Leighton Moss RSPB Circular Walk

Leighton Moss earns a 7/10 for dog friendliness — welcoming enough, but with some important restrictions to be aware of. Dogs are welcome on leads along the Causeway public right of way and the surrounding woodland paths, and they're also allowed on leads inside the RSPB visitor centre, including the café and shop, where water bowls are provided.

Dogs need to be kept on leads throughout this walk, both on the Causeway across the reedbeds and on the woodland rights of way in Silverdale. This is a nature reserve with sensitive wildlife, so on-lead rules apply across the whole route.

The key thing to know is that dogs are not permitted on the RSPB reserve trails or hides — this circular route is specifically designed to work around those restrictions, sticking to the public Causeway and surrounding woodland paths. The walk is mostly moderate going but includes a few short rocky climbs on the Silverdale section, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your dog isn't keen on rougher terrain. Parking is at the RSPB Leighton Moss car park (LA5 0SW), which is free for RSPB members and paid for non-members.