Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park

Yes, this is a well-rounded dog friendly outing rated 8 out of 10. The walk takes in the iconic Penshaw Monument on its wooded hill, then winds through Herrington Country Park's lakes, meadows and art installations — plenty to keep both you and your dog interested. Facilities at the country park include a café and toilets, and there's also Penshaw Tea Rooms at the foot of the monument hill if you need a post-walk pit stop.

There are off lead opportunities in the open meadow sections within Herrington Country Park, but leads are needed on the approach to the monument when livestock are grazing the lower slopes, and on the main park paths where cyclists, families and other dogs are sharing the way. The park's lakes attract a lot of waterfowl, so it's worth making sure your dog has a reliable recall before letting them loose near the water.

The route involves one steady climb up the hill to the monument, with paths ranging from grass and packed earth to tarmac — manageable for most dogs but worth bearing in mind if yours struggles with hills. Livestock can graze the lower slopes near the monument, so keep your dog on the lead in those areas. Parking is free at Herrington Country Park's car parks off the A183, with some additional limited parking at the foot of Penshaw Hill.