Walking with your dog can be great exercise for both of you and is a simple and enjoyable pastime. However to ensure you remain
safe whilst walking and the countryside stays beautiful for all to enjoy, there are some crucial points to consider in the
countryside code:
Dogs accompanying walkers on public rights of way must be kept
under close control and not allowed to stray off the path. Straying, or worrying of livestock is an offence and landowners
can take action. A dog worrying livestock can also be legally shot.
Dog owners should always remove dog faeces and dispose of
it safely.
Landowners are under no obligation to provide access
specifically for dogs.
On most areas of open country and common land, known
as 'access land' you must keep your dog on a lead (of no more than 2 metres in length) on most areas of open country and
common land between 1st March and 31st July, and all year round near farm animals.
You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths,
as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience.
By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer
to let your dog off the lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep
and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife.
For more details of the countryside code, and to download a free copy of 'You and Your Dog in the Countryside', visit the
Countryside Access website.
Be careful when walking your dog somewhere new and unfamiliar. Be aware of livestock and wildlife. Fawns are typically born in May/June. Ground nesting birds
nest in spring and eggs are easily damaged. Also, if your dogs are nervous of loud noises, don't forget the pheasant shooting in winter!
Woof has compiled a handy guide to some of his favourite walks throughout the UK, called Woof's WALKIPEDIA.
The WALKIPEDIA gives you details of walks near you, complete with handy aerial photo maps and instructions that you can print out
and take out with you. The walks listed are some of the best walks for dog owners and have been tried and tested by dog owners
themselves! Search for walks near you using the WALKIPEDIA search at the top of this page.
If you have a favourite dog walk and would like to have it included in Woof's WALKIPEDIA, simply let us know about it by
emailing us here. Whilst The Woof Book cannot guarantee to include all walks
submitted, we will do our very best.