The BEST dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire

Staffordshire offers a huge variety of dog-friendly walks, from peaceful lakeside walks to enchanting and serene woodlands. Here are some of our top dog friendly walks in Staffordshire that we have tried and tested with our two golden retriever dogs.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat after your walk, check out our recommendations of the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Staffordshire.

1. Cannock Chase

Parking is at Birches Valley (parking charges apply)
postcode: WS15 2UQ
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Cannock Chase is extremely dog friendly and dogs are allowed on most trails and around the forest. There is a dog activity trail to allow your dog to try their hand at fetching, weaving and jumping. From March to August, do keep your dog on a lead due to nesting and potentially disturbing wildlife.

2. Trentham Gardens

Parking at Trentham Gardens (FREE)
postcode: ST4 8JG
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Trentham Gardens is perfect to take your dog. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat that are dog friendly (The Crepe and Waffle House is our favourite.) You can walk around the lake with your dog on a short lead. Dogs are not allowed in the children’s play area or the barefoot walk.

Trentham lake walk is about 1 mile, and there is a café half way around the lake with a dog bowl outside for your dog to stop and take a drink and rest.

3. Rudyard Lake

Parking at Rudyard Lake Parking (parking charges apply)
postcode: ST13 8PF
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Rudyard lies in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands and offers a lovely walking opportunity. You can opt for a short stroll or walk all the way around the lake, which is about 5 miles long.

There are some off lead area and on lead areas for your dog, and there is, of course, water en route for any dogs who love a paddle.

4. Tittesworth Reservoir

Parking at Tittesworth reservoir (parking charge apply)
postcode: ST13 8SW
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Tittesworth Reservoir is on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is the perfect location for walks, watersports, wildlife watching and dog walks.

Dogs must be kept on the lead at all times. There are a number of walking trails including a 1.5mile loop and a 4.5 mile loop.

There are toilets available and there is also the option for a bite to eat with ice creams, drinks available from the kiosk.

5. Silverdale Country Park

Parking at Silverdale Country Park (FREE)
postcode: ST7 8BS
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Silverdale Country Park is a lovely area near Newcastle-Under-Lyme and is popular with walkers, nature lovers and offers a lovely dog walk. The park was created on the former Silverdale Colliery and covers 83 hectares.

The area is relatively quiet and there are some off lead areas, on lead areas and pathed routes. There is also water on site so be mindful when walking with your dog.

6. Apedale Community Country Park

Parking at Apedale Community Country Park (FREE)
postcode: ST5 6AX
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Apedale Country Park is a haven for dog walkers and offers 184 hectares of open space to explore. The country park offers a varied landscape of woodland, meadows and pools crossed by many paths and tracks.

Dogs are welcome but the main walking routes can get quite busy, so do keep dogs under close control.

7. Barlaston Downs

Parking at Downs Banks (FREE, but limited)
postcode: ST15 8UU
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Barlaston Downs is a haven for walkers, cyclists and little adventurers. There are some beautiful walks on offer and it is perfect to take your dog and enjoy the fresh air. There are paved areas, hilly areas and lovely streams too.

We take the 1.5-mile (2.4km) route alongside the stream and park near coffee and cones to treat the kids to an icecream or milkshake after a walk.

8. Dimmingsdale, Alton

Parking at Red Road (FREE)
postcode: ST10 4BU
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Dimmingsdale is perfect for little ramblers and our four legged friends. Start the walk by Ramblers Retreat and finishing at Ramblers Retreat Cafe. The café offers gorgeous food, cakes and drinks, so a perfect treat at the end of the walk. The circular walk is 2.7km

The car park is managed by the Forestry Commission and can also be used by Ramblers Retreat patrons. The barrier is closed at dusk and there is no overnight parking.