🐾 Dog-Friendly Winter Walks Near Derby (with Cosy Pub Stops Too!)

The best winter walks near Hill Farm Caravan & Camping — with roaring fires, wagging tails, and very happy humans.

Cold noses. Muddy paws. A crisp canal path that ends with a proper pint and a roaring fire, followed by a soak in your hot tub back at Hill Farm…That’s what winter is made for.

If you're staying at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping this winter—or just looking for a great day out with your dog near Derby—you’re in for a treat. 

Our campsite in Barrow on Trent is surrounded by peaceful countryside, waterside (thanks to the Trent and Mersey canal) trails, and some of the cosiest pubs in the Midlands.

Here are three of our favourite dog-friendly winter walks, all starting from (or near) Hill Farm.

Dog-Friendly Glamping

Bonus: every single one ends with a place to warm up, sit down, and tuck into something delicious—with your dog snoozing happily at your feet.

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🚶‍♀️ Walk 1: The Bubble Inn – Stenson Marina, Canal side walk

🗺️ Distance: 2 miles

🐕 Route: Flat towpath along the canal

🍽️ Pub: The Bubble Inn, Stenson

🔥 Vibe: Laid-back converted barn, cosy fire, muddy boots welcome

This one’s a local favourite—an easy, flat stroll that starts right from Hill Farm and takes you along the canal towards Stenson Marina. Stenson Marina is a small 80-boat mooring, with a pretty waterfront and is home to the Bubble Inn. 

The path is peaceful, perfect for off-lead stretches (if your dog’s recall is reliable), and you’re treated to gorgeous views of moored boats and open countryside the entire way.

The halfway point reward? The Bubble Inn. A rustic, dog-friendly pub with history in its beams and something tasty on every plate. Dogs are allowed inside, the staff are relaxed and friendly, and there’s often a fire crackling away in the colder months.

🐾 Hill Farm Tip: The Bubble’s converted barn layout means your dog won’t be stuck outside in the cold—perfect for tired paws and relaxed pub naps.

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🦢 Walk 2: Mercia Marina via the Canal, Boat St. Cafe and Trips + Nadee’s Restaurant

🗺️ Distance: 3 miles

🐕 Route: Canal path straight from the farm

🍛 Pub: Nadee, Findern Cafe: Boat St. + trip

🌿 Vibe: Award-winning Indian food + dog-friendly garden

This route is a day trip for dogs (and humans) who like a bit more of a leg stretch and an adventure. The canal walk to Mercia Marina (Findern) is full of long open stretches, plenty of interesting smells, and just the right mix of rural views and waterside tranquillity.

When you get to the Marina you can hop on a boat trip at the Boat St. Cafe. There is a cafe on board, serving hot/cold drinks and snacks. Or you can order from the cafe and pick up food on your way out of the marina. Boat trips are dog friendly and last 45 mins - 1 hour 15 mins, depending on your trip of choice. Prices start at £6 per person, it’s a brilliant way to explore the canal and see its famous swans and wildlife.

At the marina itself, you’ll find dog-friendly cafés, independent shops, and mapped walking routes if you want to go even further.

And then there’s Nadee on the way back to Hill Farm—a fabulous canalside Indian pub, that welcomes dogs in the garden. Pick a crisp early evening here with your dog! The outdoor garden is huge (with a sandpit for the kids), and inside it’s relaxed and friendly. Food-wise, it’s hard to beat.

🐾 Hill Farm Tip: Nadee is one for dry days, sit outside with a bowl of water for the dog and a plate of warm naan for you.

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🚤 Walk 3: Circular Route from The Ragley Boat Stop (via Pub Walks App)

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🗺️ Distance: 4+ mile circular

🐕 Route: Fields, towpaths, and canals — all mapped in the app

🍺 Pub: The Ragley Boat Stop, Barrow-on-Trent

🔁 Vibe: Proper pint, classic countryside charm, circular loop

Just a short drive or a longer walk from Hill Farm (the lanes are VERY narrow), The Ragley Boat Stop is another gem of a dog-friendly pub, nestled right beside the water. And here’s the best bit—there’s a fully mapped circular route, starting and finishing at the pub, available via the free Pub Walks app.

Expect peaceful paths, countryside views, and a dog who’ll definitely need a nap afterwards. It’s the perfect combo of exercise and indulgence.

🐾 Hill Farm Tip: Download the Pub Walks app before your stay, it’s free to access and has loads of other great walks nearby, all dog-approved and pint-ready.

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Winter Walks and Glamping - Tips for Dog Owners

• Pack plenty of spare towels for muddy paws

• Pack plastic bags to put wet gear in!

• Use the outdoor shower shacks to get all the mud off your dog before you head back to your tent or pod.

• Download the Pub Walks app to find circular routes with great pubs

• Bring a dog-coat or jacket with you. Helps reduce muddy wet fur, especially when you're all in a pod or belle tent together.

• Bring a cosy dog bed for sleepy paws after a long winter walk

• Carry water and treats, especially if you plan a café stop or a trip on the Mercia Swan!

• Be firework-aware near Bonfire Night (early November). Ask us if you’re unsure where displays may be.

Back at Hill Farm: Cosy Up, Paws Down (and order late night nibbles from Sam’s Food Truck)

After all that walking and wagging, you’ll want somewhere to unwind—and Hill Farm is just the place.

Here’s all the reasons we think Hill Farm is pawfect for your dogs and you. Winter is quieter, less sensory overload, less people - all giving your dog a calmer getaway. 

The belle tents are thermal-lined, with heaters and all have hot tubs making for a proper cosy winter weekend away. The hot tubs are wood-fired and all your wood is supplied with your stay - so you can soak away the winter walk while your dogs snooze.

Hill Farm is spacious, with wild areas to walk your dog, plus, there are amazing walks and the canal tow path right on our doorstep. 

Hill Farm is family friendly, and we believe this should always include your fur-babies too. They are just as welcome as you are!

Want to Give the Gift of a Dog-Friendly Break?

Hill Farm Christmas Gift Vouchers are back this year, and they’re gorgeous.

They flew out the door last year, so we’re offering them again in £50, £75, or £100 amounts.Perfect for dog-lovers, outdoorsy couples, city-breakers or anyone who’d rather sit in a hot tub than in traffic.

To order:📧 Email us or📞 Call 07889985328We can email or post them straight to your door.

Any more questions, you can email or call anytime.

Tara x

Tara’s footnotes:

Wondering what Hill Farm is all about and what you’ll find?

It’s the BEST of Derbyshire right on your doorstep…

• Scenic walks in the Derbyshire countryside

• Family-friendly attractions nearby

• Dog-friendly pubs just a stroll away

Calke Abbey, Elvaston Castle, Foremark Reservoir and Anchor Church Caves are all a short drive away.. 

Check out our walk-throughs here: 

Sneak peek into the Bell Tents

Behind the Scenes: Pod edition

Hill Farm: The Facilities

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Tara runs the day-to-day at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping. When you make a booking, you will find Tara at the end of the phone. 

Ollie Cotton and his family have owned and run Hill Farm Caravan, Glamping and Camping for generations and love nothing more than to provide high quality and affordable escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, gig-lovers, multi-people rallies & get-to-gathers. 

Here’s what you’ve been crying out for- NEW changes for 2025  💫

👌 All our lights around the pods and gazebos are currently solar and don’t work 24/7 in winter. We know this has been a let-down for some guests. We are going electric with lights — everything will be lit up all the time in the winter. 

😆 All pods have mains electric (not solar), we have 4 bell tents left to do. 

⛺️ We’ve added 2 more standard lotus belle tents to our site this year!

🌮 SAY HELLO to a street food truck this year. All details are here

 🤐 OUR LIPS ARE SEALED RIGHT NOW, BUT WE HAVE ONE MORE GLAMPING ADDITION BREWING…