Cornwall Ranked Best UK Location for Winter Sunrise Dog Walks

Cornwall has been revealed as the best place in the UK for winter sunrise dog walks, with new research showing three Cornish towns taking the top spots.

Cornwall Takes the Top Three Places

A study by Canine Cottages, which analysed dog friendly walk ratings, sky clarity, air crispness and overall walkability, placed St Ives first, followed by Penzance and Newquay.

St Ives led the way with 64.91 percent of its top rated walks scoring 4.8 stars or higher, along with strong early morning conditions. Penzance and Newquay followed closely, each benefiting from clear skies and crisp coastal air during the darker months.

The research highlights how Cornwall’s mild temperatures, bright winter skies and mix of beaches, cliff paths and coastal towns create an uplifting start to the day for dog owners. Canine Cottages said the region offers more than scenic walks, with charming cafés, boutique shops and cultural attractions adding to its appeal.

The full rankings placed four Cornish locations in the UK’s top ten:

• St Ives 64.91 percent top rated dog friendly walks, clearness index 0.37, air crispness 7.83, total score 70.43

• Penzance 50.88 percent, clearness index 0.37, air crispness 7.83, total score 66.80

• Newquay 47.37 percent, clearness index 0.37, air crispness 7.54, total score 66.06

• Falmouth 37.25 percent, clearness index 0.37, air crispness 7.54, total score 64.04

Highlands and Dartmoor Also Score Highly

The Scottish Highlands also featured strongly, with Fort William, Aviemore and the wider Highland landscape standing out for crisp air, sky clarity and scenic early morning routes.

Dartmoor appeared three times, with Postbridge, Tavistock and Princetown earning places thanks to high sky clarity scores and well rated walks across dramatic moorland scenery.

Why Sunrise Walks Matter

Canine Cottages partnered with canine behaviourist Dr Emma Scales-Theobald to explore why early routines with dogs feel grounding in winter.

Dr Emma said “a consistent early-morning walk can help support dogs’ emotional stability, digestive health and behaviour, while offering owners a moment of calm before the day begins.”

She explained that dogs benefit from predictability, adding “a steady routine gives them stability, reduces stress, and helps them feel calm and secure from the moment the day begins. Even if the weather is less inviting, sticking to regular walks or supplementing them with indoor play or enrichment keeps their minds and bodies engaged.”

She also noted the health benefits of routine. “Regular morning activity and consistent mealtimes support digestion, metabolism, and energy levels. A structured start helps dogs be more relaxed, focused, and less destructive, while also providing quality bonding time.”

Sarah Pring, digital marketing manager at Canine Cottages, said the colder months can be an ideal time to head out with your dog. “Autumn and winter can be some of the most rewarding times to get out with your dog, especially at sunrise when the quieter trails and crisp conditions make walks feel really grounding.

“Our research highlights just how much these early routines can support both dogs and their owners, and by sharing Dr Emma’s expert insights, we hope to help people feel confident about creating a morning rhythm that works for them throughout the colder months.”

More information is available at the Canine Cottages website’s guide to sunrise stroll destinations.