Best Dog Walks and Trails around Bakewell

The star walk of the area: an 8.5-mile flat, traffic-free trail along a former railway line, running through floodlit tunnels and over the famous Headstone Viaduct at Monsal Head. The even surface suits dogs of every age and ability, and there are cafes at several access points. It is shared with cyclists, so a lead is strongly recommended, and dogs should be kept on a lead through the tunnels where it is dark and busy.

The gentlest dog walk in town, and the easiest to reach. A level riverside path follows the River Wye past the medieval bridge and through the open recreation ground, where children feed the ducks and the water is shallow and clear. It is a fine short leg-stretch before or after a bigger walk, or a low-key option on a rainy day. Dogs should be kept on a lead here as it is busy with families and close to the road and river.

One of England's great stately-home estates, and generous with dogs outdoors. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome throughout the 105-acre garden and the vast surrounding parkland, with its riverside meadows, cascades and grazing sheep and deer. Assistance dogs only are allowed inside the house, the farmyard and the adventure playground. There is a dog-friendly seating area at the cafe, and posts to tie a dog for a short time near the areas dogs cannot enter.