Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park
County Durham
Penshaw Monument is the north east's most unmistakable silhouette, a scaled-down Greek temple crowning a wooded hill with panoramic views from the Cleveland Hills to the Cheviots. This walk climbs the hill from Herrington Country Park below, loops around the monument's columns on the crown, then drops back down to circle the park's lakes, play trails and art installations. It is a rewarding dog friendly outing with a big finish and lots of space to relax afterwards.
Keep dogs on the lead on the approach to the monument when livestock are grazing the lower slopes and on the country park's main paths where families, cyclists and other dogs share the way. There are good off lead possibilities in the middle of the park's open meadow sections, and the lakes are a magnet for waterfowl so recall matters. Paths are a mix of grass, packed earth and tarmac with one steady climb up the hill, and parking is free at Herrington Country Park's multiple car parks.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic, Park, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets, play areas and amphitheatre at Herrington Country Park; Penshaw Tea Rooms at the foot of the monument hill.
- Parking
- Free car parks at Herrington Country Park off Chester Road (A183), plus limited parking at the foot of Penshaw Hill.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in County DurhamDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park dog friendly?
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.
Can dogs be off lead at Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park?
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.
What should I know before visiting Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park with my dog?
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.
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