The most beautiful dog walks in the UK you can do on New Year’s Day

With the New Year comes the promise of getting outside, pulling on the walking boots more often and exploring the great outdoors.

And who better to do it alongside than your four-legged companions?

Woodland adventures, forest trails and historic landmarks from Brandon in Suffolk, to Whitby in Yorkshire - the UK has a wealth of beauty spots to explore in 2022.

Tailored dog food specialists tails.com scoured Instagram for the most scenic routes that would be the perfect way to spend the three-day Bank Holiday weekend.

Here are 10 beautiful places in the UK to explore with your dog as you head into the New Year.

Sherwood Forest, Nottingham

Located 20 miles north of Nottingham, Sherwood Forest is a country park famous for its historical association with the legend of Robin Hood.

The forest has four main walking trails designed to suit all interests and energy levels, which all start from the visitors centre.

The Giants Trail is the shortest route, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to complete - perfect for blowing away the NYE cobwebs. This trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore Sherwood Forest’s ancient oak trees - the largest collection in Europe.

Wildwood Trail is the longest route at four miles long, taking around two hours and 30 minutes to complete, if you’re looking for something more challenging.

Epping Forest, Greater London

If you live near the big smoke and often find it hard to find a quiet place to walk your dog, Epping Forest in London could be the answer.

Located just outside of the city, the forest covers an enormous 6,000 acres of woodland.

Get away from the bustling city life and explore the ancient Copped Hall Mansion with a five mile scenic walk.

Hadrians Wall, Cumbria

It can take up to a whole week for active ramblers to walk the entire length of the 84-mile long Hadrian's Wall, in Brampton, Cumbria.

But there are plenty of shorter, yet challenging walks around the area that are great for you and your four-legged friend to explore.

Follow the five mile stroll that starts at Roman Fort, Homesteads, and takes you right past Sycamore Gap that was famously used as part of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Set among the gorgeous Northumbrian landscapes, the wall is still impressive today and captures the importance of the Roman Empire.

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire

Also dipping into the legendary history of Robin Hood is the stunning coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

As an old fishing village, there are plenty of scenic spots to explore with your pooch, including the spectacular views from the top of the village, a three mile walk across the sandy beaches, and soaring cliffs that look out to sea.

Walk along the ‘cinder track’- the disused Scarborough railway line, or enjoy a seven mile walk over to Whitby along the cliffs, with a little pocket of history at every turn.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

You might be sick of the sight of cheese after Christmas.

But don’t worry, Cheddar Gorge has nothing to do with actual cheddar.

A haven for dogs and photographers alike, Cheddar Gorge allows you to explore Britain’s largest gorge, from the caverns and dramatic cliffs rising over 450ft.

The gorge is famous for its herd of feral goats, and the National Trust site is also home to Soay Sheep, Horseshoe bats, the dormouse and other rare plants and birdlife.

Rutland Water, Rutland

Let your hound experience the wind in their fur on a breath-taking walk along the beautiful Rutland water reservoir located in Oakham.

Rutland Water is a large reservoir set within three thousand acres of picture-postcard English countryside on the borders of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

The route offers 25 miles of track for cycling and walking around the reservoir.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

Looking for a new place in the midlands to explore?

Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire is a dog-friendly National Trust property rich with history, fun and adventure.

Admire the beautiful habitats surrounding the Clumber estate, the woodland’s depths and the glistening Clumber Lake.

Clumber was formerly the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle.

While the house was demolished in 1938, you can still spot snippets of history around the park - including a Gothic-style chapel known as the ‘Cathedral in miniature’.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

Castle Howard, located near York, is a magnificent stately home that covers over 9,000 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains, this historic home is bursting with history for the whole family to explore.

The property is most famously recognised for its feature in the hit Netflix period drama series Bridgerton, in which it was the residence of the Duke and Duchess.

Castle Howard welcomes dogs, but they must be kept on a lead at all times for the safety and comfort of visitors and wildlife.

Pennine Way, Derbyshire

A challenging walk, the mountainous landscapes of the Pennine Way stretches for 268 miles across England’s wild northern uplands.

While the Pennine Way is one of the most scenic dog-walking routes with more than 39,000 posts on Instagram, the route is hilly, and in places, the paths may be wet and boggy, so it’s important to be extra cautious when bringing your dogs along.

Starting in Edale, in Derbyshire, the trail winds through the Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park, ending at Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish border.

Thetford Forest, Suffolk

Thetford Forest is a treat of a dog-friendly day out in Brandon, Suffolk.

As one of the UK’s most beautiful walks, dogs and their owners are sure to enjoy a leisurely wander basking in the stunning scenery.

With 18,730 hectares to discover, a wide variety of animal and plant life, Thetford Forest provides the ideal setting for a great adventure.

You’ll want your camera on hand to take snapshots of the incredible sights.

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