Pawsitive Resolutions: How walking your dog in the nation’s forests can boost your wellbeing this New Year

Visitor in a tramper with a dog | ©Forestry England/Crown

Words by Forestry England/Crown
Covered by Conker Nature and Perfect Pets Magazine Team
First Published: 9th January 2025 at 6:00 PM GMT

January is National Walk Your Dog Month, the perfect time to celebrate our four-legged friends and the joy they bring to our lives. As we kick off 2025, what better way to show our pups some love than by exploring the nation’s beautiful forests together?

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Dog Wash, Wyre | ©Forestry England/Crown

January is National Walk Your Dog Month, the perfect time to celebrate our four-legged friends and the joy they bring to our lives. As we kick off 2025, what better way to show our pups some love than by exploring the nation’s beautiful forests together?

Our dogs do so much for us, from boosting our mood and keeping us active, to being loyal companions through thick and thin. Research shows that dog walking not only keeps our furry friends healthy but also improves our own physical and mental wellbeing. A forest walk with your dog can reduce stress, boost energy levels, and create lasting memories together.

Top picks for paw-some forest adventures:

Cumbria, Forestry England Grizedale, Carron Crag Trail

Fancy a climb with your canine? The 5km Carron Crag Trail offers breathtaking views of the Lake District, Howgills and Morecambe Bay. At 314 metres high, it's a proper adventure with unique forest sculptures along the way. Stop to admire them while you and your furry friend have well-deserved treat! Parking charges apply. Forestry England members can park for free. 

Forestry England Kilburn, North Yorkshire, Hood Hill Walk

A 2km undulating circular walk that winds through Kilburn Woods, passing through mixed woodlands then following a beautiful forest trail, before arriving back at the car park to be rewarded with a view of the iconic White Horse. Kilburn White Horse is one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. It's easily visible from the south, below Sutton Bank, and while it's difficult to get a sense of its scale from the path on the escarpment edge above, there are steps down the side which give a closer view. Parking charges apply. Forestry England members can park for free. 

Forestry England Wyre, Worcestershire, Giants Trail 

This 3.1km circular trail is a great way to explore Wyre Forest. The trail takes you past the arboretum. This is an enclosed area, which is great for dogs and has plenty of benches for humans too if you want to have a rest. You will also pass through the ‘Valley of the Giants’ where our large Douglas fir trees stand tall. Whilst you can take a pushchair around the trail, please note some sections are steep. Once back at the visitor centre, make sure you pamper your pooch in our dog wash. Parking charges apply. Forestry England members can park for free. 

“January is an ideal time to start healthy habits for you and your dog, The nation’s forests offer endless opportunities for adventure, from gentle woodland strolls to more challenging forest trails. The natural environment is wonderfully enriching for dogs, with new smells, sights and experiences around every corner. So, whether you’re wheeling or walking with your four-legged friend, we’ve got the perfect route for you and give you a warm welcome this New Year.
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— Bridgette Hall, Forestry England’s Head of Recreation

Forestry England Haldon, Devon, Raptor Trail 

A 4.5km circular walk with plenty of hills to tire you and your canine chum out! Set off downhill along King's Ride, built by Sir Robert Palk for the visit of King George III in 1789. Take a steep zigzag climb through some of Haldon Forest’s towering trees and cross over the road. Continue up the trail and cross onto a meandering path before returning to the visitor hub for a well-earned drink at our free doggy fountain. The Raptor trail is suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters which can be hired on site (pre-booking recommended). Parking charges apply. Forestry England members can park for free. 

Forestry England Westonbirt, Gloucestershire, Silk Wood Loop

This walk takes you through the expansive Silk Wood, an area that covers two-thirds of the arboretum and is dog-friendly throughout. The circular 3.2km walk winds through beautiful ancient woodland and features a mix of native and exotic trees. Well-behaved dogs are free to roam off-lead, allowing them to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. Benches are dotted along the way for rest stops, making this an ideal route for an energetic dog walk or a more relaxed pace, whether you’re walking or wheeling. Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members free entry all year round for you and four children. Forestry England National members one free family visit per membership year.

Forestry England Westonbirt, Gloucestershire, The Link Walk 

For a shorter, more leisurely stroll, the Link Walk route offers a tranquil and scenic experience. Pause at the charming Silk Wood Barn, a rustic, open-air shelter nestled in the tranquil landscape of Silk Wood, providing an excellent stop for you and your dog to recharge before continuing your stroll. Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members free entry all year round for you and four children. Forestry England National members one free family visit per membership year.

Both routes finish near the restaurant where your pup can enjoy a special treat - doggy ice cream! Find out more beforehand about you visiting Forestry England Westonbirt with your dog. 

Ollie Grizedale Carron Crag | ©Sally Burchall - Forestry England/Crown

Dog looking up at owner in front of a trail sign | ©Forestry England/Crown

Forestry England Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire, Ranger’s Path

If you’re after a longer hike with your four-legged friend, head for the Ranger’s Path at Sherwood Pines. At just over seven kilometres, you and your pooch can explore the outer, quieter areas of this beautiful woodland where pine trees and broadleaved trees grow. This walk offers a real chance to get some woodland wellbeing amongst the rich historical and natural features of the area.

Forestry England Friston, East Sussex

This stunning beech woodland makes a perfect dog walk and a great way to explore the countryside. Walking trails give great views of the Cuckmere River and the sweeping South Downs, and you and your happy hound will enjoy a New Year excursion together.

Forestry England Wendover, Buckinghamshire

Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Chilterns, Wendover Woods is home to attractive walking trails and picturesque views and the perfect place for you and your dog to head to this January. You’ll have five walking trails to choose from which include gentle strolls, self-led trails and longer forest trails. There are many miles of surfaced paths and tracks to explore with varied habitats so plenty of sights, sounds and smells to keep you both interested!

Forestry England Alice Holt, Surrey

Step out with your canine companion and explore the many waymarked trails or smaller paths that criss-cross Alice Holt Forest. The woods are ideal to enjoy some exercise, from a gentle family stroll to a long, invigorating wheel or walk. So, tailor your trail according to the energy you and your pooch have and have fun.

Extra special: Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit

Make your forest visit even more fun by trying one of our Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit trails. Available at 21 forests across England, these special trails include fun challenges for you and your dog, photo opportunities, interactive activities and a chance to win a £1,500 Forest Holidays break.

Starting healthy habits can be as simple as exploring a new forest trail with your faithful friend. Our forests are open all year round, offering different experiences with each season. From frosty morning walks to peaceful afternoon strolls, there's always something new to discover.

Remember to follow our forest dog code - keep your dog in sight, bag their poo and either put it in a bin if available or take it home with you. Please also follow signs to keep everyone safe and happy and protect the wonderful wildlife around you.

Forestry England national membership means you and your dog can have even more wonderful walks in hundreds of forests across England while supporting our work to care for the forests we all love. You can find out more about becoming a member at forestryengland.uk.

A 4.5km circular walk with plenty of hills to tire you and your canine chum out! Set off downhill along King's Ride, built by Sir Robert Palk for the visit of King George III in 1789. Take a steep zigzag climb through some of Haldon Forest’s towering trees and cross over the road. Continue up the trail and cross onto a meandering path before returning to the visitor hub for a well-earned drink at our free doggy fountain. The Raptor trail is suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters which can be hired on site (pre-booking recommended). Parking charges apply. Forestry England members can park for free. 

Forest Walkies leaflet | ©Forestry England/Crown

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