Trough of Bowland Circular Walk

Trough of Bowland Circular Walk is dog friendly, though it comes with some caveats that are worth knowing before you go — hence its rating of 6.5 out of 10. The route is a genuinely wild moorland walk with sheep, cattle and ground-nesting birds to navigate, so it suits dogs that are comfortable around livestock and responsive to their owners. If your dog ticks those boxes, it's a beautiful and rewarding outing in one of Lancashire's quietest corners.

Off-lead time is very limited on this walk. Dogs need to be kept on a short lead for most of the route, as sheep and cattle roam freely across the open land and ground-nesting birds use the moorland from early spring through summer. It's not the right choice if your dog needs a good off-lead run — for that, the riverside options from nearby Dunsop Bridge village may be a better fit.

Come prepared, as there are no facilities at the walk itself — bring plenty of water for your dog and a good supply of poo bags. Parking is a small free layby on the Trough Road with space for around 10 cars, and the nearest toilets, café and water are back in Dunsop Bridge village at the Puddle Duck café. The terrain is a mix of stony track, grassy path and boggy sections, so it's worth bearing in mind that older or less mobile dogs may find it tough going.