While us humans might be wistfully looking back to the summer, our four-legged friends can’t contain their excitement for the new sights and smells that autumn brings. Dog-lovers at TopDog Harnesses have fetched some of the most popular dog-friendly holiday locations the UK has to offer.

• October is one of the cheapest months to book a holiday, with no school holidays and bank holidays.
• This also means that you’ll have a much more quiet break, offering a peaceful, relaxing break without the usual hustle and bustle.
• The UK countryside is breathtaking in autumn, with vibrant colours, crisp air, and scenic walks that are perfect for dog owners.

TopDog says that a holiday isn’t a true holiday unless the whole family can come along, so take a sniff of these paw-some ideas!

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Credit: FrDr (Wikimedia Commons) via Creative Commons

Covering 1,748 sq miles, Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and has been a popular location for walkers and their dogs since it was created in 2003. Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code means that you can walk your dog in most areas, as long as they are kept under proper control.

The Park is home to a wide range of nature, so be careful to avoid off-lead walks near fields of farm animals and follow seasonal guidance to protect nesting birds. Three dedicated off-lead spaces can be found in Rothiemurchus, at the heart of the Cairngorms, alongside dog-friendly cafes.

Wales Coast Path, Wales

Credit: Deborah Tilley (Geograph) via Creative Commons

In 2012, the unique Wales Coast Path opened, becoming the first walking route to follow an entire country’s coastline. Depending on your passion for walking, you and your dog could take on the whole route over several weeks, or break off manageable sections for day routes – but either way, you will experience some of the best views Wales has to offer.

If you decide to follow the coastal path, why not try out some of Wales’ dog-friendly campsites along the way? Many campsites have additional facilities for dogs, such as fields for off-lead exploring, to make their stay memorable.

Visit Wales recommends the following dog-friendly campsites along the Wales Coast Path:

• Trawsdir Touring & Camping Park, Barmouth
• Bolmynydd Camping Park, Llanbedrog
• Silver Fern Glamping, Aberystwyth
• Tretio Caravan & Camping Park

Windermere, Lake District

Credit: Jorge Franganillo (Flickr) via Creative Commons

As a popular location for walkers, Windermere and the surrounding area are dog-friendly and there are many activities that the whole family can get involved in together.

One of the first things many visitors want to do is experience the views from the water itself, and there are plenty of dog-friendly options including cruises or day-hire boats of all sizes.

The surrounding area is rich with historical sites and stately homes. While restrictions on dogs vary from location to location, most will at least allow your pets into their lush gardens to explore on a lead. Check out Brockhole or the National Trust’s Allan Bank for great examples of the many picturesque places to enjoy and relax.

For more fetching ideas, have a look at the full report on the TopDog website.