There’s nothing better than a day on the fells with your dog by your side.
Tail wagging, tongue out, ears flapping in the breeze — your four-legged mate might just love a Lake District hike even more than you do.
The good news? There are loads of dog-friendly peaks in the Lakes that are safe, scenic, and seriously rewarding.
No scary scrambles. No narrow ridges. Just proper views, gentle terrain, and plenty of places to paddle, sniff, and snooze.
Here are 8 dog-approved fells for your next big day out — perfect for paws, boots, and summit snacks.
🏞️ 1.
Latrigg
- Height: 368m (1,207ft)
- Location: Just outside Keswick
- Walk Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: A wide path from the Gale Road car park makes this an easy outing for pups of all ages. No stiles, little exposure, and it’s easy on little legs.
- Why You’ll Love It: Possibly the best view-to-effort ratio in the whole Lakes. The summit looks out over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells — ideal for sunrise or sunset.
- Top Tip: The short version from Gale Road is perfect for senior or smaller dogs. Extend via the Keswick Railway Path for a longer loop.
🐕 2.
Walla Crag
- Height: 379m (1,243ft)
- Location: East of Keswick
- Walk Time: 2–3 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: A steady climb with firm paths, streams to cool off in, and no scrambles. Plenty of shade in woodland sections.
- Why You’ll Love It: That dramatic drop down to Derwentwater is a stunner — and it’s a brilliant half-day option with bags of variety.
- Top Tip: Loop back via Ashness Bridge for bonus photo ops and a paddle spot.
⛰️ 3.
Hallin Fell
- Height: 388m (1,273ft)
- Location: Ullswater (Martindale)
- Walk Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: A super short climb with wide grassy paths and hardly any hazards. Perfect for pups still building stamina.
- Why You’ll Love It: Big views of Ullswater for hardly any effort. You’ll likely have the summit to yourself, too.
- Top Tip: Park at the church at Martindale Hause — it’s a five-minute warm-up before you’re already climbing.
🌿 4.
Gowbarrow Fell
- Height: 481m (1,578ft)
- Location: Near Aira Force
- Walk Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (loop)
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: Woodland trails, gentle climbs, and a splash-friendly waterfall at Aira Force make this a dog dream.
- Why You’ll Love It: A peaceful, less-trodden ridge walk with views back over Ullswater and down into the Eden Valley.
- Top Tip: Start early to beat the waterfall crowds — and bring a lead for busy sections.
🥾 5.
Loughrigg Fell
- Height: 335m (1,099ft)
- Location: Between Ambleside and Grasmere
- Walk Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: Wide grassy trails, lots of water access, and a choice of easy ascents. Great for sniffy dogs who love variety.
- Why You’ll Love It: Views for days — Grasmere, Rydal Water, and even Windermere. It’s a photo-heavy hike with minimal effort.
- Top Tip: Make a loop via Loughrigg Terrace and Rydal Caves — dogs love the echo.
🌄 6.
Silver How
- Height: 395m (1,296ft)
- Location: Above Grasmere
- Walk Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: Steady climb with soft paths and no stiles. A solid mid-level fell for confident dogs who enjoy a bit of elevation.
- Why You’ll Love It: You’ll barely see another soul — but you’ll get cracking views back over Grasmere and the central fells.
- Top Tip: Finish with a splash in Grasmere lake — and maybe a dog treat from the village bakery.
🐾 7.
Barrow
- Height: 455m (1,493ft)
- Location: Newlands Valley (near Braithwaite)
- Walk Time: 2.5 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: A simple there-and-back walk up a gentle grassy slope with no obstacles, cliffs or tricky descents.
- Why You’ll Love It: Great views across to Skiddaw, Coledale and Derwentwater — and usually far quieter than nearby Cat Bells.
- Top Tip: Sunrise walk? Absolutely. It’s a quick climb and a peaceful summit.
🌬️ 8.
Sale Fell
- Height: 359m (1,178ft)
- Location: Near Bassenthwaite
- Walk Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Why It’s Dog-Friendly: Gentle grassy paths with a real sense of space — ideal for dogs who like a good run-around.
- Why You’ll Love It: Perfectly quiet. Lovely rolling countryside views and barely any crowds.
- Top Tip: Keep an eye out for local wildlife — this is red squirrel country!
🦴 Quick Tips for Hiking With Dogs in the Lakes
Before you and your pup hit the trails:
- Always check for livestock. Keep dogs on a lead around sheep or cattle.
- Bring water and a bowl. Many fells are exposed, especially in summer.
- Watch for stiles. Some have dog gates, others… not so much.
- Check for ticks after walks in bracken or wooded areas.
- Don’t forget the towel. The Lakes = water + mud = guaranteed soggy dog.
💬 Bonus tip: if your dog’s recall is sketchy, a long-line lead gives them freedom without stress.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Lake District isn’t just for humans — it’s a paradise for adventurous pups too.
From gentle rambles to grassy ridge walks, these fells prove you don’t have to leave your dog behind to enjoy a proper day in the hills.
So pick a peak, pack the treats, and get those paws moving.
Got a favourite dog-friendly fell?
Photo credit: Martin Robinson
