Werneth Low Country Park Hilltop Walk
Greater Manchester
Werneth Low is a 279 metre hill on the border of Tameside and Stockport, on the western edge of the Pennines. A dog gets a proper hilltop outing here, on a lead where livestock graze near the summit paths. Its 80 hectare country park opened in 1980, and much of the hilltop is held by the Hyde War Memorial Trust as a memorial to the 710 men of Hyde who died in the First World War, whose cenotaph stands on the summit. This 4.8km circuit is Tameside Countryside Service's Hill Top walk, starting from the Lower Higham visitor centre car park and climbing to the memorial and view finder, where on a clear day the view runs from the South Pennines to the Welsh hills and the Manchester skyline. It crosses the wooded Pipers Clough and a golf course before looping back past the Quarry car park. It is hilly but mainly on surfaced paths, with kissing gates and a few stiles.
This dog friendly walk offers open grassland where a dog under control can have some freedom, but sheep and cattle graze parts of the park and nearby fields, so dogs need a lead near livestock, around the busy cenotaph area and on the golf course crossing. There is no water on the route and the hilltop is exposed and windy, so bring a drink for your dog. The car parks are free but can be very busy on fine weekends, and there are toilets at the Higham Lane visitor centre.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets at Lower Higham visitor centre (Higham Lane); no cafe on route verified.
- Parking
- Lower Higham visitor centre car park, Higham Lane, free; Quarry car park on Mount Road also free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Werneth Low Country Park Hilltop Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Weavers Cottage - Slaithwaite
Sleeps 12 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,975 / 7 nights
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Werneth Low Country Park Hilltop Walk dog friendly?
Werneth Low rates a solid 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a genuinely rewarding outing for most dogs. The 4.8km hilltop circuit offers open grassland and big views, though the presence of livestock and a golf course crossing means you'll need to keep your dog on the lead in certain sections.
Can dogs be off lead at Werneth Low Country Park Hilltop Walk?
There are areas of open grassland where a dog under control can enjoy some freedom, but leads are required near livestock (sheep and cattle graze parts of the park and surrounding fields), around the busy cenotaph area at the summit, and when crossing the golf course. So it's a mix — some freedom, but not a fully off-lead walk.
What should I know before visiting Werneth Low Country Park Hilltop Walk with my dog?
There's no water available on the route and the hilltop is exposed and can be windy, so it's worth bringing a drink for your dog. The car parks at the Lower Higham visitor centre and Quarry car park are both free, but they can get very busy on fine weekends, so an early start is a good idea. Toilets are available at the Higham Lane visitor centre, and the paths are mainly surfaced, though there are a few stiles to navigate.
Visitor Reviews
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Lower Higham Visitor Centre Car Park, Higham Lane, Gee Cross, Hyde SK14 5LR
53.4391, -2.0612
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