Five places you must visit with your dog!

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Editor's Picks
10 February 2017
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1. Haughmond Hill, Shropshire.

This dog walking beauty spot is located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury and is largely covered by forest. From the top of the hill you can enjoy stunning views across the River Severn, Shrewsbury, and the Welsh hills beyond. There are four routes to choose from, so you can take shorter or longer walks, depending on how energetic you're feeling! Dogs will love all the different textures and smells.

The walk is a favourite with co-presenter of BBC London's 'The Bark Hour', Anna Webb, who says: "I love how magnificent the whole area is; the big trees make you feel like you're in Canada - it's very humbling."

For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/haughmondhill

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2. Hampstead Heath, London.

This oasis in the city is just six kilometres from the centre of London and the park is a patchwork of nearly 800 acres of woodland, meadow, ponds, pathways, wildlife, and impressive gardens - perfect for exploring with your four-legged friend. From Parliament Hill you can enjoy stunning views of the capital's skyline and there is also a 17th century house in the park that you can visit.

This walk is a favourite with writer Tony Parsons and his spaniel, Stan. He says: "Hampstead Heath is London's attempt at true countryside. It is by far and away mine and Stan's favourite place to walk."

For more information, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/visitor-information/Pages/default.aspx

3. Skegness, Lincolnshire.

Although this doesn't sound like your typical place for a dog walk, there is always some part of the beach in Skegness that is open to dogs throughout the year. So if your dog is obsessed with water and you want to give him the chance to play in the waves, then this is the place for you! Some of the amusements are also dog friendly and lots of the restaurants have outdoor seating areas that you can enjoy with your dogs.

Dog trainer and Britain's Got Talent star, Lucy Heath, says: "When I get home, the dogs are really happy and nicely tired out and I have to brush the sand out of their coats, but it's worth it - I love them all to bits!"

For more information, visit www.visitskegness.co.uk

4. Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire.

The Bosherston Lakes (or Lily Ponds, as they are sometimes known as) are a series of man made lakes at the heart of the National Trust's Stackpole Estate. The water lilies are best seen from the end of May to August and otters can be spotted all year round. If your dog's recall isn't great or he is likely to keep diving into the water, then it may be worth taking an extending lead with you.

This walk is a favourite with Your Dog features writer, Evie Holmes, who says: "The lilies come out in the spring and it's a beautiful sight! My dog, Seb, loves it because there's lots of other dogs for him to meet and places to sniff and explore!"

For more information, visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pembrokeshire-coast-path/attractions/bosherston-lakes-lily-ponds

5. Swithland Woods, Leicestershire.

This stunning area of woodland in the heart of rural Leicestershire covers 155 acres and is the perfect place for a dog walk in any season. The wood is made up of mature oak, birch, alder, and lime, so you feel truly immersed within the trees as you walk along the marked footpaths.

Your Dog features writer, Emily Wardle, loves to do this walk with her spaniel, Charlie. She says: "Swithland Woods was the first place I ever took Charlie for a walk and he has loved it ever since! I particularly love the woods during the autumn when the big old trees shed and the wood is covered in a carpet of crunchy leaves."

For more information, visit www.visitnationalforest.co.uk/view/?id=Swithland-Wood