Buckinghamshire runs from the beechwoods and chalk hills of the Chilterns in the south to the lakes and linear parks of Milton Keynes in the north, so there’s a lot of ground to choose from. We’ve already covered the county’s best swimming spots in our separate guide, so this one is about dry-land walks — woodland, heath and hilltop routes with their own stated dog rules, checked rather than assumed.
Verified walks
Black Park Country Park, Wexham
At Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DS (Google Maps, council dog rules), Black Park is ancient woodland and heath around a large lake. Dogs must be on a lead in the Lakeside Family Zone, in car parks, and are not allowed in the one dog-free picnic area, play areas or the café (guide dogs excepted). Elsewhere, keep dogs under close control. Parts of the heathland are a protected SSSI with ground-nesting birds and adders, so stick to the paths through that section. We’ve covered the lake itself for swimming in our separate Buckinghamshire swimming guide.
Hughenden, High Wycombe
At Hughenden, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA (Google Maps, National Trust dog walking page), this former Disraeli estate allows dogs off lead in the woodland and parkland, though they must go back on a short lead near sheep and cattle. Dogs are also welcome in the formal gardens, orchard, stableyard and the Stableyard Café, where water bowls are provided — just not inside the house itself. There’s no shade in the car park, so don’t leave a dog in the car on a warm day.
Coombe Hill, near Wendover
Starting from Coombe Hill car park near Butlers Cross, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 0UR (Google Maps, National Trust trail page), this is the highest point in the Chilterns, with sweeping views over the Vale of Aylesbury from the war memorial at the top. The National Trust describes dogs as welcome “under very close control,” and warns that cattle graze the site throughout summer, so keep that close control in mind if you’re walking between May and September.
Burnham Beeches, Farnham Common
Burnham Beeches is ancient beech and oak woodland, pollarded for centuries and now a national nature reserve, managed by the City of London Corporation though it sits inside Buckinghamshire. The nearest postcode is SL2 3PS; from Farnham Common, follow Beeches Road to the end and continue into Lord Mayors Drive, where the main car parking bays are (Google Maps, dog rules (PSPO)). Under the current rules, each walker can bring a maximum of four dogs, leads must be carried at all times even where dogs are allowed off lead under effective control, and there’s one small dog-free zone by the café — assistance dogs are exempt from that one.
Already covered: swimming spots
If it’s water your dog is after rather than woodland paths, our Buckinghamshire swimming guide covers Caldecotte Lake, Willen Lake, the Thames at Marlow, Colne Valley Regional Park, Langley Park, the Lakeside Dog Pool in Westcott, and the River Great Ouse at Stony Stratford.
Whichever walk you choose, a lightweight lead or harness that’s easy to swap between on and off lead makes moving between zones like Black Park’s or Burnham Beeches’ much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go off lead at Black Park?
Away from the Lakeside Family Zone and car parks, dogs can be under close control, but check the on-site signage, since parts of the heath are a protected nesting site.
Is Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire?
Yes, geographically it sits within Buckinghamshire, though it’s owned and managed by the City of London Corporation, which sets its own dog rules including a four-dogs-per-walker limit.
Where can my dog swim in Buckinghamshire?
See our separate Buckinghamshire swimming guide, which covers Caldecotte Lake, Willen Lake, the Thames at Marlow and several other spots.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
