21-04-2025
Northumberland National Park voted region's best dog-friendly walk
Research commissioned by online pet care marketplace has revealed the top walking destinations in the UK.
The South West was named the best region by one in five Brits.
The region, which is home to the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor National Park, was praised for its "breathtaking views," "dog-friendly terrain," and "scenic features and atmosphere."
The best dog-friendly walk in the North East was voted to be Northumberland National Park, followed by Bamburgh Beach and Tynemouth Longsands Beach.
The research suggested that 84 per cent of owners view a long dog walk as a bank holiday tradition, seeing it as a chance to enjoy the outdoors, an excuse for a nice day out, and a special treat for their furry friend.
In fact, 43 per cent of owners plan to take their dogs on an Easter getaway this year, with Cornwall and the Lake District emerging as the most popular destinations for dog owners in 2025.
Adem Fehmi, Rover's canine behaviourist, said: "To get the most out of your dog walks and boost your dog's physical and mental wellbeing, treat each walk like a mini workout – with a warm up, main activity, and a cool down.
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"What you do for each will depend on your dog's life stage, physical capabilities, and breed, but for your average, adult dog in good health, this might look like a brisk walk to warm up, a play game such as fetch as the main activity, and then perhaps some socialisation and a slower paced walk for the cool down.
"To combat boredom, consider your dog's breed, energy level, personality, and what motivates them.
"Choose routes and activities that tap into those natural instincts.
"Bringing treats or a favourite toy can help reinforce good behaviour and keep your dog focused, especially when practicing skills like recall or loose lead walking.
"When choosing where to walk, look for dog-friendly routes with varied terrain, space to explore safely, and minimal hazards.
"Always respect local guidance - keep dogs on leads where required, avoid disturbing wildlife, and be extra mindful during nesting seasons."
The survey of 1,000 UK "dog parents" was conducted via Pollfish in April 2025.
