.png)
With vast woodlands, tranquil streams, and scenic trails, it's the perfect playground for furry companions to stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors. We went to this Brockhampton Estate in Herefordshire to find out if this location was suitable for a National Trust reactive dog walk. We went on a rainy Saturday in march, and it was pretty quiet. We saw 3 dogs in total - all on lead, and there was enough room to make space where needed.
Whether you will be strolling through historic orchards or relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, your reactive dog will appreciate the opportunity to sniff to their hearts content explore the woodlands and ground of the estate. Plus, with people-friendly facilities and amenities available, including a cafe, toilets and a second hand book shop, Brockhampton Estate ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone..
National Trust Reactive dog walking routes
We took Erika (our foster dog) and she was exhausted after a couple of hours wandering around the orchard and manor grounds. There are four walks ranging from easy to hard - but due to seasonality some of these can get a little muddy and slippery. The Green walk is the most recommended (see below) but we took the Orchard Route because of the rain the week prior. Lots of choice for walking routes is one of the reasons we love this National Trust reactive dog walk. The Green Walk is a easy/medium 3km walk through woodland with a couple of inclines to get your heart rate up! Dogs are required to be on lead
Where can I take my reactive dog at Brockhampton Estate?
According to the National Trust Website You can walk your dog in the grounds at Brockhampton and on any of the waymarked routes. You’re also welcome to bring them into the courtyard, where there are water bowls, as well as through the orchards and around the outside of the manor house.
Brockhampton is a farmed estate, which means all dogs must be on leads at all times. Through the year, livestock gets move around to various parts of the estate which means you will probably see livestock regularly being moved around the estate.
Deer also breed in the woodlands, as well as other small animals so it's important that dogs are on lead at all times so wildlife cannot be chased. Even if your dog has perfect recall, please keep them under close control at all times.
How suitable is Brockhampton Estate for Reactive Dogs?
For a reactive dog, this walk would be great on a quiet day. We went on a rainy Saturday in March - and that meant lots of mud, but alot less people (which is excellent for us). There were a few families there with kids on bikes which will be a thing to watch - but the more rural walks away from the manor house should be fine. Saying that, there is alot of open fields to make space if needed.
For dogs with high prey drive there are sheep and deer grazing on the estate, as well as the usual birds and squirrels (worst nightmare!) nesting in the woodland areas.
Pro's for Reactive Dogs | Cons for Reactive Dogs |
4 walking routes for a variety of difficulty levels means you could be here all day and still not have seen everything! | You do have to pay for entry (£11 per adult) or have a national trust membership. It's on the expensive side for a regular walk BUT it does mean you don't get the usual hustle and bustle on regular routes. |
Quiet estate (seasonality pending) and we only saw 3 dogs (all on lead!) which we didn't directly interact with (excellent). | When the weather is bad, some of the quieter walks might be trickier to navigate due to the amount of mud. |
Lots of interest points dotted around including an old manor house, chapel, second hand book shop, the orchard, streams, beehives, natrual obstacle courses (parkour!) and the cafe. | You'd probably have to drive and park here as it's in the middle of no where but parking is included with the cost of entry. |
Other things to note for reactive dogs
On the way in, we were greeted by some really lovely staff who gave us some top tips on where to visit. If your dog is not people friendly - you will need another person to go and pay the entry fee, or leave your dog in the car while you pay. If your dog is okay with people, this could be a good socialising opportunity!
Half way around the walk we did hear some gun shots from a neighbouring field. If your dog is very sensitive to noise or just doesn't like gun shots/fireworks etc - this will be one to watch.
Brockhampton Estate for Reactive Dogs: Our Review
We've given Brockhampton Estate 3.5/5 on the Mac Score for Reactive Dogs. (Read More about the Mac Score here!)
Reactivity Rating
We saw very few dogs, and those we did see were on lead and did not approach us.
Lots of room to make space in the grounds where needed.
Livestock are on the estate BUT mostly kept in secure fields.
Dogs are required to be on lead at all times.
You have to pay to get in, which means it's not as busy as other places.
Gun shots could be heard from neighbouring fields
Scenery Score
Beautiful estate with lot's of different scenery to explore,
Very quiet and nature focussed throughout the grounds with sculptures and landmarks to explore.
People Points
A lovely cafe and courtyard to grab some lunch.
Clean, quiet toilet and baby change facilities
Car park, visitor centre and helpful staff
Manor house and second hand book shop to explore
Accessibility scale
Brockhampton Estate is within an hours drive of Birmingham. It hasn't got great transport links, so would need to drive here.
There is a fully paved path around the orchard and manor house BUT the rest of the estate can get very muddy so wouldn't be suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs everywhere.
Canine courtesy count
On lead locations are just the best aren't they? All dogs we saw were polite and on lead.
We didn't see loads of dogs, but this could change in the summer.
Do we recommend Brockhampton Estate for Reactive Dogs?
Yes! We think this would be a great day out for reactive, nervous and anxious dogs. Avoiding obviously busy times, Brockhampton Estate would probably enable you to have a quiet walk with lots of exploring.
Happy exploring! E 🐾
We'd love to hear about your adventures!
Comments