The Best Dog Walking Routes in London

Did you know that London falls under the UN’s definition of a forest? In fact, there are 8.4 million trees in the capital—one tree for almost every person in London. That means, when you go for a walk in London, on average, every fifth step is under the shade of a tree, making it one of the best cities in the UK for dog walking. Here is our selection of the best dog walking routes in North, East, West and South London. Broaden your dog walking horizons and try out these new routes—we’ve even included nearby dog-friendly cafes and pubs for before, during and after your walks, just in case you want a quick paws!

What to wear for a dog walk in London

Before you set off on your dog walk, what will you wear? We all know what London’s micro-climate can be like, so it’s always best to be prepared for all eventualities. Our all-season, waterproof and windproof outdoor robes have been designed with the everyday dog walker in mind. Fitted with a soft fleece-liner that can only be described as a “hug” for those chilly starts and a breathable outer shell for when you start to warm up, not to mention the many pockets perfectly designed for your doggy treats and accessories.

Revolutionise your dog walking wardrobe with D-Robe! The stylish trench meets parka design of our robes means that you can walk your dog throughout London in style without compromising on performance. It’s the ideal everyday coat for after-work drinks or around a fire pit once the sun goes down. We’ve tried and tested our robes in the field—and parks and beer gardens, you name it! In this blog, we will share with you some pet-friendly places in London where your D-Robe would be indispensable. 

Other essential dog walking items we can't go without include comfortable footwear that can withstand the various terrains of London, and never underestimate the importance of breathable socks—we love soft-touch bamboo socks for dog walking. Stretch fit bottoms give you the space to gently stroll along; or power walk with your dog. 

For autumn and winter walks, you can’t go wrong with knitwear for extra warmth. D-Robe’s knitwear collection is elegant and functional, crafted with climate-kind extra-fine merino wool—it is the perfect layering piece.

Dog walking in North London

Regent’s Canal Walk

Start: Little Venice
Finish: Limehouse Basin
How to get there: Take the tube to Warwick Avenue, which is on the Bakerloo line. From here, you can walk to the canal at Little Venice to start the trail.
Distance: 9 miles.
Time: 3-4 hours, depending on how many stops you make on the way.

Dog walking at Little Venice
Image: @jasperandlenny

This scenic route along the Regent’s Canal is one of the most beautiful ways to explore London with your dog and features an array of famous landmarks. Apart from a slight detour in Islington, you can follow the Regent’s Canal Towpath the whole way from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin. It’s a fantastic dog walking route, especially on a sunny day when you can admire the colourful houseboats in their glory. 

From Little Venice, you skirt Regent’s Park and enter London Zoo territory, where the overhead squawks of parakeets and tropical birds transport you to a jungle paradise. If you’re lucky you might even spot African wild dogs or warthogs along the path—see what your furry friend makes of that!

Leave Africa behind and journey through Camden Market, teeming with London hipsters and hungry visitors. This market is dog-friendly so if you’re ready for a refuel, grab a yorkshire pudding burrito or a souvlaki. It’s also a good opportunity for a water break for your dog. 

People's Park Tavern in Victoria Park
Image: @vivienchelsea

When you reach Islington you have to leave the towpath and follow the trail of way markers on the pavement to rejoin. Towards the end of the route, just 2 miles away from Limehouse Basin, you can stop at Victoria Park where your dog can run around, off lead in designated areas. For an end of the road treat, there's the dog-friendly pub, People's Park Tavern. 

If you choose to continue to Limehouse Basin you will find Mile End Park, where there is dog agility equipment—if your dog is up for the challenge. However, this 9 mile walk may be enough, for you and your pooch. Close to Limehouse DLR is The Yurt Cafe—a curious and rustic Mongolian tent cafe and community hub that welcomes two-legged and four-legged friends! 

This dog walking route across North London is usually quieter during the week or earlier in the day at the weekends, if you prefer to have more space.

Dog walking route in South London

Green Chain Walk

Start: Thamesmead
Finish: Nunhead Cemetery
How to get there: You can take the South Eastern Train or the DLR to reach Thamesmead.
Distance: 50 miles.
Time: This route is split into 11 easy-to-follow sections, so it can be as short or long as you prefer.

This South London walking route is far too long to try and conquer in one day. That’s why it has been split into 11 sections, so you and your dog can go along ticking off each section at your own pace. Venture past dinosaurs and wildlife in Crystal Palace Park or admire the art deco glamour of Eltham Palace. We have selected a couple of favourite parts of this trail that are extra dog-friendly to give you an insight into where to start.

Section 3: Bostall Woods to Oxleas Meadows 

This section is one of our favourites because of Severdroog Castle and their dog-friendly tearoom. Severndroog Castle is a well-preserved gothic tower on top of Shooter’s Hill and is the only dog-friendly castle in London. The castle is located in Castle Wood, next to Jack Wood and Oxleas Woods, covering over 77 hectares of land to roam. 

Although you can’t enter the castle with your dog, the tearoom makes up for it by offering Frozzys doggy ice-cream, treats and water bowls. The woodland walks all around are fantastic to explore, opening out to meadows where you can take a break under the trees. 

Section 11: Crystal Palace to Nunhead Cemetery

Skipping to the end, the final section of the Green Chain Walk takes you through some of the city’s leafiest spots. Walk your dog through Sydenham Hill Woods and Honor Oak Park where you can discover Cox’s Walk, Horniman Gardens and One Tree Hill—boasting one of London’s best views. 

Before you begin, stop for a quick breakfast at the dog-friendly cafe, Brown & Green Life in Crystal Palace Park. The end goal can be a pub lunch or a pint of craft ale at dog-friendly The Ivy House, a community-owned pub in a 1930s building near Nunhead Cemetery.

Where to walk your dog in East London

The Jubilee Greenway

Start: Buckingham Palace
Finish: Limestone Basin
Distance: 37 miles
Time: This loop is split into 10 easy-to-follow sections so you can take it at your own pace.

This is the royal gem of dog walking routes in London. The circular Jubilee Greenway connects East to West London, taking you past many famous and royal landmarks. Including Kensington Palace, Olympic Park, O2 Arena, Greenwich Park and Buckingham Palace.

Select your favourite sections from this 37 mile walk and take your dog through green parks, past Olympic Games venues and wind through colourful canals and waterways.

The longest section of the Jubilee Greenway is Greenwich to Tower Bridge, which is 6.3 miles long—following the meandering River Thames from the East and offering contrasting views of the city skyline around each bend. From Greenwich, Surrey Docks Farm is one of London’s only dog-friendly farms where you can grab a coffee. If you want to switch between south and north of the river, you can cross the Greenwich foot tunnel, which can be a cool relief if you’re walking your dog on a rare hot London day.

If you are passing by on a Saturday evening and craving a refreshment, The Midnight Apothecary in the dog-friendly Brunel Museum hosts campfire cocktails by a fire pit on their rooftop garden. Alternatively, the Greenwich Tavern serves up delightful gastropub cuisine and they are very happy for your dog to join you after a run around in Greenwich Park. 

Dog walking in West London

The Thames Path

Start: Hampton Court
Finish: Thames Barrier
Distance: 79.5 miles
Time: This river trail is in 8 sections and splits between North Bank and South Bank.

This dog walk is one of the most well-known routes in London and stretches along the River Thames from west to east. What we love about this dog walking trail is that you can enjoy what both North bank and South bank have to offer. Highlights include: Syon Park, Hampton Court Palace and Chiswick Pier. 

Many of us will be able to walk this part of London with our eyes closed but it’s always great to explore more of it, especially with our furry friends. The west side of this route boasts some of the best parks to walk your dog in London: Richmond Park and Battersea Park. Along with an array of pet-friendly pubs and restaurants, such as The White Swan in Twickenham and The Dove in Hammersmith. 

FREE TO BE WITH D-ROBE

Don’t forfeit style on your dog walks, take a look at our high-performance and stylish D-Robe collection, designed for a modern lifestyle and the whole family. We hope they will soon become your favourite everyday jacket and you’ll begin to wonder what you ever did without one!

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