Pooley Country Park
West Midlands
Pooley Country Park occupies 62.5 hectares of reclaimed colliery land near Polesworth in north Warwickshire, where former mining pools, woodland and open grassland have created a surprisingly varied landscape on the banks of the Coventry Canal. The 9.7km circuit combines the park's internal trails with stretches of canal towpath and wider paths through mature woodland, with the old mining pools now colonised by dragonflies, moorhens and reed warblers. The industrial heritage is visible in the landscape but doesn't dominate it, with miners' paths now serving as walking trails through regenerated woodland. Parts of the park hold SSSI status for their wildlife value.
This is a varied dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential through the woodland and quieter park sections. The pools provide swimming access for water-loving dogs, and the canal towpath offers steady, level walking with constant waterside interest. The woodland floor carries rich scent from leaf litter and undergrowth, and the mix of habitat types means the walk never settles into monotony. Livestock risk is low within the park. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths suit dogs of all ages and fitness levels, despite the decent distance. Parking and basic facilities are available at the country park. The nearby village of Polesworth has the Bull's Head pub which welcomes dogs. A walk that proves reclaimed industrial land can offer genuinely enjoyable countryside.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Canal, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Visitor centre, Toilets, Cafe
- Parking
- Pooley Country Park car park - charged
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pooley Country Park dog friendly?
Pooley Country Park is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendliness rating. The 9.7km route combines woodland trails, canal towpath and open grassland across 62.5 hectares of reclaimed colliery land, giving dogs a genuinely varied outing with plenty of interest. Livestock risk is low within the park, and the flat, well-maintained paths make it accessible for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
Can dogs be off lead at Pooley Country Park?
There's moderate off-lead potential here, particularly through the woodland sections and quieter parts of the park. Water-loving dogs will appreciate the old mining pools, which offer swimming access, while the canal towpath is better suited to on-lead walking given the waterway. It's worth keeping leads handy for busier sections, but the woodland and grassland areas give dogs a good chance to roam freely.
What should I know before visiting Pooley Country Park with my dog?
Parking is available at the country park's own car park, though a charge applies, and there's a visitor centre, toilets and café on site. If you're planning a longer day out, the Bull's Head pub in the nearby village of Polesworth welcomes dogs. Parts of the park hold SSSI status for wildlife, so it's worth keeping that in mind and sticking to the marked trails, especially around the pools where birds like moorhens and reed warblers nest.
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