We’ve been walking dogs across North West London for sixteen years, and we still haven’t got bored of it. Every area has its own character: big open hills, quiet woodland, neat local parks that are perfect for a quick loop before work. Here are the walks our team loves most, area by area, whether you’re out with your own dog at the weekend or wondering where ours go during the week.
Hampstead Heath
If we could only walk one place for the rest of our lives, it would be Hampstead Heath. Almost 800 acres of meadow, woodland and hills, close enough to the city that you can see it, wild enough that you forget it’s there. It’s where our walkers take their groups most days, and where a lot of our dogs do their best socialising.
Parliament Hill is the classic: climb to the top for one of the best views in London, then let your dog work off the climb across the slopes below. Kenwood, at the northern end, is quieter and more wooded, with long paths through the trees that are perfect for a calm, sniffy walk. In between there’s mile after mile of meadow and hidden paths to explore.
Two tips. The ponds are lovely, but in hot summers keep an eye out for algae warnings on the signs. And it’s a big place, so make sure your dog’s recall is solid before you let them off in the busier areas.
Read more about our dog walkers in Hampstead.
Primrose Hill
Small but spectacular. The view of the London skyline from the top of Primrose Hill is one of the best in the city, and early on a weekday morning it’s a lovely, gentle walk. It gets busy at weekends and on sunny evenings, so if your dog prefers peace and quiet, go early. Regent’s Park is right next door if you want to make a longer loop of it; just watch the signs, as some areas there are on-lead only.
See our Primrose Hill page for more.
Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood
Two pockets of ancient woodland sitting either side of Muswell Hill Road. Highgate Wood has wide, well-kept paths that are easy going in all weathers. Queen’s Wood, across the road, is wilder and hillier, with steep little valleys that dogs love to explore. On a hot day the tree cover makes both noticeably cooler than open parkland.
More on our Highgate page.
Arrandene Open Space, Mill Hill
One of North West London’s best-kept secrets. Rolling meadows, hedgerows and woodland edges, and far fewer people than the big-name parks. It’s where Nick and Emma take their morning groups of up to six, because there’s space for a group to stretch out and settle into a calm rhythm together.
More on our Mill Hill page.
Closer to home: the local parks
Not every walk needs to be an expedition. Some of our favourite everyday walks are the well-kept local parks on the doorstep:
- Fortune Green, West Hampstead: a handy green for a quick morning loop. West Hampstead is where Premier Dog Walkers started, so it has a special place in our hearts. See our West Hampstead page.
- Paddington Recreation Ground, Maida Vale: open space and a good perimeter path for a steady walk. See our Maida Vale page.
- Queen’s Park, Kilburn: a beautifully kept Victorian park with a lovely neighbourhood feel. See our Kilburn page.
- Dollis Valley Greenwalk, Finchley and Barnet: a long green corridor following Dollis Brook, perfect when you fancy a longer walk. See our Finchley and Barnet pages.
How we walk
Wherever we go, the aim is the same: a calm, happy group. We don’t throw balls or wind dogs up. We keep the energy steady so every dog stays relaxed and responsive around people and other dogs. Small groups help: four dogs at most on Hampstead Heath. A well-walked dog comes home settled, not frazzled, and that’s what we’re after. You can read more about what happens on one of our walks.
If you’d like your dog to enjoy these walks with us during the week, have a look at our dog walking service or get in touch.