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.