8 Merseyside walks with dog-friendly pubs along the way

Ahhh Autumn is almost here, think golden leaves, wrapping up warm, rosy cheeks and long walks in the park with your four legged friend.

Liverpool University carried out a study that proved walking your dog has a positive impact on your mental health and who could disagree with science? Liverpool is a pooch loving city, with tonnes of green spaces, our beautiful water front pathways, miles of coastline and now more dog-friendly pubs, cafes and eateries than ever before.

We’ve dusted off our trainees and wellies, found some matching gloves and we’re ready for some long Autumn walks. For an added incentive we’ve also matched up some pooch-friendly hot spots for a hot toddy, pint or even a bite to eat for all your fresh air efforts.

Grab your lead, here’s our top 8 Merseyside dog walking spots to check out with your dog this Autumn….

1 – Sefton Park and Milo Lounge, Lark Lane

For our first outing we’re going to wander the paths of Sefton Park, take in the sloping green lawns at the Palm House and galavant in the lake. Feeling energetic? Run laps of the park with your pooch or get them to play ball boy on the tennis courts before heading over to Milo Lounge on Lark Lane for well earned tapas and a bowl of water! Everything we love about Lark Lane is here.

2 – Calderstones Park and Three Piggies, Allerton Road

Calderstones Park has so much to offer. The stunning Japanese garden, hidden paths and trails and of course mountains of open park space to chuck balls, Frisbees and anything else your four-legged friend likes to chase about. Stop in at The Reader for a quick brew, or wander down to Allerton Road for a sit down and a pint at Three Piggies. Check out the bacon butties here.

3 – Otterspool to Baltic Market, Cains Brewery

Weekends were made for adventuring! Why not set off from Otterspool with your dog and walk the Mersey path (no traffic and lots of lamp posts to sniff) along past Brunswick Dock and along to Liverpool Marina before heading up to the old Cains Brewery. Baltic Market is open from 11am a the weekends and offers up the best local independent food, drink and produce plus they love a rub behind the ears too! Info here.

4 – Greenbank Park and The Dovey

There’s something so peaceful about Greenbank Park that older dogs and their owners just love. The bustle of Smithdown Road seems miles away as you take in the Autumnal scene of the tree branches dangling idly into the lake, and the kids can burn off some steam in the play park nearby. Once you’ve done your lap of the park, why not stop in at The Dovey and catch the second half of the match, a first class roast or an ice cold beer. More info here.

5 -National Trust Formby Beach and The Freshfield, Massam’s Lane

Formby is a dogs dream day out! Miles of sandy beach, dunes to dash about it and explore, the pine forest to forage in and there’s always an ice-cream van parked up for a cheeky 99 on the way back to the car or train station. Having felt the wind in your hair (or ears) and walked your legs tired, swing by The Freshfield on Massam’s Lane for a pint of Formby Blonde real ale. More on dog walking in Formby here.

6 – Crosby Beach and The Victoria, Waterloo

If your dog hasn’t had a little wee on an Iron Man on Crosby Beach…..are you really a scouse dog owner? Ideal for parking nearby, Crosby Beach is another great spot to walk a loop and burn off some steam when the tide is out. Park up on Burbo Bank and walk along to the Marina and back, stopping in at family run pub, The Victoria. You might even win the quiz! More on Crosby Beach here.

7 – New Brighton and Marino Lounge, Marine Point

New Brighton is another pearl of a walking spot for pooch owners. Park along the sea front, wrap up and set off in search of drift wood to play fetch with and jellyfish to bark at! The view of the city as you walk around from Fort Perch Rock to the Tower Gardens and Seacombe Ferry Terminal are stunning. Head back to Marino Lounge for a bite to eat and a breath-taking sunset. More info here.

8 – Croxteth Park and The Old Riding School Café

Park up at West Derby Village gate and stretch your legs with a walk through the open fields, or encourage the kids to cycle the paths into Croxteth Park. After just a few minutes the road noise disappears and on a clear day, the sun warms your bones all the way to the bridge entrance of the park. There’s miles of trails, paths, stables, a pond, Home Farm, a play park and The Old Riding School café all on the one site. Grab a bowl of water for the pooch and a slice of cake for yourself (sadly no pub here) before heading back on the loop to the village car park. More on Croxeth Country Park here.

And don’t forget dog owners, if you are looking to send you pooch on a little holiday while you go on yours too then look no further than No More Kennels. One of the most trusted and reliable services for your doggy in the North West, day care and holiday stays available. More www.nomorekennels.co.uk

Where is your fave place to take a wander with your dog? Can you suggest a dog-friendly pub, eatery or café? Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the best on our socials.