As the sun starts to creep out more and more there is no better time to discover the hidden gem walks for you and your canine companion.

The Lake District is arguably every dog's favourite holiday spot owing to its abundance of adventure. From the marauding mountains to the leafy villages, Cumbria caters for dogs like no other British county,

And now, it's official. Outdoor dog specialists at Ruffwear have analysed over 400 dog walking trails to reveal the top 10 ‘hidden gems’, with two in the Lake District making the list.

Here we take a look at the list:

Top 10 hidden gems

  1. Alum Bay to Freshwater Bay - Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  2. Martindale - Pikeawassa - Lake District National Park
  3. Allen Banks to Staward Peel Circular - Hexham, Northumberland, England
  4. Bempton Cliffs to Flamborough Head - Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast
  5. Heughscar Hill - Lake District National Park
  6. The Lizard and Kynance Cove Circular - Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  7. St Anthony’s Head to Bohortha Short Circular - Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  8. Shortstown Circular - Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
  9. Black Hill Circular - Peak District National Park
  10. High Force Circular - North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Ruffwear found that the Alum Bay to Freshwater Bay point-to-point route lasting 7.1 kilometres is the top hidden gem dog walk in the United Kingdom, located in the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The coastal route provides views of the English Channel, which is especially beautiful on a clear day. Dogs are welcome and can be off-lead in some places, and you will also pass the Needles Old Battery and Needles Viewpoint, a national trust site. 

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Hidden Lake District fells:

Ranking second is the Martindale - Pikewassa 2.6-kilometre out-and-back trail in the Lake District.

The trail is described as moderately challenging and has some steep hills, which are great for your four-legged friend to roam up and boost you on as you climb up with them.

There are great views of Ullswater lakes at the top which aren’t to be missed, and you’ll be able to capture some great photos with your companion at the top of the fell.

Dogs are welcome to be off lead in parts, but be mindful of livestock and if there are sheep around make sure to keep your furry friend on their lead. 

In fifth place is Heughscar Hill, a  3.5-km circular trail near Penrith. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 12 min to complete.

This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.