New survey reveals the nation’s best-loved dog walks

So, it seems us Brits have taken this idea of being a nation of dog lovers quite seriously. It’s not just the fact that we love our dogs. Or that they essentially become fully-fledged members of the family. It’s not even about the food we give them, or the treats they love best. It turns out, we can’t even take them for a walk without going that extra mile – quite literally, in many cases.

That’s according to a new study commissioned by Isuzu UK to support its latest range of dog-friendly D-Max accessories for safer, cleaner, and more comfortable trips.

From majestic mountain trails to tranquil woodland paths, Britain’s dog owners are apparently going out of their way to give their pups the ultimate walkies experience. Whether it’s the lure of breathtaking views, peace and quiet, or simply the joy of exploring new sniffs, the survey highlights just how far the UK’s dog lovers will go to keep their four-legged companions happy and healthy.

In fact, according to the research by Isuzu UK, many would happily pack up the car and drive an average of 69 miles to sniff out a place with lovely views (60%), good weather conditions (46%), an area with plenty of bins dotted around (45%) and somewhere with minimal traffic and noise (40%).

And depending on where you live, that 70-mile drive could be even further if you’re aiming for one of the top-spots to visit for canine recreation.

Take your walking boots, dog and a lead to the Lake District

The Lake District is the clear favourite, with Ambleside way ahead of the competition on 26% of the votes. The dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia are only dramatic enough to take second spot on the list, followed by the ever-popular woodland walks to be enjoyed in Hampshire’s New Forest (3rd) and Richmond Park in London (4th).

Other unsurprising entries on the list also include Hampstead Heath, the Brecon Beacons, Sherwood Forest, Hadrian’s Wall, the South Downs, and the highlands of Scotland.

Good for the dog and good for us

As well as revealing some of our favourite destinations, the survey also demonstrates the importance of those walks to the health and wellbeing of the owners too.

Time to relax, spending quality time with your dog, peace and quiet, getting out of the house, exploring the local area, and talking to other dog owners are included among the main benefits of a dog walk, along with having the opportunity to work up a sweat.

It’s no surprise that just over eight in 10 (84%) agree that walking their dog is good for their mental health, so much so that three quarters admit they look forward to it all day. The research also found that on average, owners will walk their dogs for just over an hour and 10 minutes a day, covering 17 miles over the course of a week. Over half (58%) also admit that walking their four-legged friend is the only exercise they do. It’s clearly not just the dogs that need to stretch their legs – although owners are obviously excused from the sniffing part.

George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK said: “It’s no surprise to us that nearly a third of Brits are willing to drive almost 70 miles just to give their dogs the best walkies imaginable — we know our customers go the extra mile for their four-legged friends. Whether it's chasing views in Ambleside, getting lost in Snowdonia, or lapping up the trails in Glencoe, the Isuzu D-Max is built for the kind of adventures dog owners dream of.”

And even if you don’t currently lease an Isuzu, you can still take advantage of the experience of other dog-owners and sniff out some of those great walks for yourself, and your dog too.

Britain’s Best Loved Dog Walks

1. Ambleside, Lake District National Park in Cumbria - 26%

2. Snowdonia National Park in Wales – 18%

3. New Forest in Hampshire – 17%

4. Richmond Park in London – 14%

5. Hampstead Heath in London – 14%

6. Ely, Peak District in Derbyshire – 13%

7. Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales – 13%

8. Sherwood Forest in Nottingham – 12%

9. Studland Bay in Dorset – 12%

10. Hadrian's Wall path in Northumberland – 11%

11. Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands – 10%

12. Delamere Forest in Cheshire – 9%

13. Cannock Chase in Staffordshire – 9%

14. Seven Sisters Cliff in East Sussex – 9%

15. Windsor Great Park in Berkshire – 9%

16. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – 9%

17. Malvern Hills in Worcestershire – 9%

18. South Downs Way in Sussex – 8%

19. Hardcastle Drags in West Yorkshire – 8%

20. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove in Dorset – 7%

21. Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland – 7%

22. Cheddar Gorge in Somerset – 7%

23. Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh – 7%

24. Box Hill in Surrey – 7%

25. The Fens, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire – 5%