good facilities.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under appropriate control and follow signs regarding restricted areas.

Location: Wildwood Drive, Worcester, Worcestershire.

Tip: It’s worth bearing in mind that Worcester Woods hosts parkrun every Saturday morning. It’s also right next to the Worcester Hospital and when I was in labour with one of my daughters, I went out for a walk from the hospital. I couldn’t quite understand why it was so busy, but it turned out I’d accidentally joined parkrun. It seems to be easily done in Worcester Woods on a Saturday morning.

Waseley Hills Country Park

Waseley Hills Country Park, near Rubery, covers around 150 acres of rolling grassland and woodland, with some fantastic views towards Birmingham, the Black Country and across Worcestershire. It’s a popular spot with dog walkers and has a network of paths to explore, including two waymarked routes. The short Skylark Trail is around half a mile, while the three-mile Rabbit Trail is a more substantial walk with some steep sections and unsurfaced grassy paths.

There’s a café, toilets and parking on site, making Waseley Hills a useful option if you want more facilities than you’d find on a typical countryside walk. The Windmill Café even sells doggy ice cream.

Dogs: Popular with dog walkers; keep dogs under appropriate control and follow any signs regarding livestock or restricted areas.

Location: Gannow Green Lane, Rubery, Worcestershire.

Dog Walks in Birmingham and the West Midlands County

You don’t have to travel far from Birmingham to find some surprisingly good places to walk with a dog. The West Midlands has large country parks, woodland and open spaces where you can escape the city without travelling into the surrounding counties. There are options for everything from a short everyday dog walk to longer routes that feel much more rural than their location suggests. Here are some of the best dog walks in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Sutton Park

Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, covering around 2,400 acres. It is also a National Nature Reserve, with a mixture of woodland, heathland, wetlands, open grassland and seven lakes, providing plenty of variety for dog walking.

There is an extensive network of paths across the park, so walks can be as short or as long as you want. Routes take in woodland, lakes and open heath, while the park’s size makes it possible to explore different areas on separate visits rather than following a single designated walk.

Dogs are welcome in Sutton Park, but they should be kept under control and local signs and seasonal restrictions should be followed, particularly around wildlife, grazing livestock and sensitive habitats. There are several entrances and car parks around the park, as well as cafés and other facilities.

Dogs: Welcome; keep under appropriate control and follow signs relating to livestock, wildlife and sensitive areas.

Location: Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, West Midlands.

Lickey Hills Country Park

Lickey Hills Country Park is a popular place for dog walking on the southern edge of Birmingham, with 524 acres of woodland, heathland and grassland to explore. There is a network of waymarked walking routes, including circular trails of around 1.8, 2.5 and 5.6 miles, so it’s easy to choose a walk to suit how far you want to go. A walk up to Beacon Hill is particularly worthwhile for the views across the surrounding countryside.

Dogs are welcome at Lickey Hills, although you should follow signs for designated dog-walking paths and any local restrictions. The café at the visitor centre is particularly useful for dog walkers as well-behaved dogs on short leads are allowed inside, and there’s also a water bowl available.

Dogs: Welcome; follow local signs and keep dogs under appropriate control.

Location: Lickey, south-west Birmingham, West Midlands.

Woodgate Valley Country Park

Woodgate Valley Country Park is a surprisingly rural place for a dog walk within Birmingham, with around 450 acres of meadows, woodland, hedgerows and ponds surrounding the Bourn Brook. There are more than eight miles of paths to explore and three waymarked circular routes of one, two and 2.5 miles, as well as a longer 5km route.

The routes take you through a mixture of open meadows, woodland and alongside the brook, making this a good option if you want a countryside-style dog walk without travelling far from Birmingham. For a longer walk, Woodgate Valley also marks the start or finish of the five-mile Illey Way, which leads through the Worcestershire countryside to Waseley Hills Country Park.

Dogs: A popular open-space walking location; keep dogs under appropriate control, particularly around horses, wildlife and other park users.

Location: Bartley Green and Quinton, Birmingham, West Midlands.

Finding the Best Dog Walks in the West Midlands

From hill walks with incredible views to woodland trails, National Trust estates and easy country park routes, there’s a huge variety of dog walks across the West Midlands. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend hike or somewhere for a relaxed couple of miles with the dog, hopefully this guide will give you some new places to explore.

I’ll continue adding to this guide as I discover more walks across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend the rest of the day after your walk, take a look at my guide to dog friendly days out in the West Midlands too.