The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Hayeswater

There are 7 dog-friendly hiking trails around Hayeswater featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging fell walks, all suitable for you and your canine companion.

The terrain around Hayeswater is varied. You'll find well-maintained tracks in lower sections, especially along routes like the Hayeswater Gill Trail. However, higher up in the fells, paths can become rougher, steeper, and sometimes boggy, particularly after rain. The area is characterized by its glacial landscape, with impressive fells and the tarn itself.

Yes, there are easy options. For a gentle introduction, consider the route View of Ullswater – St Peter's Church, Martindale loop from Martindale. This easy hike offers pleasant views without overly strenuous climbs, making it ideal for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Many of the dog-friendly routes in the Hayeswater area are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Winding Road Above Ullswater – St Peter's Church, Martindale loop from Martindale is a moderate circular option that provides varied scenery.

If you and your dog are up for a challenge, the Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater – View of Ullswater loop from Patterdale is a difficult route covering a significant distance and elevation. It offers a rewarding experience with expansive views of the Lake District landscape.

While Hayeswater is generally dog-friendly, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially during lambing season (typically March to July) and near livestock. Many areas are open access land, so always follow the Countryside Code, keep your dog on a lead where required, and clean up after them. Some areas may have ground-nesting birds, so vigilance is key.

The trails around Hayeswater offer stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter the tranquil glacial tarn itself, surrounded by impressive fells like High Street and Gray Crag. Hayeswater Gill, which feeds the tarn, features waterfalls along its course. The landscape also shows evidence of glacial activity and offers glimpses of historical interest, such as remnants of mining and milling.

The dog-friendly trails around Hayeswater are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 4,900 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning natural scenery, the sense of wildness, and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels, making it a fantastic destination for walks with dogs.

Yes, several routes provide beautiful views of Ullswater, which is nearby. For instance, the moderate route St Peter's Church, Martindale – View of Ullswater loop from Martindale offers excellent vistas of the lake as you explore the surrounding fells.

Absolutely. The Hayeswater area offers trails suitable for families, especially those starting from Hartsop and following Hayeswater Gill up to the tarn. These routes are generally considered easy to moderate and provide a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the Lake District's wild beauty with their dog.

Spring and autumn are often considered ideal for hiking around Hayeswater. In spring, you'll see new growth and potentially lambs (requiring dogs on leads), while autumn brings beautiful colors. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but trails can be busier. Winter can be stunning but requires appropriate gear and caution due to potentially challenging conditions like snow and ice on higher fells.

For a moderate, shorter option, consider the route Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater – Winding Road Above Ullswater loop from Martindale. This trail provides a good workout with rewarding views without committing to a full-day excursion, perfect for a half-day adventure with your dog.