Wagging Tails & Scenic Trails: Exploring The Best Dog Walks Around Yeovil/ Sherborne
Country Parks
Ninesprings - Ninesprings is an idyllic location for dog owners. This beautiful country park offers a network of trails and woodlands, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. Your dog will relish the opportunity to explore and play while you soak in the natural beauty. As there are many footpaths you can always take a quieter route round and there is a play park for kiddies too. The park features a lovely lake, meadows, and a variety of wildlife, providing an enriching experience for both you and your furry friend. Of course Sonny absolutely loves Ninesprings and if your dog enjoys swimming, this might be a good place to visit. Added bonus - there is a dog friendly cafe by Goldenstones where you can get a coffee and cake!
Ham Hill Country Park- A short drive from Yeovil, Ham Hill offers panoramic views of the Somerset countryside. The park features a vast area for your dog to roam and play. There's an array of well-marked paths, providing different routes for various lengths of walks. Ham Hill is an excellent choice for a day out, complete with a bit of history, as it's an Iron Age hill fort with ruins to explore. Along with a dog-friendly pub - what more do you want? Do bear in mind that can be very busy in peak times and livestock might be nearby.
Montacute House and Park: Montacute House, a stunning Elizabethan mansion, is surrounded by acres of parkland. While dogs aren't allowed inside the house itself, the park offers a great space for a dog walk. The well-maintained paths and open spaces provide a delightful setting for your pup to enjoy some exercise. Don't forget to bring a picnic to make it a full day of outdoor enjoyment.
Yeovil Country Park: This park offers a mix of natural beauty and history. With various paths and trails, it's an excellent spot for on-leash walks with your dog. The park is home to diverse wildlife, and its abundant green spaces make it a relaxing destination for both you and your canine companion. Enjoy the tranquility and take in the beauty of the area.
Lysander Road Nature Reserve: A hidden gem in the town itself, the Lysander Road Nature Reserve provides a peaceful and natural setting for dog walks. With well-maintained paths and diverse flora and fauna, this reserve offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a great location for a leisurely on-leash stroll with your furry friend.
Sherborne Castle and Gardens: Start your dog-walking journey at the enchanting Sherborne Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens. While dogs are not allowed inside the castle itself, the gardens provide a fantastic location for on-leash walks. Meander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, and take in the lush greenery and stunning views. The scent of flowers and the serene ambiance will make this a memorable experience for both you and your furry friend.
Sherborne Old Castle: This historic ruin is a unique spot for dog owners to explore. While your dog needs to be on a lead, you can wander around the remains of the old castle, set against the backdrop of the Dorset countryside. It's a place where history and nature come together, offering you and your dog an enriching experience.
Sherborne Abbey: Surrounded by beautiful lawns, Sherborne Abbey is a peaceful location for a stroll with your dog. While you can't enter the abbey itself with your pet, the gardens and open spaces offer plenty of room for a leisurely on-leash walk. Enjoy the architecture and history, and don't forget to take a moment to relax and soak in the serenity.
Cerne Abbas Giant and the Hill: Venture a bit further from Sherborne to the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant and its surrounding hills. While dogs must be on a lead near the Giant, the adjacent hills offer plenty of space for an on-leash hike. The panoramic views of the rolling Dorset countryside are simply breathtaking. It's a great destination for a day of outdoor adventure.
Beaches
For dog lovers, a day at the beach is even better when your four-legged companion can join in on the fun.
Weymouth Beach (Dorset): Weymouth Beach, located just a scenic drive from both Sherborne and Yeovil, is a fabulous dog-friendly destination. From October to April, dogs are welcome to explore the entire stretch of golden sand, and they can even take a dip in the sea, and outside those times, the end by the arcade is dog friendly. The sweeping views of Weymouth Bay and the Jurassic Coast provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable day by the seaside. This is my favourite!
Ringstead Bay (Dorset): For those looking for a quieter, more secluded beach experience, Ringstead Bay is a hidden gem. Located near Weymouth, it's a peaceful spot where dogs are welcome year-round. The pebble beach, clear waters, and striking cliffs make it a picturesque place for a seaside adventure with your pup.
Lyme Regis (Dorset): Lyme Regis, a little farther from Sherborne and Yeovil but worth the journey, offers a dog-friendly section on Monmouth Beach. Dogs are welcome all year round, and the dramatic coastline and charming town provide a captivating backdrop for your coastal explorations.
West Bay (Dorset): Also known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, West Bay is a fantastic location for a dog-friendly beach outing. With stunning cliffs and sea views, your pup will love roaming the shingle beach and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Don't forget to take a stroll along the iconic West Bay Pier.
Brean Beach (Somerset): A bit closer to Yeovil, Brean Beach in Somerset is a delightful dog-friendly destination. Stretching for miles, it's perfect for long, sandy walks with your furry friend. From November to March, dogs are allowed off-leash. The vast shoreline and views of Brean Down provide ample space for a memorable day at the beach.
Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset): Just a short drive from Yeovil, Burnham-on-Sea offers dog-friendly access from September to May. It's an excellent spot for dog owners who want to enjoy the traditional British seaside experience. Stroll along the vast sandy beach and watch the famous lighthouse in action.
Woodlands
Oborne Wood (Dorset): Just a short drive from Sherborne, Oborne Wood is a tranquil location for a woodland adventure. The network of paths offers excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners. Enjoy the shade of the trees, the soothing sound of the breeze, and the vibrant greenery that characterizes this area.
Cerne Abbas Wood (Dorset): Located near Sherborne, Cerne Abbas Wood is a captivating natural area for a dog-friendly woodland adventure. The winding paths and the sound of the wind through the leaves create a peaceful atmosphere. It's a great place to escape into nature and let your dog enjoy the outdoors.
Secure Fields to Hire
Our dogs also need a safe and secure environment where they can run, play, and stretch their legs. Whether you're training a new puppy, working on recall, or simply providing an outlet for your dog's boundless energy, a secure field for exercising dogs is an invaluable resource. Here are some of my local favourites:
Jump & Go (BA8 0BJ) - Located between Templecombe/ Wincanton, Jump and Go have a 4 acre secured field, and two smaller areas (1 acre field and secured woodland) that are available for private hire. With a cross over period of 15 minutes this is great for reactive dogs. They are soon adding an indoor dog swimming pool that will be open in 2024.
Paws N Klaws (BA22 8LX) - Located around Ilchester, Paws N Klaws have two secured paddocks available for private hire (50 min and 10 min cross over) and a outdoor swimming pool for dogs. Being closer to Yeovilton, it can be a bit noisier than some others on this list, but nonetheless, they are great activities for your dogs to do in the paddocks.
Eva’s Green (TA11 7BD) - Located on the A37, by the Podimore roundabout, it is close for those in Yeovil, Ilchester, Somerton etc. They have two secured fields that are available for private hire (3-4 acres) and there on carparks for each (50 min and 10 min cross over).
Muddy Paws Fields (BA4 6LB) - Located near the Bath and West Showground, Muddy Paws Field is a single secured field for hire, sessions are hired in 30 minute blocks (which you can extend) meaning that if you book a 1 hour session, you typically get 30 minutes of cross over period. It is located near a road and stables, so that is important to consider if your dog is highly reactive to traffic or horse.
