Low Burnhall

Low Burnhall is a 68-hectare Woodland Trust site just south of Durham, with maintained paths, waymarked trails and a permanent orienteering course. Dogs are welcome throughout the woodland and there's a free car park on site so you can start your walk without the faff of street hunting or pay-and-display.

The wood offers informal play areas, seats dotted along the routes and a bird hide for a quiet breather. The trails suit most energy levels, from gentle sniff-and-stroll mornings to longer loop walks when you've both got stamina to burn.

Open 24 hours daily, Low Burnhall is the sort of place that suits early risers, post-work leg-stretchers and anyone dodging weekend car-park chaos. It's a proper outdoor destination with enough variety to keep noses busy and legs happily tired. The practical advantage is the clarity: dog owners can plan around the access that is confirmed without guessing at the gate.