Burton Dassett Hills Country Park

Burton Dassett Hills rise to 203 metres on ironstone ridges in south Warwickshire, a compact country park of 100 acres where open hilltop, rough grass, scattered scrub and the remains of old quarries and beacons create a landscape that feels far more dramatic than its modest size suggests. This 4.8 km circuit threads between the hilltops with views stretching across half the county, and the exposed, windswept character gives the walking a moorland quality rarely found this far south in England. Fox Covert woodland provides the only shelter on the route. The 143 m of climbing comes in short, sharp bursts between the ridges and keeps the walk energetic throughout.

Dogs thrive on this dog friendly walk thanks to the open, exposed ground and constant airflow that carries scent differently to lowland walking. The rough grass is rabbit-rich and dogs are visibly more alert and focused as they work the hillside. Off-lead potential is good when livestock are absent, with the open terrain and good visibility suiting dogs with reliable recall. However, sheep graze sections seasonally, so leads must be carried and used where animals are present. The quarry remains and scrubby edges add texture and investigation opportunities. A compact walk with genuine character, well suited to dogs who enjoy wind, space and working across rough, open ground.