National Dog Day falls on 26 August, and with 68% of Welsh households owning a dog, there’s never been a better excuse to swap a walk around the block for the coast path.
Wales is home to some of the UK’s best dog walking spots, from wide open beaches to mountain trails and forest paths, many of which are just a short walk from a train or bus stop. Transport for Wales is marking the occasion by rounding up its favourite dog-friendly walks that can be reached without needing a car.
Lauren Morgan, Content Lead at Transport for Wales, said:
“Wales is a brilliant place to explore with a dog by your side, and you don’t need a car to do it. Whether it’s a coastal stroll in the Gower, a woodland wander near Beddgelert, or a walk along the promenade in Llandudno, so many of our best dog walks are within easy reach of a station. We want dog owners to feel confident leaving the car at home and letting the train, or one of our bus and fflecsi services, take them on an adventure.”
North Wales
Llandudno is known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts”, and its beach and promenade are just a five-minute walk from the train station, making it an easy choice for a seaside stroll with the dog. Nearby, you can go to Conwy, with its historic castle walls and quayside, you can get there by train to Conwy station.
For something a little wilder, Beddgelert in Eryri (Snowdonia) offers a beautiful riverside walk through the Aberglaslyn Pass, and dogs are even welcome aboard the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway as it winds through the village.
Mid Wales
Aberystwyth is full of tracks for dog walks, with Constitution Hill offering sweeping views over Cardigan Bay. Or simply explore Aberystwyth Castle and seafront for a more gentle stroll around the town. From Aberystwyth station, you can take the dog-friendly Vale of Rheidol steam railway, which also runs out to Devil’s Bridge Falls, a scenic waterfall walk where your pup can go for a swim and get a bit muddy. when visiting Vale of Rheidol Railway if you show your TfW train ticket upon arrival you can get 10% off full line return tickets .
South Wales
Cardiff Bay is a cult favourite, with the barrage walk to Penarth, there are plenty of green parks to let the dogs run freely. With the likes of Bute Park and Sophia Gardens which are all easily reached from Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street.
For beach lovers, the Gower’s Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili are amazing stretches of beaches where you can let the dogs off and enjoy a paddle in the clear seas. By using stations such as Tenby and Saundersfoot you can easily access plenty of dog friendly beaches.
