January is Walk Your Dog Month and what better way to kick start your New Year than to spend some quality time with your four-legged best friend? With obvious health benefits for both you and your dog, this month is a great way to help shake off the January blues, get out and about, meet other dog owners and improve your and your dogs wellbeing. That is why we put together this handy guide of some of Kent's best dog-friendly walks that are both pup and person approved. So whether you're looking for a stroll through the Garden of England's countryside or a splash around on the coast - we've got you covered!
DUNGENESS
Dungeness is a weird yet wonderful place that’s home to hundreds of rare birds and plants. This national nature reserve is home to the largest expanse of shingle in Europe and is quite a sight to behold! Surrounded by Kent’s Romney Marsh, Dungeness is a large, flat expanse allowing you to see for miles in every direction. Virtually all of Dungeness is dog friendly, but we recommend checking out RSPB Dungeness, which is perfectly located for watching migrant birds arriving or departing. There are miles of nature trails to explore and a lots of hide-aways to shelter in, whatever the weather. We also recommend the dog-friendly, historic miniature Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway so you can hop on and off at Dungeness, Dymchurch and New Romney to explore.
WHITSTABLE
This traditional Kent fishing town is genuinely one of the most dog-friendly places to visit in Kent (and maybe even beyond!) Almost all of the pubs and cafes in Whitstable welcome dogs, there’s a dog-friendly beach to enjoy all year round and you can even take your pup shopping at the lovely independent boutiques. We highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Whitstable Castle. Built as a family residence in the 1790s, the impressive building underwent a £3m refurb in 2010. Although dogs are not allowed inside the castle, they are welcome to explore the stunning grounds for free. The castle also has a tea room that’s open all year round and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
BLEAN WOODS
Almost all of the eleven square miles of woodland comprising the Blean is classified as ancient woodland. Its value for wildlife is recognised at a national level with over half of the Blean being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and around one third is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Because of this, dog walkers are asked to keep to the designated ‘dog walking route’ so as not to disturb the wildlife. Keeps your eyes peeled for birds such as woodpeckers, nightingales and robins as well as the extremely rare heath fritillary butterfly.