Richmond Park Greater Circular Walk
London
Richmond Park is London's largest open space, a 1000 hectare National Nature Reserve and SSSI of grassland, ancient woodland and ponds, with around 600 wild red and fallow deer roaming free. This dog friendly perimeter circular follows the Tamsin Trail, an unbroken 11.7 km path that loops the entire park and visits Pembroke Lodge, King Henry's Mound and Pen Ponds along the way.
Dogs do not need to be on lead in most of the park provided they stay at least 50 metres from the deer, but leads are essential during the deer rut (September to November) and the May to July birthing season when fawns hide in the bracken. The Tamsin Trail surface is hard packed and runner friendly, with very little climbing. Park at Pembroke Lodge or any of the seven main gate car parks (Roehampton, Sheen, Pen Ponds, Robin Hood, Kingston, Broomfield Hill).
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.7 km (7.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Park, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafes and toilets at Pembroke Lodge, Pen Ponds Cafe and Roehampton Gate. Tea pavilion at Petersham Gate.
- Parking
- Pay and display car parks at Pembroke Lodge and at all seven main park gates. Pay via RingGo app or machine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond Park Greater Circular Walk dog friendly?
Richmond Park is a fantastic destination for dogs and earns a 9/10 dog friendly rating on Wildpack Collective. The full Tamsin Trail perimeter loop covers 11.7 km of hard-packed, mostly flat path through grassland, ancient woodland and past scenic spots like Pen Ponds and Pembroke Lodge, making it an enjoyable outing for dogs and owners alike.
Can dogs be off lead at Richmond Park Greater Circular Walk?
Dogs are welcome off lead in most of the park, as long as they stay at least 50 metres away from the deer. However, leads become essential during the deer rut from September to November, and again during the May to July birthing season when fawns can be hidden in the bracken — so it's worth timing your visit with those periods in mind.
What should I know before visiting Richmond Park Greater Circular Walk with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is the deer — around 600 wild red and fallow deer roam freely across the park, and dogs must be kept on lead during the rut (September to November) and the fawning season (May to July). Parking is available at Pembroke Lodge and all seven main park gates on a pay and display basis via RingGo or machine, and you'll find cafes and toilets at Pembroke Lodge, Pen Ponds Cafe, Roehampton Gate and Petersham Gate if you need a mid-walk stop.
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