Top country walks for dogs

Walkies! Get the lead and a ball, and set out on one of the UK's top dog walks

Walking the dog is good for you, good for the dog - and a great way to enjoy the countryside too.

A public vote has revealed the best-loved walks in England, Scotland and Wales for dogs. The survey was carried out by Hill's Pet Nutrition and national tourism bodies EnjoyEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales.

 

Tom Wright, chief executive of national tourism agency, VisitBritain, says: It's great that Britain's dog owners take such pride in their local areas. Many of us take a break in our own country so we can holiday with our pets and we hope that these 21 walks will inspire people to visit a new destination they haven't explored before.  Whether it's woodland, beach, park, river or canal side, there's the perfect walk for you and your dog in Britain.'

 

Robert Gundry, of Hill's Pet Nutrition, says: 'Twenty per cent of dogs in the UK suffer from joint problems and the aim of this campaign was to highlight the importance of gentle exercise, together with a balanced diet to help improve mobility and encourage people to get out and about more with their dogs.'

 

Here are the most popular 21 dog walks - for full details of each, visit www.21topdogwalks.co.uk

 

 

Brancaster Beach, Norfolk

With its miles of golden sand this walk is a doggy paradise: plenty of opportunity for digging and paddling! But check before visiting as there are restrictions on dogs in certain areas and at certain times of year. There is also a charge for parking at certain times of year.

 

Cherwell Valley, Oxfordshire

The four- to five-hour walk travels along both the Oxford Canal and the River Cherwell and is predominantly off-road which means that your dog can be off the lead. You can see kingfishers, ducks and swans and the canal-boat community which you encounter, are always wonderfully friendly. As you walk up the hill towards Steeple Aston you will see Rousham House's 'eye catcher' - a highlight of the walk.

 

Chesterfield Canal, Derbyshire

The Chesterfield Canal was surveyed by James Brindley and finished in 1777. It linked Chesterfield to the River Trent. The walk is part of the Trans Pennine Trail and the route is easy. This is a six-mile walk. Start from Tapton Lock to reduce the time and mileage.

 

Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale, Lanchashire

Hollingworth Lake is high in the Pennines above Littleborough with spectacular views over the hills around Rochdale. Built to supply water to the nearby Rochdale Canal, the Lake has been used for recreation since Victorian times, when it was known as The Weavers Seaport. Park in the Country park and follow the paths around the Lake, ending up back at the café, or stop off at the pubs and restaurants along the way.

 

Ideford Common, Devon

Ideford Common is an area of beautiful heathland and forest. Lots of footpaths link up around the common, which can take anything from 15 minutes to just under an hour depending on route and speed! All quite rough paths - can be muddy!

 

Ladderedge Country Park, Leek, Staffordshire

Ladderedge Country Park covers 28 hectares (70 acres) of unimproved grassland and woodland, with a stream and ponds. From the hilltop there are fine views across Leek and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular place for dog walkers as it is close to residential areas, and is a beautiful and varied place to walk. There is also a dog bin at the main entrance to the Park.

 

Langdon Hill Wood, National Trust Golden Cap Estate in Dorset

Langdon Hill Wood is on National Trust land situated off the A35 between Bridport and Charmouth. It has a circular forest route suitable for powered vehicles. Look out for various species of trees, butterflies, birds (such as buzzards and sparrowhawks), and maybe even deer. Well-behaved dogs can be off the lead as long as they stay on the track and do not veer off into the trees. By following the Coast path you will be able to see Golden Cap, part of the Jurassic Coast and with the highest cliff on the south coast.

 

Loweswater, Lake District

Brilliant views down onto this quiet and peaceful lake. The view extends from the Solway Coast and Scottish hills to the north right around to the Vale of Lorton and heights of Grasmoor and Robinson, Crummock Water with Buttermere and the high fells beyond. A medium walk, but with plenty of interesting scenery. This is a peaceful walk in the northern Lakes, away from the tourists and is definitely off the beaten track. The Kirkstile Inn is a pleasant watering-hole where dogs are welcome except from 6pm to 10pm.

 

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

There are two circular walks on the Northern Hills which can be combined into a six-mile circuit. Both walks can be accessed from Great Malvern as well as car parks on the Hills. Two easier access trails have been constructed to enable not only wheelchair users, but everyone who finds the steeper slopes difficult, to enjoy the beauty of the Malvern Hills.

 

Neigh Bridge to Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire

A peaceful four-mile walk around the Cotswold Water Park area which takes in the infant Thames and lovely Cotswold countryside in Gloucestershire. There's even a beach for dogs to swim! Features include part of the Thames Path National Trail: a Cotswold stone village, a country park with beaches, playgrounds, willow sculptures, wildlife, day-ticket fishing, toilets as well as a shop and seasonal boat hire and café. The walk falls into the easy/moderate category and there are many areas where dogs can be let off leads - the walk is off road all the way. The terrain is easy with a few stiles and bridges.

 

Northwich Community Woodlands, Cheshire

There are circular routes to make a walk that can last over two hours. It is possible to walk along the river and view the Anderton Boat Lift (fairly steep hill up to Pay and Display car park at Anderton). On the whole this is an enclosed area and any animals are in very secure fields so no worry about them being chased. Need to watch out for the occasional cyclist and horse rider. Access to canal towpath at one point to prolong walk further. Possibility of a paddle at 'Lesley's Leap'.

 

Richmond Park, London

There are many different routes that take in the panoramic view of the London skyline. There are some great sights to see, such as White Lodge (home of the Royal Ballet School) and you can pass through a variety of landscapes, including woodlands and ponds and creeks where dogs can take a dip or have a drink. There are also great facilities and a good selection of food and refreshments, including a great snack van in the Petersham Lodge car park, which sells delicious bacon rolls, at the halfway point as well as great hot chocolate at the kiosk in the car park! Visitors need to be aware that three herds of deer roam freely within the park and it is also very popular with horse riders and cyclists. There is a road that runs the entire circumference of the park and this can be busy at peak times even though there is a 20mph speed limit.

 

Riverside Trail, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Lying in the Stort Valley, Bishop's Stortford is the largest town in East Hertfordshire and is an ideal centre from which to explore the river valley and the local countryside. The Riverside Trail takes in some fantastic sights including the Bishop's Stortford Museum, Grange Paddocks, Waytemore Castle, Sworders Field and the River Stort.

 

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire

Over 1,000 acres of deer park set within National Trust property. Tea room near to the Mansion. Two meres on the Estate, so ample opportunities for a little swim. You need to be aware that there are sheep and deer roaming free so not suitable if you have a budding contestant for 'One Man and His Dog'. It costs £4.20 to take a car into the park, including National Trust members.

 

The Downs, Avon

Referred to as Bristol's 'Green Lung', The Downs consist of around 400 acres of grassland on the edge of the city. A fantastic area for dogs to stretch their legs and invigorate their senses with some excellent scent trails! Situated on the northwest of Bristol, about two miles from the city centre, The Downs can be found at the top of Whiteladies Road (A4018) or from the north of the city, Westbury Road leads to The Downs.

 

The Humber Foreshore and Waters' Edge, Lincolnshire

The walk starts from the Humber Bridge Viewing Area car park and the real beauty of this walk is that it can be as long or short as you want. Depending on how far you walk, you can take in the fantastic views of the Humber Bridge, the acclaimed Far Ings National Nature Reserve and the award winning Waters' Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre, which has excellent facilities. There are many wildflowers, butterflies and birds in summer, and with a variety of reserves, reed beds, meadows and woodland, it will keep both you and your pooch amused!

 

Wonderful Washlands, Burton Upon Trent in Staffordshire

Start at the Stapenhill Hollows car park, off Stapenhill Road. Follow the footpath along the River Trent signposted 'Stapenhill Gardens'. You can walk around the beautiful floral gardens using the ramps or steps. From the gardens, follow the path down towards the bridge and the Boathouse Inn and a refreshment kiosk. Walk along the ferry bridge as far as you like, taking in the views and wildlife of the washlands. The washlands are part of the National Forest and are a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. Follow your route back to the car park through the gardens and along the river. Alternatively, for a longer walk, continue onto the washlands but bear in mind you will have to cross back over the ferry bridge at some point in order to cross the river. If you continue onto the washlands, I advise keeping your dog on a lead due to the abundance of wildlife.

 

---

 

 

We've got walks all over the country (and by the sea, and in the city) - find a walk near you now