Exploring Bowness with dogs

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is an ideal place for a getaway with your dogs. Walkies galore, dog-friendly pubs and plenty of places to swim, Bowness is an ideal spot for a dog walkers holiday… 

Please note when adventuring with your dog to be aware of livestock and keep your dogs on leads when passing.

  • Dog friendly walks

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Bowness offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. From lakeside strolls to woodland and hill hikes, Bowness offers a mixture of walks from lowland, easy hikes for old or little dogs and more strenuous, uphill walks for young, energetic puppies.

  • Wray Castle to Claife Station

A gentle track running from Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station is a 12km hike hugging the shores of Windermere lake. The route passes a few access points into the water for your dog to have a little dip or a drink. The path is well maintained and away from any roads or traffic, making this a safe path for dogs to have a little walk off the lead. The starting point at Wray Castle can be reached from Windermere via a dog- friendly ferry across the water. Once you reach Claife Station, Joey’s café is a cosy finishing spot within the old court yard just before the viewing station.  The café has an outdoor seating area and an open fire, which your dog will love to sit beside!

  • Cockshot Point to Ferry Nab

An easy, circular path from Glebe Road Car Park leads you Ferry Nab passing by Cockshot Point. The path is flat and runs along with waterside making this an ideal route for your four-legged companions. The lake offers the ultimate swimming and paddling spot for dogs and owners! Once you reach Ferry Nab, Dan’s Shack on the marina is the ideal rest-spot for a coffee and snack. The café is dog friendly and sell ice cream to share with your pooch.

  • Orrest Head

A hike for your energetic puppies and dogs, Orrest Head hill is a stunning walk overlooking Lake Windermere and the surrounding towns. The walk is around 3 miles long with some steep sections making it ideal for fit dogs that love a hill hike. The route passes a winding river and woodland with opportunities for your dog to have a little dip and retrieve some sticks!

  • Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Bowness ranging from dog-friendly hotel rooms to self-catering cottages and lodges.

  • The Angel Inn

Situated in the heart of Bowness, the Angel Inn is a perfect spot for exploring the nearby town, lake and forest with your dog. The hotel prides itself on their dog friendly status, welcoming four-legged companions to sit by the hotel bars cosy fires, explore the gardens and sleep on a comfy bed in the designated dog-friendly rooms. The Angel Inn charge £10 extra for dogs per room to cover the cost of cleaning and have spare leads and dog bowls behind the bar.

  • The Westmorland Inn

A traditional inn situated on Lake Road, the Westmorland Inn is the ultimate base for nearby dog walks, lake swims and exploring the dog friendly pubs in Bowness. All of the hotels rooms welcome one doggy guest with an extra charge of £15 per night.

  • The Bolthole Cottage

For larger families and dogs, the Bolthole in Bowness is the perfect choice sleeping up to 6 people and 2 dogs in a spacious traditional apartment. The accommodation occupies the first and second floors of a traditional Victorian building and is within walking distance of Bowness town and Lake Windermere. 

An extra charge of £20 is applicable for dogs.

  • Dog friendly pubs

After a long walk, a well-deserved pint and a doggy treat is always a must. Here in Bowness almost all the pubs are welcoming of muddy boots and paw prints…

  • The Flying Pig

A family and dog friendly pub in Bowness, The Flying Pig offers delicious food and cask ales to enjoy amongst a cosy interior complete with warming wood burners. The friendly staff like to spoil their four-legged guests with plenty of treats and affection! Water bowls are dotted around the bar and the wood burners provide the perfect spot for a tired puppy to have snooze.

  • The Albert

A short distance away from the lakeshore, The Albert is an easy-going, relaxed bar offering home-cooked meals and local ales to enjoy beside a roaring fire or outside in the spacious beer garden. Your dog can explore the garden or curl up beside the fire with a treat and water bowl.

  • Boaters Bar

Set right on the lake overlooking Windermere Marina, the Boaters Bar is a great spot to relax both feet and paws after a lakeside hike or swim! The bar serves homemade pizzas and locally brewed beers for human guests and a special selection of doggy drinks and treats for four-legged companions direct from their own ‘Barking Bakery!’ A firm favourite amongst local and visiting dogs and owners.