Your Pets Daily - Dog walks

The Most Beautiful Coastal Dog Walks in The UK Revealed

Jessica Curtis — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000

The team at WeThrift have compiled this Top 10 list of the most beautiful coastal dog walks in the country ranked by the amount of Instagram hashtags for each beach.

Top 10 beautiful coastal dog walks:

Camber Sands, Sussex - 100,611 hashtags
Formby Beach, Lancashire - 54,116
Rhossili Bay, Swansea - 24,232
Seaham, County Durham - 21,370
Flamborough Head, Yorkshire - 20,918
Daymer Bay, Cornwall - 20,243
Runswick Bay, Yorkshire - 19,869
Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex - 19,869
Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall - 19,387
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris - 17,233

Camber Sands, Sussex - 100,611 hashtags

Sussex's only sandy beach, Camber Sands comes in at the top spot with over 100,000 Instagram hashtags. The best section of the beach is the western end near where the River Rother empties into the sea. Here it is wall-to-wall sand whilst further along the beach becomes more shingly. It's a big beach too, stretching nearly 5 miles east of the village.

Formby Beach, Lancashire - 54,116 hashtags

Discover some of Europe's best sand dune habitats, where many rare species including natterjack toads thrive. Rich in history, visitors can catch glimpses of the past from spotting prehistoric footprints and shipwrecks to strolling through what was once acres of asparagus fields with their four-legged friends.

Rhossili Bay, Swansea - 24,232 hashtags

With a number of awards including The Times nominating it as the UK's most dog-friendly beach, Rhossili Bay is perfect for a long dog walk. With 3 miles of sandy shore, encompassing one of Gower's most famous landmarks, Worms Head; watersports and in particular surfing, benefit from the Atlantic swell, whilst sand-castle builders can enjoy fine golden sand. The views are incomparable and are best enjoyed from one of the many walking routes.

Seaham, County Durham - 21,370 hashtags

Seaham Beach is a pleasant sandy spot, with some areas of rock, which stretch on for around half a mile beyond the north of the town and harbour. The beach is backed by a promenade. Behind the promenade are low-rise cliffs and a grassy area. Towering above the beach is Seaham Hall, where in 1815 Lord Byron married heiress Anne Milebanke. Now, the building operates as a luxury hotel.

Flamborough Head, Yorkshire - 20,918 hashtags

Marked by a stretch of rugged white cliffs surrounding a small village, Flamborough Head is a dog walker's paradise. The coastline is a great base for bird watching, hiking along windswept paths and sea canoeing around the bay - but only for the experienced outdoor pursuits enthusiast! With a scenic nature reserve and two ancient lighthouses nearby, this Special Area of Conservation is a haven for anyone looking to explore the Yorkshire Coast at it's most wild and untamed.

Daymer Bay, Cornwall - 20,243 hashtags

A good-sized stretch of sand bordered by dunes and sandhills. It is comparatively off the beaten track compared to its neighbours, Rock and Polzeath which gives it a slightly more secluded feel. The beach is within the mouth of the Camel Estuary so it's pretty sheltered and has a gently sloping beach making it safe for swimming. At the south end of the beach, it is the grassy mound of Brae Hill which is worth a climb for excellent views of the area.

Runswick Bay, Yorkshire - 19,869 hashtags

Runswick Bay is one of the Yorkshire Coast's prettiest destinations with its sweeping, sheltered bay and charming red roof cottages. The sandy beach, which once provided anchorage for brightly coloured fishing boats, is now a family favourite for rock pooling, fossil hunting and coastal walks, where visitors can admire the breathtakingly stunning sea views. The Times and Sunday Times Travel recently named Runswick Bay Britain's best beach in their top 50 round-up of the country's best beaches.

Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex - 19,869 hashtags

Bracklesham Bay is a predominantly shingle beach, which becomes sandier towards the water's edge. When the tide is out, a large area of wet sand, interspersed with wooden groynes is exposed. This disappears underwater when the tide comes back in. The beach is backed by the village and overlooks the bay, both of which share its name. From the beach there are views across to the Isle of Wight in the distance.

Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall - 19,387 hashtags

Situated in the shadow of the iconic Tate St Ives gallery, Porthmeor is a sandy, safe beach, popular with surfers, swimmers, and dog-walkers alike. It's in an ideal location just a stone's throw from the centre of St Ives, where you'll find shops, pubs, cafes and lots of art galleries that the town is famous for.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris - 17,233 hashtags

Luskentyre sands is found on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides. It is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris. Named one of the UK's best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, Luskentyre sands boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water. Scenery includes wonderful sand dunes and the island of Taransay, famous for being the setting of the BBC's Castaway.

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Best dog walks in the UK

10 Beautiful UK Walks to Blow The Cobwebs Away This Walk Your Dog Month

Tom Stone — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Whatever the weather, getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air, can be a great way to spend time with your four legged friend, especially with January being Walk Your Dog Month.

But with the UK being home to so many beautiful landscapes, from woodland adventures and forest trails to the stunning Yorkshire countryside, where do you begin?

The research team at tails.com have analysed TikTok hashtag data to determine which dog walking spots across the UK offer the most beautiful and scenic routes - perfect to blow the cobwebs away this January.

So, if you're looking for inspiration, look no further, as these are the top 10 best places in the UK to head to if you want to embrace the season on a beautiful winter walk.

Top 10 most beautiful dog walks in the UK:

1. Sherwood Forest - Nottingham - 44.6 million hashtag views

2. Cheddar Gorge - Cheddar -34.8 million hashtag views

3. Hadrian's Wall - Brampton - 23.4 million hashtag views

4. Epping Forest - Greater London - 7.7 million hashtag views

5. Robin Hoods Bay - Whitby - 6.8 million hashtag views

6. Rutland Water - Oakham - 4.3 million hashtag views

7. Castle Howard - York - 4.1 million hashtag views

8. Pennine Way - Edale - 2.2 million hashtag views

9. Thetford Forest - Brandon - 1.1 million hashtag views

10. Clumber Park - Worksop - 388,500 hashtag views

1. Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest, located 20 miles north of Nottingham, is a country park famous for its historical association with the legend of Robin Hood. The forest has four main walking trails designed to suit all interests and energy levels, which all start from the visitors centre.

The Giants Trail is the shortest route, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore Sherwood Forest's ancient oak trees, the largest collection in Europe, which are truly spectacular to look at.

Wildwood Trail is the longest route at 4 miles long, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. There's a lot to see on this trail which gives an insight into the wildlife, history and geology of this area.

Location: Nottingham

TikTok Hashtag Views: 44.6 million

2. Cheddar Gorge

A haven for dogs and photographers alike, Cheddar Gorge allows you to explore Britain's largest gorge, from the caverns and dramatic cliffs rising over 450ft. Filled with both history and adventure, it is the perfect location for energetic pups and their owners.

Cheddar Gorge is famous for its herd of feral goats, and the National Trust site is also home to Soay Sheep, Horseshoe bats, the dormouse and other rare plants and birdlife. While seeing all these new species is fun and exciting for both you and your pooch, it's important to keep your dog in sight and under control.

Location: Cheddar

TikTok Hashtag Views: 34.8 million

3. Hadrians Wall

It can take up to a whole week for active ramblers to walk the entire length of the 84-mile long Hadrian's Wall. But fear not, there are plenty of shorter but still challenging walks around the area that are great for you and your four-legged friend to explore this month.

Why not follow the 5-mile stroll that starts at Roman Fort, Homesteads, and takes you right past Sycamore Gap that was famously used as part of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Set among the gorgeous Northumbrian landscapes, the wall is still impressive today and captures the importance of the Roman Empire.

Location: Brampton

TikTok Hashtag Views: 23.4 million

4. Epping Forest

If you live near the big smoke and often find it hard to find a quiet place to walk your dog, Epping Forest in London could be the answer. Located just outside of the city, the forest covers an enormous 6000 acres of woodland.

If you're looking to get away from the bustling city life, you can explore the ancient Copped Hall Mansion with a 5-mile scenic walk. There's something for everyone to enjoy at Epping Forest... including your canine companion.

Location: Greater London

TikTok Hashtag Views: 7.7 million

5. Robin Hood's Bay

If you fancy dipping into the legendary history of Robin Hood, why not visit the stunning coast of Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. As an old fishing village, there are plenty of scenic spots to explore with your pooch, including the spectacular views from the top of the village, a three-mile walk across the sandy beaches, and soaring cliffs that look out to sea.

Walk along the 'cinder track'- the disused Scarbrough railway line, or enjoy a 7-mile walk over to Whitby along the cliffs - there is a little pocket of history at every turn.

Location: Whitby

TikTok Hashtag Views: 6.8 million

6. Rutland Water

Let your happy hound experience the wind in their fur on a breath-taking walk along the beautiful reservoir located in Oakham, Rutland water.

Rutland Water is a large reservoir set within three thousand acres of picture-postcard English countryside on the borders of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The route offers 25 miles of track for cycling and walking around the reservoir.

Plenty of activities are found around and on the water for families, couples, and their four-legged friends wishing to explore the area.

Location: Oakham

TikTok Hashtag Views: 4.3 million

7. Castle Howard

Castle Howard, located near York, is a magnificent stately home that covers over 9,000 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains, this historic home is bursting with history for the whole family to explore.

The property is most famously recognised for its feature in the hit Netflix period drama series Bridgerton, in which it was the residence of the Duke and Duchess.

Castle Howard welcomes four-legged friends, but they must be kept on a lead at all times for the safety and comfort of visitors and wildlife.

Location: York

TikTok Hashtag Views: 4.1 million

8. Pennine Way

If you and your pooch fancy a challenging walk, then the mountainous landscapes of the Pennine Way await with a host of dog-friendly walking trails. The route stretches for 268 miles across England's wild northern uplands.

While the Pennine Way is one of the most scenic dog-walking routes with more than 39 posts on Instagram, the route is hilly, and in places, the paths may be wet and boggy, so it's important to be extra cautious when bringing your furry friends along.

Location: Edale

TikTok Hashtag Views: 2.2 million

9. Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is a tail-wagging treat of a dog-friendly day out. As one of the UK's most beautiful walks, dogs and their owners are sure to enjoy a leisurely wander basking in the picture-postcard scenery.

With 18,730 hectares to discover, a wide variety of animal and plant life, Thetford Forest provides the ideal setting for a great adventure. You'll want your camera on hand to take snapshots of the incredible sights.

Location: Brandon

TikTok Hashtag Views: 1.1 million

10. Clumber Park

Are you looking for a new place in the midlands for you and your furry friend to explore? Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire is a dog-friendly National Trust property rich with history, fun and adventure. Admire the beautiful habitats surrounding the Clumber estate, the woodland's depths and the glistening Clumber Lake.

Location: Worksop

TikTok Hashtag Views: 388,500

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8 Ways to Spoil Your Dog This Christmas Without Breaking the Bank!

Jessica Curtis — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:00:00 +0000

With the festive season just around the corner, many pet owners love the opportunity to spoil their dogs just as much as the rest of the family.

In fact, a recent study revealed that dog owners around the UK are planning to spend an average of £55.72 on Christmas gifts for their furry friends this year, totalling a whopping £3 billion across the UK.

But with many pinching their pennies this time of year, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the team at tails.com, have rounded up eight ways you can still spoil your dog this Christmas, without breaking the bank:

1. Bake a dog-friendly tasty treat

If you're considering treating your dog this Christmas, why not bake a homemade festive treat using ingredients you already have in your cupboards? Sadly, most of the delicious goodies we indulge in over the festive season aren't suitable for dogs.

However, with just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a batch of delicious Apple and Gingerbread Biscuits that are completely dog-friendly. If you're looking to do something extra special this Christmas for your four-legged friend you can't go wrong with baking.

2. Plan a festive walk

Christmas is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for a walk in the crisp winter air with your furry friend in tow. Whether you're looking for a beach to blow the cobwebs out, or a woodland area to discover creatures and nature that come to life in winter, your dog will love a festive walk this Christmas. This time of year is truly breathtaking!

Be extra cautious when walking your dog during autumn and winter, as the cold temperatures, and dark nights can pose a threat to you and your beloved pet.

3. Snuggle down for a movie marathon

If the weather has taken a turn for the worse, a movie night with your four-legged friend is a great way to celebrate the festive season. Grab your dog's favourite toy, blankets and perhaps some special treats so they can snuggle down with you to watch a film.

To make it extra special for your dog, put on a movie that your furry friend is guaranteed to love, like Santa Paws, Secret Life of Pets or 101 Dalmatians.

4. Prepare a dog-friendly dinner

There's nothing better than sitting down to enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings - and we're not the only ones who love this festive tradition. There are plenty of delicious festive foods that our four-legged friends can enjoy safely.

But while we tuck into our delicious turkey dinners and selection boxes, it's important to remind ourselves that not every Christmas treat is designed to be suitable for our dogs. Some human treats can cause digestive upset in our canine companions, like chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onions, garlic, nuts, leeks, meat skin and bones.

5. A trip to the Christmas markets

The UK's Christmas markets have officially opened for 2023, filling cities with the sound of Christmas music and the smell of delicious festive food and drinks. Some of the best markets are dog-friendly, so treat yourself to a weekend of festive fun with your dog by your side.

Remember that the Christmas markets can get crowded, so it's important to keep your dog safe. Avoid the markets during the busier periods, keep them close to you and be careful when walking around that they don't eat anything dangerous from the floor.

6. Spend time together

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially for our pups. From holiday parties to Christmas shopping and visits to see family, you may find yourself out of the house and away from your pet more than usual.

One way to ensure your dog has a great Christmas is to spend one-on-one time with them - block out time in your busy festive calendar to be at home with your furry friend.

7. Do something extra special

Why not treat your canine companion with their very own gift that's bursting with fun and flavour? Make their day extra special by finding them the ultimate gift to match their personality, from personalised treats to toys or a cosy new bed.

The Jack Brussel Sprout toy from tails.com's 2023 Christmas Range will also provide hours of fun this Christmas!

8. Take a stroll on the beach

At this time of year, most UK beaches have lifted the restrictions for dogs, meaning you can head down to your favourite spot, or travel a little further to a new destination for a stroll along the seafront. The beach provides plenty of opportunities to chase after balls, splash in the water or take a relaxing walk across the sand.

It's important to be extra cautious when taking your dog to the beach during winter as the water will be much colder than usual, so keep your dog on a long lead.

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10 expert tips to improve you and your pets wellbeing on walks

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:57:21 +0000

TURNING YOUR DAILY DOG WALKS INTO PART OF YOU AND YOUR PETS WELLBEING ROUTINE

Walkies and workouts: expert shares top tips how to make winter walks more fun for you and your pet

It can often be easy to forget about all the health and social benefits dog owners reap from walking their furry companions regularly. A regular walk is not only vitally important for your pet's health but is also a great opportunity for the owner to clear their head and get in some steps too!

To mark the end of Walk your Dog month, Bella & Duke's Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer, lists her top 10 tips for making your walks one of the most beneficial parts of the day:

1. Remove distractions – put away your mobile phone when out walking and make it about you and your dog. You get the best connection and fun when you are not distracted.

2. Try different locations – variety is truly the spice of life. It can be mentally draining doing the same walk day in, day out so let your dog decide whether to go left or right, live in the moment.

3. Keep yourself and your furry friend active and warm when out and about – nothing makes you want to get inside quicker than a cold frosty day, so wrap up and ensure your dog is on the move. If they have less hair, like Whippets and Grey Hounds, then it may be beneficial to pop a coat on them if they accept clothing or make their walk shorter.

4. Opportunities for sniffing & enrichment – engage your dog's brain by encouraging them to sniff or play with toys on your walk. It's also a fun way for the owner to keep engaged and feel connected with their pet.

5. Get plenty of rest – if you and your pet are feeling particularly tired and can't bear the thought of stepping out into the cold, that's absolutely fine. Have a rest day with short trips out to do the necessaries.

6. Influencing your dog – your body language influences your dog, if you find yourself often worrying about crossing paths with other dogs that could aggravate your own pet. Try looking for a different route where you are sure to have more control over.

7. Taking care of your dog post-walkies – paws can often get clogged up with snow and grit during the winter months, so regularly check when you are out and about as they will become sore if left. Your dog will also get colder quicker.

8. Take in your surroundings – enjoy the quieter hours of the day and take in your surroundings. Start foraging for wild foods such as raspberries to share with your dog. Get them back to nature and help them do what comes naturally to them. Soon you'll find your dog plucking berries off the branches themselves!

9. Keeping stimulated - similar to humans, when dogs don't get enough mental and physical stimulation they will get bored or even depressed. It's important you're engaging with your pet and exploring new places for them to smell.

10. Picking walking times – if possible, leave your walks until a little later when hopefully the sun is up or at least the temperature has gone up a notch or two. To keep spirits high, try take the opportunity when there is a break in the weather.

Caroline Spencer, Natural Canine Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: "Walking your pet should be fun for both you and your dog. It's how we often start and finish our days and can have a positive impact on the direction of our day. It has long been proven that walking has a number of benefits for wellbeing and it needn't be monotonous, take time to enjoy yourself and your dog will thank you for it!"

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Do dogs need boots for the snow? Vet uncovers the truth…

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:16:24 +0000

Dog owners may be wondering whether their dog needs boots to protect their paws from snow and ice, as well as other hazards such as road salt during the chiller winter months.

Head Vet at tails.com Sean McCormack is advising dog owners to use alternative methods of protecting their pets paw pads, as this trending product can cause discomfort.

Please find the comments from Sean McCormack below;

"Generally, dog boots will not cause your dog any pain, however, they might feel uncomfortable, which is why I advise against purchasing them. Dogs find it extremely difficult to adapt to wearing boots, as they make their paws heavier and restrict movement.

One of the most common problems with dog boots, is that pet parents find it difficult to recognise when they don't fit their dog correctly. This can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet and make walking very challenging for them.

Though considered fashionable to some, most dogs don't need any form of footwear.

A dog's paw pads are tough enough to withstand the snow, ice and frozen ground. They have adapted to the cold and are designed to survive the outside. Body temperature plays a big part in this, as the pads draw warm blood to the skin to keep them warm. The tissue on a dog's paw pad is built to protect them from temperatures as low as -35 degrees.

The tissue on the dog's paw is the toughest skin on the entire body and the gripping texture allows them to maintain traction and balance. When boots are worn, dogs lose grip and the surface becomes slippy, making it harder to walk for your pup - it's a similar experience when a human wears socks on a slippery floor."

"But while paw pads are tough, they're not indestructible. When walking in winter dogs are more susceptible to cuts and cracks on their feed, which is why dog owners need to be most cautious. If your dog keeps picking up their paws when walking, or if they are excessively licking their pads then this could be a telltale sign that your dog's paws are sore.

Paw balm or petroleum jelly-based products can help to keep your dog's paws safe in winter. Before you head out on a walk, coat the balm on your dog's paws to create a barrier that will help to prevent snow, ice and other road chemicals from getting in their paw cracks.

Additionally, this will help to keep their pads hydrated, which is particularly important during winter when the air becomes dry. When you return from your walk, wipe it off!"

"Grooming plays a huge role in protecting your pup's paws during the colder period. Trimming the long hairs on your dog's paws will make it harder for ice, snow and de-icing products to cling and dry on their skin causing irritation. Be extra careful when trimming these areas, or take your pet to a professional grooming service.

When walking during winter, dogs are exposed to road salt, which can be extremely dangerous, as it can irritate the skin, causing dryness, cracking and even burns to the pads. Even more dangerous for dogs, if they lick it from their paws or fur, they can ingest the chemicals, which can be toxic. These harmful products sit on their fur and paws, so it's important that when you return from walking your dog that you clean their paw pads to remove any chemicals.

Many car owners will use antifreeze to clear the ice from their vehicles. As the ice melts from your car, the antifreeze will mix with the water, which can be harmful if your dog likes to drink from puddles. The dangerous chemical in antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that dogs enjoy.

Antifreeze can cause damage to your dog's kidneys, even after a small amount has been ingested. So it's important that if you see any liquids leaking from your car, keep your dog away and clean them up straight away.

Frostbite and hypothermia are risks dogs face when the temperature drops. When it's cold outside, avoid taking your long walks, break these down into short walks more frequently, as exposing your dog to cold temperatures for a long period can be dangerous."

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The five best summer dog walks in the UK

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 05:23:41 +0000

Now that the sun is shining, there's never been a better time to enjoy a good old-fashioned dog walk with the family.

There are so many amazing dog walks available right on our doorstep, and below, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, reveals the five best dog walks in the UK, to enjoy with your pooch this summer.

1. Cheddar Gorge cliff walk, Somerset

England's largest gorge, Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK's finest natural landscapes – and our best dog walking location in the country. Cheddar Gorge Cliff walk is the perfect place to walk your four-legged friend. This four-mile cliff trail allows you to take in all the stunning sights of the gorge, as well as encountering some of the area's unique plants and wildlife. Your dog is sure to love it too!

2. Llyn Padarn Circular, Llanberis, Wales

Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake set against some of Snowdonia's most spectacular scenery and is a fantastic place to walk your pooch. The five-mile circular trail is relatively easy and suitable for all the family, allowing you to walk through the Country park, Coed Dinorwig (an ancient woodland of rare oak trees), Vivian Quarry and the lake itself. You're sure to spot lots of birds and rare flora too – what's not to love?

3. Staithes and Port Mulgrave, North Yorkshire

Staithes is a quaint fishing village near Whitby, and this walk that takes you around Cleveland Way National Trail and across the cliffs to Port Mulgrave harbour is one of the best in the UK. With stunning views of the sea, quiet lanes, paths, and fields for your pooch and opportunity to amble through the village too, this is a great walk for a full day out.

4. Hastings Country Park, East Sussex

Hastings Country park covers 600 acres of nature trails, wooded valleys, cliffs, and glens, and is a great place for your dog to explore all day long. The views from the clifftop are second to none, reaching across the English Channel – you can even see France on a clear day! It's a great wildlife spotting route too, with Peregrines and Yellowhammers roaming the park. There's no shortage of things to explore at Hastings Country Park.

5. Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire

There are plenty of trails to explore in the grounds of this fairy-tale castle in Aberdeenshire. There are marked trails, but feel free to go off the path and explore the area for yourself. The one and a half mile Alton Brae Trail is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the castle and beyond.

Commenting, Shannon says: "With the sun starting to shine once more and an end to lockdown in sight, it's a promising time for us in the UK! One of the best ways to enjoy a sunny summer day is to get out and about with your pooch and explore all this country has to offer.

"Our list of the best dog walks in the UK will hopefully help inspire you to take a trip to one of these amazing areas with your dog once lockdown restrictions ease, or if you're local to the area to go out and explore the beauty that's right on your doorstep!"

To find out more top dog walks in the UK, please visit: Cainine Cottages The UK's best dog walks

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