Dog walks in the East Midlands

Dog-friendly walks across the East Midlands, from Bradgate Park's deer-filled hillside to Sherwood Forest and the great estates of Clumber and Calke Abbey.

Bradgate Park is the most-visited dog walk in Leicestershire: open deer park, ruined manor on the hillside, and genuine off-lead space. East Midlands dog walks lean heavily on great estates and ancient forests. Sherwood Forest holds the Major Oak, one of England’s oldest trees. Clumber Park and Calke Abbey offer National Trust parkland at its most expansive. Cannock Chase adds AONB heathland to the mix.

6 walks

Bradgate Park Dog Walk: Deer Park, Old John Folly and the River Lin

Newtown Linford, Leicestershire

6 km Partial - off-lead across upper park (approx. 75%); on leads in lower park between River Lin and Middle Wall, and in all car parks

Calke Abbey Dog Walk: Ancient Parkland, Veteran Oaks and Free Parking

Ticknall, South Derbyshire

6.4 km Partial - off-lead across most of the 600-acre parkland under close control; on leads in stable yards and wherever deer or sheep are visible

Cannock Chase Dog Walk: Heathland, Forest Trails and the Tackeroo Trail

Rugeley, Staffordshire

8 km Partial - off-lead on waymarked forest trails outside CRoW season; leads required (max 2m) on all open access land 1 March to 31 July; on leads near livestock in grazing paddocks

Sherwood Forest Dog Walk: The Major Oak and Ancient Woodland

Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire