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by Gabby Kuehn | 19th January 2022
As January zooms by and the evenings begin to get a little brighter, we hope you and your pooches are embracing and enjoying National Walk Your Dog Month. We love our winter walks. Here are some of our favourite scenic London walking routes to enjoy any time of the year.
Regents Canal
One of London's best kept secrets, Regents Canal, is a 14-kilometre stretch from Little Venice in North London to Limehouse in East London. The route takes in many well-known landmarks including Regents Park, Camden Lock and Coal's Drop Yard at Kings Cross. Our favourite walking route for doggy days out takes us from Limehouse Basin by the River Thames to Broadway Market in Hackney. On route you will pass Mile End Park, The Ragged School Museum, the famous Palm Tree pub a popular film set location and Victoria Park with its array of dog friendly venues. There's also lots of Street Art to enjoy along the way. Broadway Market is home to some of the best street food in London as well as plenty of dog friendly shops, bars, and restaurants.
We like to make a stop at Victoria Park on this walk, you can expect a warm welcome at The Crown pub.
Thames Path
Thames Path is a long-distance walking trail, following England’s best-known river for 294 kilometres, from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties, taking in historic towns and villages and ending at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, a few miles from the sea. We have followed the Thames Path on the South side of the river from Westminster to Greenwich on many a dog walk. It’s a great way to take in the many wonderful sites and dog friendly pit stops. On route you will pass an array of famous landmarks including the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Greenland Dock, as well as numerous dog friendly riverside pubs and restaurants. 80% of the walk from Westminster to Greenwich is along riverside path with 20% taking you on short detours around riverfront buildings.
If you fancy a pitstop on route check out the historic Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe.
Royal Parks - Greenwich
Greenwich in South East London is a dog friendly haven and a firm favourite with dog walkers. Home to the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College including the fabulous Painted Hall, London’s cable car, Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park. Covering 183 acres Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. Overlooking the river Thames, Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, beautiful gardens, and some of London’s most stunning views. Greenwich Park with its vast space and iconic landmarks offers the opportunity for a quiet stroll with your dog or alternatively a chance to get involved in some ball throwing and meet lots of new canine friends.
The Cutty Sark pub is a perfect spot for some downtime and refreshments after a walk in the park.
Hackney Marshes
Hackney Marshes is a beautiful oasis of open space in London’s Lea Valley. This circular walk explores the rivers, woods and nature reserves in Hackney, East London with waterside footpaths along the River Lea and the Lea Canal. In the marshes you can visit the Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve at the northern end, and enjoy woodland trails through the Wick Community Woodland at the southern point, with wonderful views across London on route. The marshes are located next to the Olympic Park, another perfect spot to extend your walk with its open spaces and dog friendly cafes if you have the time. Hackney Marshes is a favourite daily walking spot for our friend Anna Webb and her dogs Prudence and Mr Binks. Anna's recent blog on National Walk Your Dog Month has lots of tips for enjoying quality time with your four legged companions.
If you fancy a spot of lunch after exploring the marshes try out London's first 100% Vegan pub, The Spread Eagle, its excellent.
We wish you all happy and safe doggy days out. We would love to hear about your favourite walking routes, let us know in the comments, or share a photo in our Scout Gallery.
For tips on how to keep your pet safe and monitor their activity when out and about take a look at this pawsome blog post by Safer Pets.