To celebrate Discover National Parks Fortnight this week (6-21 April), premium dog gear brand Ruffwear® has got tails wagging with its list of the best places to take your pooch on a long walk this spring.
With miles and miles of stunning coastlines, mountain trails and scenery to rival anywhere in the world, the UK is the perfect place to go walking with your four-legged friend. Here’s the five top places to visit according to Ruffwear®.
Northumberland
With an abundance of sandy beaches, beautiful grounds and picturesque reservoirs, Northumberland is not only a human paradise, but a dog’s perfect playground. Let your pooch stretch its legs with 1,000 acres to explore at Cragside, dig a hole at the all year-round dog-friendly Bamburgh Beach, or make a splash at the beautiful Kielder Water. After a long day of play, it’s only right to stop off for a quick bite to eat at one of Northumberland’s many dog-welcoming pubs.
Pembrokeshire
For those owners who like to combine fresh air and a touch of history in their doggy walks, Pembrokeshire is the perfect place to visit. With Pembroke, Carew and Picton Castle all welcoming our four-legged friends, finding a grand place to stroll has never been easier. If you’d rather dip your toes into soft sand, then take your pick from Pembrokeshire’s dozens of beaches, a significant number of which welcome dogs all year round, including the beautiful Freshwater West and Manorbier Beach.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Comprising 720 square miles of stunning mountains and tranquil lochs, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is the ultimate puppy paradise. Get your leash at the ready as you explore Balloch Castle Country Park, Loch Lomond’s only national park, which boasts 200 acres featuring nature trails, walled gardens and guided walks. If that doesn’t get tails wagging, head to Argyll Forest Park, a land of hidden glens and craggy peaks, and a place that happens to be Britain’s oldest forest park.
Lake District
When thinking of a picturesque place to take your wet nosed friend, the Lake District is sure to be high on the list. For a relaxing day, head to the beautiful market town of Keswick – one of Britain’s most dog-friendly towns - for a stroll around Derwentwater or attend the fun-fuelled Keswick Mountain Festival which takes place from 16 to 19 May 2019. For those older pups who prefer a shorter walk, head to National Trust’s Fell Foot Park where you can pick between a beautiful shoreline stroll or a walk through the wildlife meadow.
South Downs
If you’re heading down south, there’s one place that should be on your dog-walking bucket list – South Downs. With more routes than any other UK National Park, there’s plenty of ancient woodland, beautiful trails and quintessentially British villages to explore in South Downs National Park. Cross spanning greenland and river valleys on the Lipchis Way, tackle the 55-mile walk of the West Sussex Literary Trail, or discover a piece of history on the Monarch’s Way, all with your furry friend in tow.