Best Walks, Places to Visit & Eat With Your Furry Friend

Walks, places to visit & dog-welcoming places to eat

Mid Wales is a dream destination if you’re travelling with your dog. Wide open spaces, quiet lanes, big skies, woodland trails and friendly local cafés mean you can explore without constantly checking who allows muddy paws and wagging tails. Whether you’re here for long rambles, gentle potters or simply switching off together, this part of Wales makes it easy to holiday with your dog at your side.

Below are some of our favourite dog-friendly walks, places to visit and spots to eat — including our own local patch.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Mid Wales

Mid Wales is made for walking. Think forests, river paths, hills and historic routes where dogs can stretch their legs and noses get a proper workout.

Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, is a firm favourite. A network of well-marked trails winds through woodland and alongside the River Severn, with options for short strolls or longer adventures. It’s peaceful, shady in summer, and wonderfully atmospheric after rain.

The Montgomery Canal towpath offers flatter, gentler walking — perfect for relaxed ambles and older dogs. These calm waterside paths are ideal for slowing the pace and enjoying the scenery without tackling steep climbs.

For those wanting bigger views, sections of Glyndŵr’s Way provide classic Mid Wales walking. Open countryside, rolling hills and historic routes combine for walks that feel wild but accessible.

If you fancy the coast, the stretch around Ynyslas and Borth offers dog-friendly sections of beach and dunes, with plenty of space for zoomies and sea air.

Dog-Friendly Places to Visit

Mid Wales has plenty to enjoy beyond walking boots and leads.

The Red Kite Feeding Station at Gigrin Farm near Rhayader is a brilliant stop. Dogs are welcome outside, and watching hundreds of red kites swoop and circle is unforgettable.

Heritage railways such as the Vale of Rheidol Railway welcome dogs on board, allowing you to enjoy dramatic scenery without tiring paws — ideal if you want something a little different.

Nature reserves, lakes and quiet country towns across the region tend to be refreshingly relaxed about dogs, especially when kept on leads and well behaved.

Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs in Mid Wales

Good walks deserve good food afterwards, and Mid Wales delivers on both.

Many independent cafés welcome dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas, and it’s common to see water bowls and biscuits offered without fuss. Country pubs are generally dog-friendly too, particularly in bar areas and gardens.

Expect cosy interiors, roaring fires in cooler months, and that lovely feeling of dogs being part of everyday life rather than an inconvenience. Always worth checking ahead if you’re eating inside, but overall this is a very dog-positive part of the world.

On Our Patch: Dog-Friendly Knighton

Right on our doorstep, Knighton is a wonderfully dog-friendly little border town — relaxed, welcoming, and perfectly placed for exploring both Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches. Known as the only town that sits directly on the route of Offa’s Dyke Path, it’s ideal for walks straight from the high street, with everything from gentle riverside ambles to more challenging hill climbs with far-reaching views.

Knighton itself has a laid-back, unfussy feel. Dogs are warmly welcomed in many cafés and pubs, and you’ll often spot water bowls outside shops and friendly greetings for four-legged visitors. Independent shops, quiet lanes, countryside walks and a slower pace of life make it a lovely place to explore without rushing — whether you’re popping out for an hour or spending the whole day.

It’s exactly the kind of place where muddy boots and happy dogs feel completely at home.

Tips for Exploring Mid Wales With Your Dog

Bring water and treats, especially on longer walks where facilities are sparse. Keep dogs on leads near livestock, and always follow local signage. A towel in the car is never a bad idea — streams and puddles have a strong pull around here.

Most of all, slow down. Mid Wales rewards taking your time.

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