Top 5 Places to walk your dog in Swindon!

If you're a dog owner in Swindon, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks! However, it can be tricky to find the one that suits both you and your dog's needs. But don't worry! I've been a Swindon resident most of my life and a dog lover my whole life, so here are my picks for the best places to walk your dog.

Instead of ranking five places, I've decided to categorise each location based on a specific want or need. Not every dog is confident, so maybe you're looking for a quieter walk with fewer people, or maybe you're the opposite and want your dog to meet their new best friend.

Best Quiet Walk in Swindon – Broad Hinton

This one can be tricky to come by. Once a quiet walk gets popular, it might not stay quiet for long. That being said, my pick for the best quiet walk in Swindon is Broad Hinton. This place offers acres upon acres of open fields for you and your dog to enjoy. Because it’s so vast, you rarely see another dog walker, and even if you do, there are plenty of alternative routes to take.

A quick heads-up: during the rainier months, it can be a bit tricky to navigate. So be sure to pack some wellies, just in case!

Best Dog-Friendly Walk in Swindon – Town Gardens, Old Town

If you're a dog lover, and your pup is too, Town Gardens in Old Town is a must-try. During the summer months, it’s bursting with flowers, scents, and plenty to explore. It can get quite busy, so it’s best to avoid if your dog is reactive. But if your dog loves a good sniff and is up for some socialising, you’re almost guaranteed to bump into other friendly pups, no matter the time of day.

It also has a cute café at the heart of the park, so if you need to fuel up make sure you swing by Town Gardens Café.

Best Scenic Walk in Swindon – The Ridgeway

Swindon can be a surprisingly beautiful place. Once you move out of the built-up centre, you're surrounded by fields in every direction. My personal favourite scenic spot is The Ridgeway – part of the National Trails. This ancient route spans 87 miles (140 km), giving you and your dog a thorough workout!

But don’t worry, the walk is what you make of it, so I won’t judge if you decide to cut a corner. The trail is honestly stunning. With vast hills and open views, you get the perfect vantage point of Swindon, from the Great Western Hospital all the way to the town centre. It’s a walk that really makes you appreciate the landscape around you.

My Hidden Favourite Walk in Swindon – Hagbourne Copse

Now, I’m a sucker for a good photoshoot with my dogs, and that’s exactly why Hagbourne Copse is my hidden gem. Come springtime, this little woodland walkway bursts into life with dozens upon dozens of bluebells, adding a splash of beauty to an otherwise dull surrounding area.

Because it's tucked away near a trading estate, foot traffic is pretty much non-existent, meaning you’ll have all the space you need to do lap after lap with your dog. Plus, parking is free, so overall, it ticks all the boxes for me. It is not a long walk but great for a gentle potter.

Best Overall Walk in Swindon – Coate Water

We all know Swindon isn’t a coastal paradise, but what we do have is a massive lake that’s perfect for dog walks. Coate Water might not be as pristine as it once was, but all year round it offers a great walking experience. There’s a lengthy trail with several route options—ideal if you’d rather avoid the crowds.

There’s also a handy café for a post-walk coffee, and in the summer, Coate Water comes alive with plenty of other activities. Lots of people travel specifically to this lake, and once you’ve been, it’s not hard to see why!

And that’s my top 5 picks for the best dog walks in Swindon. Hopefully, there’s enough variety here to suit your dog’s needs, whether they love to explore, sniff, play, or just enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Having spent most of my career working with rescues and some less confident dogs, I know how important it is to find the right place to walk. If you’ve got a dog who struggles with day-to-day walks, or if you just want to learn some new skills to stay in control, feel free to schedule a session with me, I’d be more than happy to help!

Visit: www.ktbdogtrainer.co.uk

Email: ktbdogtrainer@gmail.com