Now is the right time to get outside and go hiking in the UK. Not only is the activity good for the mind, body and soul, but it can be even better doing it alongside someone.
That particular someone is a pet dog and outdoor experts Blacks have named the areas in England with the most friendly trails for their furry friends.
Researchers looked at factors such as the number of trails, the percentage of moderate and hard trails, and the elevation of trails.
Whether someone is lacing up their walking boots for a leisurely walk or a challenging trek, there’s something to suit every hiker’s taste.
Let’s take a look at England’s most dog-friendly trails.
Birmingham was named as England’s hotspot for dog-friendly trails with 53 percent of its trails being named ‘dog-friendly’.
The city is also in the top 10 for the highest number of sunrise or sunset social media posts, with a total of 1,235. Average temperatures reach around 9.7 C, which is on the cooler side of the list.
Watford ranked second, with just under half of its trails named ‘dog-friendly’. The town is also the third highest for wildlife trails, with a total of 72.7 percent.
Located in Hertfordshire, just north of London, Watford benefits from its proximity to several green spaces and natural reserves, such as Cassiobury Park and the Colne Valley.
These areas host a wide range of species, from small mammals and amphibians to numerous bird species.
Manchester completed the top three, with a total of 44 percent of their trails classifying as dog-friendly. The city also has 12 trails per 10km2, with 40 percent of this trail being called ‘moderate’ and 5 percent being called ‘hard’.
Meanwhile, 65 percent of the city’s trails have water views, making Manchester in the top 10 just shy of Colchester at 68 percent.
The study also found that Brighton & Hove is the best region in England to go hiking. However, East Kilbride is the UK region with the most wildlife hikes.
And for those who want a challenge on their hands Huddersfield in Yorkshire is the place to go, as it has the highest percentage of hikes rated ‘hard’ in England.
The top 10 trails in English with a high percentage of dog trails:
1. Birmingham, West Midlands – 53 percent
2. Watford, Hertfordshire – 45 percent
3. Manchester, Greater Manchester – 44 percent
4. Birkenhead, Merseyside – 43 percent
5. London, Greater London – 42 percent
6. Liverpool, Merseyside – 41 percent
7. Leeds, West Yorkshire – 38 percent
7. Sunderland, Tyne and Wear – 38 percent
7. Gateshead, Tyne and Wear – 38 percent
10. Bristol, Bristol – 36 percent
