Clougha Pike from Quernmore

Clougha Pike is walkable with dogs but comes with some significant restrictions, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 10 on our dog-friendly scale. Dogs must be kept on lead across the United Utilities access land at all times, and there are sheep grazing on the lower slopes to be mindful of too. It's a rewarding outing for the views alone, but it suits owners who are comfortable with a lead-only fell walk rather than those looking for free-running freedom.

Unfortunately not — United Utilities, who manage the access land here, enforce a strict on-lead rule year round to protect ground-nesting birds including curlew and merlin. During the spring nesting season, dogs are also not permitted to stray off the main path at all. It's one of the more restrictive fell walks in Lancashire in that respect, so if off-lead time is a priority for your dog, it's worth bearing that in mind before you go.

The terrain is rough, peaty and exposed, so sturdy footwear is a must and it's worth checking the weather before you set off as conditions on the fell can change quickly. There are no facilities at Birk Bank car park, so bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. The nearest café and toilets are in Lancaster or at the Bay Horse Inn in Quernmore, so plan your refreshment stop accordingly.