Roll-up and welcome to National Dog Walking Month! With Wallace and Gromit’s latest adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl fresh in our minds after its Christmas Day release, there’s no better time to explore the inimitable duo’s ‘Forest Walkies’ routes.
Located at Forestry sites across the country and found in OS Maps, Ordnance Survey’s mapping and route planner, the trails are inspired by the nation’s favourite duo, combining outdoor adventure with a touch of quirky charm. Panels along each forest route offer Wallace and Gromit themed activities to do with your dog. Challenges include encouraging your pooch to sit still while you count up to 30 (in Gromit seconds!), high-fiving your canine chum, and encouraging them to lie still while you both look up at the trees. You can find all the routes in one place here: Forest Walkies Routes
Created in partnership with OS Maps, Forestry England, and everyone’s favourite cheese-loving duo, these dog-friendly forest routes are designed to get tails wagging and feet moving. Whether you have a bouncy spaniel or a relaxed retriever, these trails are perfect for dogs of all breeds and fitness levels. From a scenic stroll in Haldon Forest Park, Devon to a more adventurous hike in Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire, you’ll find a variety of routes to suit everyone. Let’s explore why ‘Forest Walkies’ is the perfect way to step into the new year and celebrate National Dog Walking Month.
Why Forest Walkies is Perfect for National Dog Walking Month
January is the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog. After the festive period, fresh air and exercise helps shake off the winter blues and start the year on a positive note. Walking provides mental stimulation and physical activity for dogs, while owners benefit from the mood-boosting effects of being in nature.
Forests offer the perfect environment for walks. Soft ground is gentler on paws, and shady paths or open spaces allow dogs to explore safely. Forestry England’s well-managed woodland trails are accessible for all abilities and Wallace and Gromit’s involvement adds an extra layer of fun, perfect for encouraging reluctant toddler and tweens to leave the sofa and put their Smartphone to good use!
Choosing forest routes also supports eco-friendly outdoor recreation. By exploring Forestry England’s trails, you’re helping to preserve these green spaces for future generations of walkers and waggy-tailed adventurers.
Wallace and Gromit’s Forest Walkies Routes
Wallace and Gromit’s ‘Forest Walkies’ routes span some of the UK’s most beautiful woodlands, offering a range of landscapes, dog-friendly amenities, and unforgettable adventures.
Don’t forget to pick up your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack for just £5 before you set off, with a gift for your dog, a gift for you, everything you need to help you complete the activities and more things to do.
Here are five of the best Forest Walkies Routes:
1. Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
○ Why It’s Great: This trail offers wide open spaces for dogs to run free and splash in gentle streams. With routes ranging from short, easy loops to longer adventures, there’s something for everyone.
○ Highlights: Woodland glades, bubbling brooks, and dog-friendly picnic spots.
2. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
○ Why It’s Great: You and your hound will love this trail which winds its way through towering pines and leafy broadleaves.
○ Highlights: The views and the shaded paths.
3. Haldon Forest Park, Devon
○ Why It’s Great: Perfect for beginners, this forest has easy-to-follow trails and open areas for dogs to roam. Families with young children or older dogs will find this route particularly accessible.
○ Highlights: Panoramic views of the Devon countryside and clear, well-maintained paths.
4. Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
○ Why It’s Great: This forest offers a slightly more challenging walk with a 41 metre elevation, although this is spread out nicely. With panoramic views and dog-friendly facilities, it’s a top choice for active owners.
○ Highlights: Scenic viewpoints.
5. Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
○ Why It’s Great: Follow the 4km (2.5 mi) route on the Housedale Rigg Trail which winds through the breathtaking North Yorkshire landscape, offering a perfect blend of fun and fresh air.
○ Highlights: Gentle hills to boost you and your pooch’s fitness.
Bring a sense of adventure and fun to your walks, using these Forest Walkies routes in OS Maps to create a memorable day out for dogs and their humans.
Tips for a Successful Forest Walkie
To make the most of your ‘Forest Walkies’ adventure, preparation is key:
● Plan Ahead: Use OS Maps to research your chosen trail. Look for dog-friendly facilities, route distances, and any potential challenges like steep inclines.
● Stay Safe: Keep your dog on a lead in wildlife-sensitive areas and ensure you always clean up after them. Respect other walkers, cyclists, and wildlife.
● Pack Essentials: Bring water for both you and your dog, waste bags, snacks, and a sturdy lead or harness. A towel is handy for muddy paws!
● Dress for the Weather: January walks can be chilly, so wrap up warm, wear sturdy footwear, and check the forecast before heading out.
By planning your walk carefully, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Why Dogs (and Owners) Love Forest Walkies
Dog walks are more than just exercise—they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, bond with your pet, and explore new places. Forest trails provide mental stimulation for dogs, offering new sights, smells, and sounds to investigate. For owners, the peacefulness of the woodland environment can reduce stress and boost well-being.
Wallace and Gromit’s ‘Forest Walkies’ adds an extra sense of adventure to these outings. Whether you’re imagining Gromit’s enthusiasm or laughing at Wallace’s misadventures, these themed trails bring a touch of fun to every step. Panels along each forest route offer activities to do with your dog. Also, let’s not forget that simply walking in nature is good for the soul, and when your best friend is wagging their tail beside you, it’s even better.
This January, celebrate National Dog Walking Month with Wallace and Gromit’s ‘Forest Walkies’ routes in OS Maps, located at Forestry sites across the country. From the open spaces of Hamsterley Forest to the artistic trails of Grizedale, these dog-friendly routes offer fresh air, exercise, and adventure for both you and your pup. Just imagine Gromit leading the way through these trails, his ears flapping in the breeze, while Wallace dreams of a post-walk picnic of Wensleydale cheese!
Ready to explore? Discover the full list of Wallace and Gromit’s ‘Forest Walkies’ routes and start planning your next adventure with OS Maps Let’s get tails wagging this January!
