Crackley Wood and Blackdown
Warwickshire
Crackley Wood is an ancient woodland reserve on the edge of Kenilworth, managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and holder of a Green Flag award for the standard of its upkeep, and with no livestock here dogs can range its shady paths off lead. Shady paths and open glades run through oak and birch woodland that once formed part of the much larger Forest of Arden, with Blackdown, a neighbouring area of heath and woodland, extending the walking beyond the reserve's own boundary. A circular route through the wood and out towards Blackdown covers around 5km on mostly level, well used paths, with only gentle undulation and no significant climbing.
This is a dog friendly reserve, and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust welcomes dogs at Crackley Wood provided owners keep control of them around other visitors and wildlife. The woodland paths and open glades give a dog plenty to explore, and there is no grazing livestock within the wood itself, though dogs should be kept close on the busier paths near Kenilworth. Shade is good throughout the woodland, useful in summer, though there are no natural water sources on site so bring some for your dog. There are no facilities within the reserve itself, but Kenilworth, a short drive away, has dog-friendly pubs and cafes, and Kenilworth Castle is worth combining with a visit if you have time.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None on site; dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Kenilworth, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Crackley Wood car park, Crackley Lane, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Crackley Wood and Blackdown, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Jacksons Cottage - Chipping Campden
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £1,286 / 7 nights
Pear Tree Cottage Sheriffs Lench
Sleeps 2 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £555 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in WarwickshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Crackley Wood and Blackdown dog friendly?
Yes, Crackley Wood is a dog-friendly reserve managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, who actively welcome dogs here. It scores 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating, with varied terrain across woodland paths, open glades, and neighbouring Blackdown heath giving dogs plenty to enjoy.
Can dogs be off lead at Crackley Wood and Blackdown?
Dogs can be let off lead throughout the reserve, which is good news as there is no grazing livestock within the wood itself. That said, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust asks that owners keep control of their dogs around other visitors and wildlife, and it's worth keeping them closer on the busier paths near the Kenilworth end.
What should I know before visiting Crackley Wood and Blackdown with my dog?
The most important thing to know is that there are no natural water sources within the reserve, so bring enough water for your dog, especially on warmer days. There are no facilities on site either, though Kenilworth is a short drive away and has dog-friendly pubs and cafes if you need a post-walk stop. Parking is free at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust car park on Crackley Lane.
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Crackley Wood Car Park, Crackley Lane, Burton Green, Warwickshire CV8 2JS
52.3596, -1.5748
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