August is upon us! A whole month where our supporters and their four-legged friends will be saving lives, one paw at a time.
From August 1, pooches of all shapes, sizes, and breeds will be tackling 30, 60, or 90 miles, while raising money to keep our Whirlybirds in the sky and responding to people in need.
For the humans who will be accompanying their furry friends on this journey, you might be wondering: where are the best places to go?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve researched and found the top dog-friendly locations across the region which will make your adventures a walk in the park…
Osmotherley, North Yorkshire
Surrounded by Cleveland Hills, Osmotherley is a beautiful little village nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside.
Travel along to Cod Beck Reservoir, a huge body of water just a stone’s throw away from the village, and here, you’ll find a beautiful walk fit for those with two, or four legs.
You’ll find picnic benches, parking, lots of bins for dog waste, and plenty of plodging opportunities for your pooch – they’ll love it.
The loop takes around half an hour to complete, perfect for little legs – but if you fancy going a distance, there’s an opportunity to walk right into the North Yorkshire dales, too.
And the best bit? There are three pubs to choose from within the village, so you can treat yourself to a much-deserved beverage after your walk – all dog-friendly, of course.
Jesmond Dene Park, Newcastle
Heading a little further north, we’d recommend exploring Jesmond Dene Park. Tucked away from Newcastle’s busy city centre, the park offers a haven for dogs and humans alike.
It’s relevantly flat, with a couple of mild climbs, with opportunities to take your dog off the lead so they can have a good sniff around.
You’ll find a couple of gorgeous water pieces, and streams running throughout the park, so you won’t need to worry about your pup getting dehydrated.
With free parking, toilet facilities, and a café where you can grab a puppuccino and a coffee, what more could you want from a dog walk?
Tarn Hows, Ambleside
With this trek, you get a little bit of everything: small hills, forest, and water. The route takes around one hour to complete, and you’ll be spoiled with the Lake District’s stunning scenery throughout.
There are opportunities along the path for a little picnic, so be sure to bring your mat, a flask, and some homemade goodies for the journey (dog treats are essential, of course).
There are a couple of livestock around the route, so be sure to attach your dog to the lead when you’re walking through the fields if they have a habit of chasing sheep!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not join your dog for a little dip in the tarn? It’s the ideal way to cool down if you’re out walking on a warm, sunny day.
While you’re on your way around, don’t forget to pack the essentials… a GNAAS collapsible dog bowl and a branded water bottle – let everyone know you are a life-saver!
Sign up to Whirlybird Walkies here.