According to recent research, 34% of households in the UK now own a dog. It’s no surprise then that more and more families are seeking dog-friendly holidays. Not only can putting your furry friend into kennel accommodation be expensive, but many of us simply don’t also want to be parted from our pooch while we are going on our holidays. After all, they’re part of the family too.
When it comes to canine-ready staycations you might have already tested out the waters of Cornwall, Norfolk and the Lake District. But have you considered wagging a tail at Wales? With its wide-ranging countryside, taking in towering peaks and green valleys, long stretches of coastline and deeply forested woodland, Cymru is a must-visit for those who love to wander in the wilderness. And with so much open space, Wales is the ideal holiday destination for families with dogs.
Big walks in the Brecon Beacons
As an International Dark Sky Reserve, the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the UK’s most unspoilt areas. Not only is it an unbeatable location for seeing the stars, but this beautiful spot is also ideal for long walks with your favourite four legged friend.
Where to go
With its own ‘dog code’, the Brecon Beacons is a place where sensible dog walkers are welcomed with open arms. Not only are there miles of walks to take in, but many local attractions, restaurants, pubs and cafes are dog friendly too.
Recommended dog walks in the area include:
- Dragons Back circular walk. Beginning and ending in Pengenffordd, this route takes in some of the Black Mountain’s highest points. Walking distance: 7.5 miles
- Cribarth hill walk. Starting at Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, this walk through the Fforest Fawr area reaches heights of 428M. Walking distance: 6 miles
- Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr circular walk. Ridge walk your way through the remote Carmarthenshire Fans to visit two spectacular lakes. Walking distance: 9 miles
Where to stay
So dog friendly are the Brecon Beacons that many local B&Bs and cottages will accept canine guests. In addition, a good number of our camping and glamping options are also suitable for stays with dogs. Located in easy reach of the area’s best walks, YHA Brecon Beacons includes a campsite with Landpods and camping pods suitable for families of up to four, plus their dogs.
Doggy paddle in the Pembrokeshire coast
What dog doesn’t love a good paddle in the sea? If your pup is a real beach bum, look no further than Wales’s spectacular Pembrokeshire National Park or Arfordir Penfro, for dog friendly holidays that incorporate sandy beaches and long coastal walks.
Where to go
While a small handful of Pembrokeshire beaches have some dog walking restrictions, only two- Tenby North Beach and Whitesands, St. Davids – have an outright ban on dogs. This leaves you with miles and miles of seaside to scout out.
- Poppit Sands. With shallow waters ideal for paddling and splashing, this sandy beach is open to dogs all year round, with access restricted to one end of the sands during high season
- Gwaun Valley circular walk. Starting at Fishguard this walk takes in woodlands and waterfalls as it passes through Afon Cwmau and Afon Gwaun, stopping in at the dog friendly Dyffryn Arms. Walking distance: 3 miles
- Brides to Little Haven. Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, taking in the rocky cliffs of Brandy Bay before finishing up at the picturesque sandy cove of Little Haven. Walking distance: 5 miles
Where to stay
Dogs are welcome at YHA Manorbier’s campsite, where bell tents and camping pods provide comfy alternatives to pitch-up camping. In addition, camping or YHA Exclusive Hire bookings at YHA St. David’s give you the option to bring along your four-legged friends.
Scaling Eryri (Snowdonia)
Eryri (Snowdonia) is one of the UK’s most beloved areas for walking and climbing. And it’s not just for humans. Whether it’s searching for the perfect stick in the forests of Betws-y-Coed, scrambling up high peaks or exploring the historic towns of Conwy or Llangollen, Eryri (Snowdonia) has something for every dog.
Where to go
Aside from climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – perfectly doable with an energetic pupper – this area of Wales offers a wealth of great dog walks. All public areas and paths are open to dogs with some leash requirements during summer, when livestock and ground birds are breeding.
Favourite Eryri (Snowdonia) walks include:
- Betws-y-Coed and Llyn Elsi. A woodland wander from riverside Betws-y-Coed with its many dog friendly cafes brings you to the photogenic waters of Llyn Elsi. Walking distance: 1.5 miles
- Aber Falls. Surprisingly simple to reach, this impressive waterfall is formed as the Afon Goch plunges 120ft through the Carneddau foothills. Walking distance: 4 miles
- Pen-y-Gwryd to Pen-y-Pass. Tough going but not too long, this stomp is a great way to spend a morning in the shadow of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Walking distance: 1.2 miles
Where to stay
Camping is the perfect way to experience the stunning surroundings of Eryri (Snowdonia) and, at YHA Snowdon Llanberis, dogs are welcome to join you in tents or camping pods. Private hire of YHA Rowen or YHA Snowdon Ranger gives your group the option to bring pets along at a small additional charge.
Salty sea dogs in Swansea and the Gower Peninsula
Does your best friend love feeling the wind in his fur and sand between his toes? The Gower Peninsula could provide the holiday of his dreams. Known for surfing and birdwatching, the Gower is within easy reach of Swansea and its many dog friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Where to go
Many of Swansea and the Gower’s beaches have year-round unrestricted access for dog walkers, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dipping your toes in those blue waters. Inland, meanwhile, are acres of green land ripe for long hikes.
Local recommended dog walks include:
- Swansea to Mumbles. Follow the bay from the sandy Swansea Beach on the edge of the city centre to pebbly yet picturesque Mumbles with its lighthouse and dog-welcoming Pavilion Cafe. Walking distance: 4 miles
- Whiteford circular walk. Crossing countryside, forest and sand dunes, this challenging ramble includes a wide sandy beach with abandoned lighthouse. Walking distance: 6 miles
- Mewslade to Rhossili. A sometimes tricky walk that runs close to cliff edges with beach access dependant on tides. Incredible views and unspoilt beaches make the effort worthwhile. Walking distance: 3 miles
Where to stay
One of Wales’s favourite dog walking areas, the Gower Peninsula has plenty of great dog friendly accommodation. If holidaying with family or friends and their pups then YHA Port Eynon is ideal. Suitable for dogs when privately hired, this former lifeboat station provides plenty of space, stunning sea views and easy access to Port Eynon bay.
Chasing waves on the Ceredigion coast
From bays of golden sand to friendly harbour towns that welcome dogs into many of their eateries and pubs, Ceredigion has it all. Stretching from Cardigan in the south to Morfa Borth in the north, the Ceredigion coastal path is ideal for dog walking.
Where to go
With 50 miles of coast and both Blue Flag and Green Coast Award winning beaches, Ceredigion is the only permanent UK home of bottlenose dolphins. This means that there are a few restrictions for dog owners, however seeking out dog friendly spots along this coastline is well worth it.
Great places to visit with your dog include:
- Ynyslas beach. A whole day could be spent in this nature reserve, chasing waves, walking and exploring the dunes. A 1.7 mile walk takes you from nearby Borth, although dogs aren’t allowed on Borth beach during summer months
- Llangrannog to Ynys Lochtyn. While a straight stroll takes you from Llangrannog beach (some restrictions) to the Lochtyn peninsula in 15 minutes, various paths allow you to create your ideal linear or circular wander around this rugged coast
- Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth. A challenging long walk with the promise of a delicious dinner at one of Aberystwyth’s dog friendly pubs at its conclusion, this hike is the best way to see the hanging oak woodlands of the Penderi Cliffs. Walking distance: 10.6 miles
Where to stay
There are many dog appropriate holiday cottages around Ceredigion, however, for a large group with dogs, hiring YHA Borth exclusively is ideal. Overlooking the bay where guests occasionally spot whales and dolphins, this property is in easy reach of Ynyslas, home to one of the area’s favourite dog walking beaches.
Dog friendly holidays in Wales with YHA
An affordable alternative to most holiday cottages and campsites, many of our properties make provision for stays with dogs when camping, glamping or hiring a whole hostel. With unbeatable locations throughout Wales, we can provide you with the ideal base for bank holidays, short breaks or summer getaways with your beloved pet.
Check out our dogs policy for more on bringing your dog to YHA or consult our dog-friendly holiday guide to get planning.
If you are holidaying with your pooch for the first time, our friends at Ordnance Survey have listed a few things to consider when taking your furry friends to the countryside.
Discover more about YHA.
Photo credit: Malyeuski Dzmitry / Helen Hotson / Bernd Brueggemann / Amy / acceleratorhams / Rhodri / Adobe Stock
