There is nothing better than getting out and about for a walk with your dog in the countryside (Although a nice glass of red in front of a log fire takes some beating). It is one of the main reasons I became a dog owner (that and having a waggy tail to greet me after a long day at work!).

Walking is an important part of any dog’s daily routine and will help keep them physically and mentally healthy. There are some fabulous places to walk dogs in Hampshire where you can enjoy some fresh air, take in the scenery, and strengthen your relationship with your pooch. Remember, to pick a walking venue that is best suited to your dog is important to ensure they don't become overwhelmed or over stimulated.

Below are some of Rebel’s top picks for sniffs and a good old leg stretch.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is our go-to place for walkies. Located between Petersfield and Clanfield, with easy access from the A3 there are vast expanses of woodlands and downlands ready for you and your pooch to explore. There are plenty of clearly marked trails and a super- fun dog activity course! The newest addition is a pooch wash station located by the cafe so if you end up with a mucky pup, you can spruce them up before heading home! And if you find you have worked up a bit of a thirst and an appetite you can get some tea and a piece of cake. Hurrah!

Dog walking at The Vyne │ Hampshire | National Trust

The Vyne is another top pick for our household. Situated just North of Basingstoke, it has a dog-friendly indoor seating area on the ground floor of the Brewhouse tearoom and dogs are also welcome in the shop. There are dog bowls and plenty of places for walks including a beautiful lake, and a gorgeous walled-garden. Dogs on leads are welcome outdoors everywhere except the children’s play area. Just be aware it is classified as a nature reserve so dogs need to be on a lead at all times. It is therefore perfect for those pooches that are perhaps still working on their recall skills and aren't quite ready to be off-lead.

Dog walking at Hinton Ampner | Hampshire | National Trust

Hinton Ampner, nestled in the heart of the South Downs between Petersfield and Winchester, is a large estate spanning 200 hectares. There are peaceful woodlands to wander and numerous picturesque walking trails which makes it an ideal year-round destination to enjoy with your canine companion. Dogs are welcome in the gardens, shop, and second-hand bookshop on short leads, and on all the estate walks.  There is also a newly refurbished cafe so you can enjoy a nice fresh brew after exploring the country-side. Bliss!

Old Winchester Hill

Old Winchester Hill is situated approximately 11 miles to the southeast of the city of Winchester, along the South Downs Way. It is a National Nature Reserve celebrated for its chalk grassland, wildflowers and is designated as Open Access Land. This means that visitors are free to explore it; however, during the period from March 1 to July 31, it is necessary to have dogs on a short lead to prevent any disruption to the local wildlife. You will find well-maintained paths and tracks, flanked by fenced fields, allowing dogs to roam off the lead until they enter the reserve area. The views from the top of the hill are spectacular, and early morning and evening walks can be beautiful when the sun is rising or setting, but it does get chilly so wrap up warm if you are venturing up there on a winter's day!

Farley Mount Country Park

Farley Mount Country Park is a nature reserve, encompassing 200 acres of open countryside and woodlands, offering picturesque vistas across central Hampshire. Farley Mount stands as one of Hampshire's highest peaks. You'll find a range of free car parks available, enabling you to explore different dog-walking routes on each visit. Moreover, the park boasts an abundance of wildlife and flora, providing plenty of opportunities for your pooch to sniff and explore.

Dog walk apps

If you're looking for a great app, below are a couple of my favourites:

Dog Walks App (there is a small fee after the free trial)

AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails (there is a fee after a free trial)

The Canine Code

Whilst it is wonderful to enjoy a more active life with a dog it is important to keep them safe and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the British Countryside. Here are my top tips for savvy dog owners.

Vary your walks and try to regularly find some new ones (like the ones above!) to keep both you and your dog interested
See if there are any dog walking groups locally – they often introduce you to some new walks (and it’s a way of making new dog friends!)
Ensure your dog has a collar and ID tag and is microchipped. Dogs and puppies over eight weeks old must be microchipped by law, with the owner’s details registered on an authorised database
Keep your dog visible: Keep them on a footpath if the surrounding vegetation is too dense for your dog to be visible
Watch the signs: Pay attention to the local signage and notices along your walking route. These signs will inform you about any path diversions, or whether you are in an area where dogs can be off lead. When you dog needs to be on the lead - keep them close and keep the lead short to avoid them from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals (It is essential to use a short lead around sheep and cattle)
Stay on the ball: Always keep in mind that not everyone has an affection for dogs (Who are these people?), and some individuals may feel apprehensive about them. Ensure your dog does not approach other people, particularly children and dogs who are on lead.
Have a rock-star recall! Ensure that your dog responds promptly to your recall cue in any situation. If your dog needs help with their recall, I offer a bespoke one to one recall training package.
Regularly check your dog's lead, collar and harness and make sure they are all functioning safely. As we are heading into winter and if it is extra cold, it can be difficult to do up lead clips and attach them to collars and harnesses so doing this indoors before you go out is sensible.

Enjoy your walkies!

Sarah-Jane x

Best places to walk your pooch in Hampshire!