Hiking with a dog changes the experience in the best possible way. They bring enthusiasm to every stretch of path, they have no strong opinions about the planned lunch stop, and they are entirely unbothered by the weather. They also come with a set of responsibilities that are worth understanding before you head into the hills.
This guide covers the access rules, practical kit, and common situations you will encounter when hiking with a dog in the UK.
Access Rights with Dogs
In England and Wales, dogs are permitted on public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways, and byways) and on Open Access land designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The key legal requirement is that your dog must be under close control at all times.
Close control does not necessarily mean on a lead in all situations, but it does mean your dog must respond reliably to your recall command and must not be causing a problem for other users, wildlife, or livestock.
There are two situations where your dog must be on a lead: 1. Near livestock (this is both a legal and safety requirement) 2. On Open Access land during the ground-nesting bird season (1 March to 31 July)
In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 grants broader access rights, but the same responsible behaviour expectations apply. Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, dogs must be under proper control, and near livestock means on a lead.
Livestock: The Critical Issue
Nothing else in dog-related hiking comes close to the importance of livestock management. Sheep are easily panicked by dogs, even calm dogs that are not chasing. A sheep in a field with a dog will often flee, which can lead to injuries, miscarriages in pregnant ewes, and in extreme cases, cardiac events.
The rule is simple: any time you can see livestock, your dog is on a lead. Do not wait until you are in the field. Put the lead on before you enter, check your exit, and cross as calmly and quickly as possible.
The cattle situation is different and worth knowing specifically. Cows with calves are among the most dangerous animals a hiker encounters in the UK countryside. They can weigh over 600kg and can move faster than you might expect. If a herd of cattle begins to approach or follow you, do not run. Walk purposefully and calmly to the nearest exit. If they begin to charge and you have your dog on a lead, let go of the lead. The cattle are almost always responding to the dog’s scent. Your dog will get out of the way. You staying attached to the lead increases your risk significantly.
Wildlife Considerations
Dogs have a strong instinct to chase. In upland areas during nesting season, a dog flushing ground-nesting birds can cause nest abandonment and breeding failure for species like curlew, lapwing, golden plover, and dotterel, many of which are already under significant population pressure.
During the period from roughly March to July, keep your dog on a lead or very close at foot on open moorland, heathland, and upland grassland. This is both a responsible access expectation and, in the case of certain protected species, a legal matter under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Kit for Your Dog
Beyond the basics (water, food, poo bags), consider the following for longer or more remote hikes:
A dog first aid kit. For remote routes, the items that earn their weight include: tick remover (essential in bracken and heather terrain, where ticks are common from spring through autumn), bandage and wound covering material, tweezers for thorns and glass, and veterinary wound spray. A dog who cuts a pad mid-route and cannot bear weight on the leg is a significant problem on a remote hill. Being prepared to deal with minor injuries prevents them becoming major ones.
Tick awareness. UK moors and woodlands have significant tick populations, and ticks can carry Lyme disease, which affects dogs as well as humans. After every walk through heather, bracken, or long grass, check your dog thoroughly, particularly around the ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes, and in skin folds. Remove any attached ticks promptly with a tick remover tool (twist out, do not pull straight). Check the tick removal site for any signs of infection over the following days.
Boots or paw wax. On very rocky terrain or on long hot days when path surfaces are baking, some dogs benefit from paw protection. Dog boots have a learning curve for the dog but protect against cuts from sharp rocks and pad burns on hot surfaces. Musher’s Secret or similar paw wax is a less invasive alternative that protects against abrasion.
Planning Routes with Your Dog
Not all routes are equally suitable. Things to consider:
Stile design. Many rural stiles in England and Wales are not dog-friendly. Check the route description and map before setting out. Some stiles have adjacent dog gates; many do not. Large dogs who cannot be lifted may be unable to complete routes with significant stile sections.
Traffic near trail ends and car parks. The last section of many popular walks passes through or near car parks and road access points. Put the lead on well before any road.
Shade and water availability. In warm weather, dogs overheat faster than humans. On hot days, choose routes near reliable water sources (streams and rivers) and plan for more frequent breaks. Avoid dark-coloured surfaces (tarmac, dark rock) in midday heat; these can be painfully hot for paws.
Other users. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Be aware of other walkers, cyclists on bridleways, and horse riders, who may need you to control your dog as they pass. A friendly dog bounding up to a nervous horse is a recipe for a dangerous situation.
After the Walk
Tick checks are the priority immediately after any walk through tick habitat. Check yourself as well as your dog.
Rinse paws if you have walked through agricultural land or areas with standing water. Check for any cuts or debris between the pads.
If your dog seems stiff or unusually tired the day after a long walk, that is normal. If lameness, swelling, or unusual behaviour persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, consult your vet.