Cheltenham’s Three Best Dog Walk Routes
By the end of January, we’ll really see the days getting longer and (hopefully) the weather becoming a bit friendlier towards humankind and their best friend the dog.
If you and your pooch are keen to get out and about after the long cold winter, you don’t have to go far to find some amazing trails and circular walks. Here are just three of our favourites.
Pittville Park, Cheltenham
You don’t even have to leave town to enjoy this popular trail. Pittville Park, in the heart of Cheltenham, is a large space which welcomes visitors on two legs, four legs and various wheeled combos!
Not only are there lots of places to explore and sniff, but you can even treat your dog to a special ice cream. You might even be able to find one for yourself…
Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill
This 8.5km circular trail is just a few miles out of Cheltenham and is thought of as a fairly challenging route. It takes around 2.5 hours to complete and it’s also popular among walkers and joggers, so you won’t be alone. You’ll end up with some spectacular views of the Cotswold Way, as well as the remnants of an Iron Age fort.
Most people prefer to visit this route between December and October and while dogs are more than welcome, there are some areas in which you’ll need to use a lead. There are also some steep areas and it can get muddy, so make sure you’re wearing the right footwear.
Lineover Woods and Ravengate Common
Another fairly challenging route, this is a 5.3km circular route so it’s not as long as Seven Springs as it takes around 1hr 40m to complete. It’s also another area that’s popular with hikers and runners, so be ready to encounter lots of other people and to put your dog on the lead when necessary.
You’ll get some good scenery through the wooded parts of the walk and also some good views, as well as some wildlife spotting if you’re lucky.
The walk starts out quite steeply and then levels off, with some parts getting a bit muddy and overgrown, so wear stout footwear and be careful in very grassy areas.
