January 2022 is International Walk Your Dog month, and what a better way to kick start the new year then by exploring the Nottinghamshire countryside with your four legged friend/s.
Across the county there are miles of fields, woods and parks to walk with your dog.
Here is a run down of what the Nottinghamshire community have suggested to be the top locations that you and your pooch can discover together.
Blidworth Woods
Blidworth Woods offers three different walks to explore. Some ranging from easy for those brisk walks, and more difficult routes for those who like to walk for miles and miles.
There is something for all types of dogs dependent on their breed, age and ability.
Blidworth Woods consists of open health and pine woodlands.
The white trail will let you see some pretty scenery and some oak trees in all their grandeur.
If you are after a longer walk then there is the blue trail, this is a much longer walk where you are surrounded by countryside and it is scenic through out.
Finally, there is the dog loop where you can explore the woodlands and meet other people walking their dogs, an excellent way for your dog to socialise.
Kharmen Ranson, owner of a French bulldog said: “Blidworth Woods is beautiful and there are so many other friendly dog walkers.
“It’s has a whole different atmosphere compared to other places.”
These woods are very popular for horse riders, so make sure your dog can be kept under control if needs be.
The car park for these walks is on Longdale Lane, Nottingham, NG14 6NW.
Wollaton Park
The grounds of Wollaton Hall is a perfect place for a dog walk, it has plenty of room to walk your dog on or off the lead.
The only area they cannot roam freely is in the fenced area where the deer graze, and this is clearly signposted.
Another bonus of Wollaton Hall is there is a huge lake for your dog to take a dip if they fancy a swim.
Dogs aren’t welcome in the house itself however are welcome in the cafes and in the picturesque greenhouse.
Wollaton Hall can be found following the postcode NG8 2AE on Wollaton Road, Nottingham.
You can park here for a daily fee of £5.00.
Gedling Country Park
Gedling country park has 580 acres of open space to exercise both you and your dog.
There are multiple paths that weave their way through the woodlands and grasslands.
All routes are circular and are signposted throughout.
Joanna Tait, a cockapoo puppy owner, said: “Daisy and I do love Gedling Country Park, there’s nice clean paths, lots of waste bins and you can grab a coffee whilst you are there.
“There is also fab lookout spots with great views.”
At the highest point of the park you can see across Nottinghamshire and into neighbouring Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.
The park also has a British native tree trail, which is the largest trail of its kind and features 50 trees.
You can find the map for this route here.
There is a cark park located on Spring Lane, Nottingham, NG4 4PE.
Woodthorpe Park
Woodthorpe Park lies within The Grange, a 19th century Grade two listed manor house, it has a sunken garden with a water feature and an innovative train sculpture at the entrance to the old railway bridge.
Angela Sheperd who is a regular dog walker in the park with her partner Mark and their nine year old English bulldog Daisy.
She said: “We come here all the time because I have a memorial bench in honour of my Mum who passed away recently of cancer.
“We find a place to sit and reflect on happy memories like how in the park I learn to skate and ride my bike.
“My Mum used to walk to the coffee shop and treat herself to a little hot chocolate as a reward for getting there when she was very poorly.”
This park is an impressive large green space on the edge of the city that is a perfect place for people that live in the city with their dogs to take a stroll and stretch their legs.
The park is located on Woodthorpe Drive, Woodthorpe, NG5 4HA.
Calverton Pit Circular Walk
Calverton Pit circular walk is a 5.3 kilometre loop trail in the Nottinghamshire village of Calverton.
Dogs can be off lead at all times and a small stream runs beside the path for dogs to paddle in.
Another bonus is the paths are mainly all hard road stone paths, which prevents your four legged friends from getting too muddy!
This circular walk is very easy to navigate and follow.
Jane Stretch said: “Calverton pit has beautiful views of the surrounding area and lots of puddles for my dog to play in.”
The start point for this walk is the library car park just off Main Street, Calverton, NG14 6HZ.
Hobbucks Nature Reserve
Hobbucks is a nature reserve that is a mixture of woodland trails and open fields. These are popular with dog walkers because there are many trails for your dog to explore and sniff around.
It has a good selection of trails to follow around the site and is a peaceful place to walk and doesn’t feel over crowded or busy.
The nature reserve is a favourite of Selina West, a veterinary nurse and owner of springer spaniel, they both enjoy a walk at Hobbucks.
The entrance to the nature reserve can be found at Surgerys Lane, Arnold, NG5 8AU.
So, celebrate International Dog Walking Month with your four legged friend by exploring these beautiful and scenic walks with them across Nottingham.
