Tilly waiting to board the Buxton Tram

If you are looking for a nice day out with your dog, then you need look no further than Buxton.  With a host of dog friendly pubs and local attractions there is something for everyone, including the Buxton Tram affectionately known as “The Wonder of the Peak”.
Superb Scenic Walks
If you want to blow those cobwebs away then Buxton has a host of wonderful dog friendly walks on hand.
• Goyt Valley – located in the Peak District National Park this area combines picturesque valley, moorland, river and reservoir scenery to offer to truly mind blowing scenery.  With a variety of different trails to follow, some short, some long there really is something for everyone, including a flat trail if needed.  It is an ideal area for dogs although it is important you read all the necessary safety signs as there can be ground nesting birds during the months of March to July.  Dogs are always welcome though, so bring a ball and a picnic and have a lovely day out!
• Solomon’s Temple – an old Victorian viewing temple located at the top of Grin Low in Buxton County Park provides a stunning platform to view the surrounding Peak District landscape and the bubbling town of Buxton below.  A fantastic walk provides a good way to tire even the most energetic of pooches (and owners) out.
Where to eat and drink
Nothing works up the appetite like a good walk along the hills and the rush of fresh air.  If you decide not to pack a picnic then you might want to think about finding somewhere you and your pack can settle down for a tasty treat.
Luckily Buxton affords many dog friendly pubs both in and around the area.
• The Church Inn at Chelmorton – an undisputed unspoilt corner of England situated opposite the village Church, this pub offers traditional pub fare (with produce sourced locally wherever possible) and a happy hearth for your four legged friend to curl up on during those colder days.
• The Old Tap House – renowned for its craft beer this gem of a pub serves an amazing choice of ales as well as a selection of home cooked meals (including a good range of vegetarian options).
• The Courtyard in Buxton –this wine and coffee bar is well known locally for its charming and cosy setting with sharing platters and tapas boards to fight over!
• Barabellas – situated in the town centre this British cuisine restaurant offers a warm welcome to your favourite pooch (but sorry, the kids will have to stay outside due to licensing laws).  Excellent food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tilly on the Sett Valley Trail

Last week, I needed to go to Manchester for a quick business trip. Since I didn’t want to leave Tilly at home, I decided to find some dog walks along the way.

Travelling from Buxton, I followed the A6 to Chapel en le Frith and then turned off the dual carriageway and carried on along the A624 to Hayfield (eventually leading to Glossop). My first dog walk began at Hayfield, where I parked up and walked along the Sett Valley trail, which is a 2.5 cycle and bridleway trail which links Hayfield to New Mills.

View from Sett Valley Trail

It is a linear walk which follows a former railway line through countryside with some lovely views of reservoirs and hillside views. The first section of the path leads to Birch Vale where you need to cross a relatively busy road to continue along the Sett Valley trail. I continued along this path for a little longer and met quite a few fellow dog walkers along the way.

It is useful to know that there are lots of footpaths which lead off the Sett Valley trail and I noticed that you could walk up to Lantern Pike, however a copy of the The Peak District: Dark Peak Area (OS Explorer Map) would prove very useful if you wanted to develop a circular walk of your own.

Tilly and I were out for about an hour and a quarter and enjoyed a lovely linear walk.

Having arrived back at the car, it was time for a quick breakfast for Tilly and a comfort stop for me. There are toilets in the pay and display car park, which are very welcome on a  road trip!

I continued on to Manchester and spent a couple of hours working, whilst Tilly had a well deserved snooze in the car. Our journey back was via Glossop and our destination was Torside reservoir and the Longendale Trail. From Glossop you follow the B6105 towards the A628.

Views of reservoir from Torside

The Longendale trail is another path which is used by both walkers and cyclists but has beautiful views of reservoirs and dramatic hillsides. There is a good visitors car park at Torside which also has toilets. Whilst the car park is pay and display, you can use your Peak District visitors car park pass if you have one.

You can choose to walk in either direction along the trail, the Woodhead tunnel is at one end, whilst Hadfield is signposted in the other direction. Either one will allow to give your dog a good stretch of his/hers legs…….

Finally after a long day on the road we headed home via Glossop and then Chapel before heading down the A6 back to Buxton.

Part of the Longendale Trail

Glossop is a relatively unexplored haven for dog owners. The market town is tucked away in the north west of the National Park, just 15 miles from Manchester, and is known as the “gateway to the Peak District.”  Not only is Glossop a picturesque town to enjoy a stroll around, it is also a great place from which to explore the foothills of the Pennines.

When it comes to dog walks, Glossop has a huge number of possibilities. From the five-mile circuit around Digley Reservoir or the treks around Torside Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir, where getting wet is a distinct possibility for most dogs, to countryside walks high above the town, Glossop has an array of options.

For the more genteel, a meander through Manor Park or Howard Park is as good as you’ll find, or take a leisurely stroll on the walk from Broadbottom to Hadfield stations, Glossop to Broadbottom stations or Hadfield to Glossop stations (the choice is yours!). Alternatively, take a walk along Harehills Park and its riverside footpath.

For something more vigorous and energy consuming, from Little Hayfield take a walk to Cowan Edge, a huge cliff side which once formed part of a quarry. Once at the top, you’ll get stunning views over Glossop and of Bleaklow. Also from you Little Hayfield dog friendly paths lead to Rowarth that are well worth exploring.

From Old Glossop, there is an equally challenging dog walk up to the top of Bleaklow Mountain. Start from the top of Shepley Street and head up to the top for some spectacular views.

The Longendale trail which follows the former Woodhead railway line is also worth a visit. It is popular with families and cyclists and is a relatively smooth flat path which you can access at Hadfield, Torside Reservoir or the Woodhead tunnel.

After all of that, you and your dog will have well and truly earned a drink or something to eat and Glossop has plenty of pubs and cafes which are dog friendly.

Commercial Inn on Manor Park Road, the Queens Arms in Shepley Street, the Grouse Inn on Chunal Road and the Pear Tree on Hadfield Road are just some of the pubs where your dog will be as warmly as welcomed as you are, while outside of the town the dog friendly pubs include the Snake Pass Inn in Ladybower and the Pack Horse and the Sportsman in Hayfield.

If you’re visiting the Peak District with your dog, you’ll find plenty of places where you’ll be welcome.

The Peak District has glorious views, picturesque villages and plenty of attractions for both man and dog to explore.

Local towns to explore

The towns of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Buxton and Matlock offer central points from which you can explore. In addition there is the Hope Valley including Castleton, a favourite with many people. All have an abundance of dog friendly cafes and pubs too to ensure you don’t go hungry or thirsty.

Dog walks in the Peak District

You might like to try The Monyash Meander following the Limestone Way and then back to Monyash. Alternatively the Bakewell Loop follows part of the Monsal Trail, before looping back to Bakewell. If you fancy a woodland dog walk then try Black Rocks dog walk near Cromford. In fact, you could incorporate a canal side walk if you check out the Weekend dog walk in Cromford.

Check out these posts for more woodland walks and National Trust walks. Why not take a stroll through Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield or Kedleston Hall near Derby. You’ll find plenty of dog walks where dogs are well thought of and catered for.

Dog Friendly attractions in the Peak District

The Peak District isn’t just about dog walks though. In fact you’ll find that your dog is welcome at many of the attractions.

The Peak Rails heritage line runs between Rowsley and Matlock. It’s part of the old Midland Railway line which ran between Manchester and London St Pancras. Dogs are welcome on the train.

Pets are also welcome on the trams at the Crich Tramway museum near Matlock, where there is also woodland and sculpture trails to enjoy. Dogs can also take a ride on the Buxton Tram, a converted milk float known as “The Wonder of the Peak” which tours this lovely town.

In Buxton, Poole’s Cavern is well worth walking around – although dogs are not permitted due to safety reasons. They are, however, allowed in Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton with the cavern thought to be the only place in the world where Blue John stone naturally occurs.

Your dog can also travel in the cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath. They have a Waggy Tails Trail where you can walk your dog. Your dog can also join you for lunch on the outdoor cafe terrace. Sadly they are not allowed in the underground caverns but there are plenty of other outdoor spaces to explore!

You will find that the Peak District has so many things to see and do. Even a day or week in the Peaks will leave you and your pets wondering just when you’ll be back.