The clouds have finally parted, the thermostat is nudging past “bit nippy,” and the Great British countryside is officially open for business. It is May, which means it’s National Walking Month (find out more about the initiative from Living Streets here)

We’re launching the 31 Days of Walkies Challenge, which is a month-long commitment to ditching the “same old route” and exploring the incredible variety of terrain the UK has to offer.

Grab your lead, pack the biodegradable poo bags, and let’s get trekking. Here is your four-week roadmap to a tired dog and a happy human.

Week 1: The Coastal Crawl

We’re kicking things off with the salt air. Whether you’re scaling the rugged cliffs of the South West Coast Path or enjoying the flat, sandy stretches of Northumberland, the coast is a sensory buffet for dogs.

  • The Challenge: Find a beach or coastal path you’ve never visited.
  • Top Tip: Remember that May 1st marks the start of seasonal dog bans on many popular UK beaches. Check the local council website before you set off to ensure your chosen stretch of sand is still “paws-on.”
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on tide times. Getting cut off by the tide is a damp way to end a bank holiday weekend.

Find out more here

Week 2: National Trust & Stately Splendour

There is nothing quite like a “posh walk.” The UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful National Trust and English Heritage estates. Think manicured lawns, ancient oaks, and (most importantly) excellent tea rooms.

  • The Challenge: Visit a heritage site and take the “long route” marked on their map.
  • The Etiquette: Most estates require dogs to be on leads near the main house or livestock. It’s a great time to practice that “loose lead” walking you promised you’d master over winter.
  • Reward: A post-walk scone (cream then jam, naturally) while your dog snoozes under the outdoor bench.

Find out more here

Week 3: Forest Trails & Bluebell Woods

By mid-May, the UK’s forests are at their peak. We’re talking about that vibrant, neon-green canopy and, if you’re lucky, carpets of bluebells.

  • The Challenge: An off-road forest hike. Get deep into the pines of the New Forest or the Forest of Dean.
  • The “Eco” Note: Stick to the designated paths. Bluebells are incredibly fragile; once their leaves are crushed, they can’t produce food for the bulb and may not grow back next year.
  • Check for Hitchhikers: May is prime tick season in the long grass and bracken. Do a thorough “paws and pits” check as soon as you get back to the car.

Find out more here

Week 4: The Urban Explorer

Walking doesn’t always have to involve mud and Gore-Tex. For the final week, we’re celebrating our Urban Parks and city green spaces.

  • The Challenge: A “City Safari.” Navigate a new park in your nearest town or city.
  • Socialisation: Use this week to brush up on “calm greetings” with other dogs and cyclists. Urban parks are busy in May, making them the perfect training ground.
  • The Coffee Stop: Support a local dog-friendly café. There’s something lovely about a pup who knows how to settle perfectly while you enjoy a flat white.

For the best parks in London, find out more here