A park near Bolton has been named among the UK’s best woodlands for walking your dog.

Dog Friendly Cottages has also created a map showing a variety of dog-friendly forest walks which you can use to search for your next outing with your pooch.

Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan was one of those eight and it’s a 30-minute drive from Bolton.

Dog Friendly Cottages said: “Our recommendations are tailored to what dog owners value most, ensuring that every forest visit is a memorable experience for both you and your pup.”

The map has different coloured paw prints on it and for those using it, you’ll need to look out for the green paws which mark the highest-rated woods offering top reviews, nearby dog-friendly cafés and plenty of space for your dog to roam.

Yellow and red paws indicate other charming woods that may have fewer amenities or slightly lower ratings, perfect for nature lovers seeking a quieter option.

What was said about Haigh Woodland Park?

Haigh Woodland Park scored 8/10 when it came to its total paws score. Its average rating is 4.6 from 5,194 ratings and it stretches across 31.37 hectares.

Dog Friendly Cottages said: “Haigh Woodland Park in Greater Manchester is a fantastic destination for dog walkers, offering a variety of trails through picturesque woodlands and open spaces.

“Spanning over 31 hectares, the park features well-maintained paths that wind through ancient woodlands, providing ample opportunities for dogs to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

“The park is also home to the Haigh Kitchen Courtyard, which houses several dog-friendly cafés, making it convenient to grab a refreshment after your walk.

“With an average rating of 4.6 from over 5,000 reviews, Haigh Woodland Park is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a pleasant day out with their canine companions.”

The four main criteria for the scoring of the eight woodlands include:

  • Dog-friendly cafes nearby (within 0.5 miles)
  • User ratings – based on the quality of the dog-walking experience
  • Total number of reviews – ensuring feedback is trustworthy and balanced
  • Woodland size – the larger the space, the more room for your dog to roam

Visitors have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor, where the park has a 4.5 rating from 801 reviews at the time of writing, with one saying: “Love this park, so much for kids to do, and get really active. Take a picnic with you.

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“My granddaughter always has a great time here. Check out the events that they have going on too at certain times.”

Another commented: “We absolutely love this place for a day out.

“It is brilliant for the whole family and there is something for everyone, even the dog can come an join in which is a winner as he is part of the clan, so a day out with him is a bonus.”