Trough of Bowland Circular Walk
Lancashire
This dog friendly walk loops out from the famous Trough of Bowland road, the narrow mountain pass that cuts between Dunsop Bridge and Lancaster, and explores some of the quietest hill country in Lancashire. Expect a proper taste of the Bowland fells: rough moorland, stone walls, grouse heather and the sound of curlew in spring, with climbs giving wide views over the Hodder and Wyre valleys.
Dogs need to stay close and on a short lead for most of the route, as sheep and cattle roam freely on the open land and ground-nesting birds use the moor from early spring through summer. The surface is a mix of stony track, grassy path and short boggy sections, so older dogs may prefer the riverside options from nearby Dunsop Bridge. Parking is a small layby car park on the Trough Road and there are no facilities on site, so bring water and a poo bag supply.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.6 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on site, the nearest toilets, cafe and water are at Dunsop Bridge village (Puddle Duck cafe).
- Parking
- Small free layby car park on the Trough Road just below the pass, space for around 10 cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trough of Bowland Circular Walk dog friendly?
Trough of Bowland Circular Walk is dog friendly, though it comes with some caveats that are worth knowing before you go — hence its rating of 6.5 out of 10. The route is a genuinely wild moorland walk with sheep, cattle and ground-nesting birds to navigate, so it suits dogs that are comfortable around livestock and responsive to their owners. If your dog ticks those boxes, it's a beautiful and rewarding outing in one of Lancashire's quietest corners.
Can dogs be off lead at Trough of Bowland Circular Walk?
Off-lead time is very limited on this walk. Dogs need to be kept on a short lead for most of the route, as sheep and cattle roam freely across the open land and ground-nesting birds use the moorland from early spring through summer. It's not the right choice if your dog needs a good off-lead run — for that, the riverside options from nearby Dunsop Bridge village may be a better fit.
What should I know before visiting Trough of Bowland Circular Walk with my dog?
Come prepared, as there are no facilities at the walk itself — bring plenty of water for your dog and a good supply of poo bags. Parking is a small free layby on the Trough Road with space for around 10 cars, and the nearest toilets, café and water are back in Dunsop Bridge village at the Puddle Duck café. The terrain is a mix of stony track, grassy path and boggy sections, so it's worth bearing in mind that older or less mobile dogs may find it tough going.
Visitor Reviews
3.0 / 5 · 1 review
Sam Wright@sam-wildpack
30 May 2026
I've done this walk maybe 10 times, it's a great option on wetter days when you don't want to trail through mud as the path is mostly stone. However, if the rain is too heavy the path can turn into a river. Fantastic views, but depending on timing can be a lot of sheep in the area which limits the off lead time. Don't let it put you off, it's well worth doing, especially if you have a well behaved dog.
What’s Nearby?
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