Britain is a nation obsessed with giving our dogs the very best walkies, but where’s the ultimate place to stretch four legs and two? According to new research, Ambleside in the Lake District is top dog when it comes to the country’s favourite place for walk with our four-legged friends, and many of us are happy to pile into the car and drive nearly 70 miles just to get there.
A survey commissioned by Isuzu looked at what makes the perfect dog walk. Unsurprisingly, spectacular views, fresh air, and a bit of peace and quiet are high on the agenda for the UK’s army of dog owners. And apparently, we’re willing to put in the miles to find them: the research found that most dog owners would drive an average of 69 miles to reach a great spot, especially if it comes with stunning scenery, decent weather, a generous supply of dog bins, and not too much traffic.
Ambleside leads the pack for a dog walk, but it’s got plenty of competition. The dramatic slopes of Snowdonia, the ancient New Forest in Hampshire, and London’s Richmond Park also ranked highly. Hampstead Heath makes an appearance for those who like their countryside with a dash of city grit, and iconic locations like Sherwood Forest, Hadrian’s Wall, and the sweeping peaks of the Brecon Beacons all made the top 10.
Walkers also named the wild waterfalls and trails of Glencoe in Scotland as a favourite, while Sussex’s South Downs and Dorset’s Jurassic coastline proved that there’s something for every taste, whether you’re after mountain climbs, leafy woodlands, or cliffside wanders.
And it’s not just about the scenery. A whopping 84% of owners reckon walking the dog does wonders for their mental health, with three-quarters admitting it’s a daily highlight. Beyond the fresh air, it’s a chance to unwind (71%), bond with your canine (65%), escape the house (53%) or even chat with fellow dog lovers. A quarter of us even use walks for a spot of impromptu dog training.
According to the research, the average Brit clocks up just over an hour and ten minutes on the lead each day, covering around 17 miles a week. Yet for all our love of adventure, a surprising number of us are stuck in a rut – one in four take exactly the same walk every single day, and two-thirds admit they’re bored of it. Still, for over half of us, the dog walk is the only exercise we actually get.
When it comes to the dream dog-walking buddy, partners come top (perhaps because someone has to hold the lead while you take an Instagram snap), closely followed by kids, best friends, and, of course, fellow dog walkers. Some, though, just want to spend time alone with their dog – nearly one in five say they’d rather head out solo with their four-legged mate than walk with anyone else.
So, where should you head next time the usual lap of the local park won’t cut it? Here’s the cream of the crop, according to the survey:
| 1 | Ambleside, Lake District | Cumbria | 26% |
| 2 | Snowdonia National Park | Wales | 18% |
| 3 | New Forest | Hampshire | 17% |
| 4 | Richmond Park | London | 14% |
| 5 | Hampstead Heath | London | 14% |
| 6 | Ely, Peak District | Derbyshire | 13% |
| 7 | Brecon Beacons National Park | Wales | 13% |
| 8 | Sherwood Forest | Nottinghamshire | 12% |
| 9 | Studland Bay | Dorset | 12% |
| 10 | Hadrian’s Wall | Northumberland | 11% |
Of course, Isuzu would love you to know that their D-Max pickup
is perfect for dog-based adventures, kitted out with everything you need for muddy paws and backseat snoozes. But let’s be honest, whether you’re loading the boot of a trusty old hatchback or a brand-new pickup, the important thing is getting out there.
If you’re stuck in a routine, maybe now’s the time to try something different. Britain’s best walks are just a short drive (or a long detour) away.
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.