Little or large, laid-back or loopy, scruffy haired or soft as silk. Here at MINI, we’re crazy about every dog. Which is why we’ve partnered with Dogs Trust – the UK’s largest dog welfare charity – to help you and your pooches get the most out of your time together.
We’ve been busy researching the most popular activities that dog owners enjoy with their four-legged friends. How? By looking at certain hashtags on Instagram and the amount they’ve been used over the past seven months. For example, as we approached warmer days going into the summer months, the use of #DogsWhoAdventure increased by more than 22% from December 2021 to September 2022!
Hashtags
Amount (Dec-1)
Amount (Sep-1)
Dec – Sept Increase
#dogswhoadventure
15,495
18,935
22.2%
#dogswhosail
4,699
5,733
22.0%
#dogswhopaddleboard
3,123
3,656
17.1%
#dogswhoswim
43,314
50,038
15.5%
#dogswhocamp
33,009
37,548
13.8%
#dogswhobackpack
1,484
1,685
13.5%
#dogswhoski
1,890
2,142
13.3%
#dogswhohike
368,850
412,434
11.8%
#dogswhosurf
2,099
2,341
11.5%
#dogswhorun
47,071
51,514
9.4%
#dogswhobike
2,783
3,027
8.8%
From swimming to hiking to camping, if you’re looking to tackle some of these trending adventures with your favourite four-legged friend, we’ve found some of the best locations across the UK for you both to explore. Read on to find out which adventures we recommend for you and your pooch and some suggestions of great locations to get you started. We’ve even included a dogs eye view of some of these spots further down.
THE BEST PLACES IN THE UK FOR DOG-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES.
@meg_littlemai_thespaniels
BACKPACKING AND HIKING.
According to our research, some of the best backpacking and hiking companions have four legs. The use of #DogsWhoBackpack grew by 13.5% from December 2021 to September 2022, closely followed by #DogsWhoHike at 11.8%.
Make sure your pup is allowed along the route you choose, and that there are no livestock or areas of deep water that could put them at risk. Again, a doggy first aid kit is always a good idea, along with plenty of water, treats and poo bags. Don’t let them get too hot or cold, and consider adding bells and lights to their collar to keep an extra eye on them.
OUR SUGGESTED SPOTS: For almost otherworldly beauty, head to the soaring peaks, mountain trails and charming villages of the Scottish Highlands. Here, legendary Loch Ness offers a seemingly endless selection of hiking routes for all fitness levels. Just watch out for Nessie… we hope she likes dogs!
SWIMMING.
Many dogs are at their happiest in the water and. And nothing quite beats the joy of joining them for a swim. It looks like lots of people agree, as use of #DogsWhoSwim grew by 15.5% between December 21 and September 22.
For maximum safety and fun, make sure both you and your dog are confident and capable swimmers. Remember, dogs will follow out of loyalty (aren’t they just the best?) so keep checking on them, especially if they’re behind you. Also consider the temperature of the water, the plan for drying them afterwards (we recommend dry robes), and make sure they don’t ingest too much water – particularly if it’s salty!
@freddiethecocker1
OUR SUGGESTED SPOTS: In the warmer months, Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park is a real treat for wild swimmers – both two and four-legged. The freshwater Loch Morlich is a great place to start, thanks to a sandy beach offering easy access.
BIKING.
While even the world’s smartest dog hasn’t yet mastered cycling, you can still bring your pooch along for a bike ride. And it looks like that’s what the people of Instagram are doing as the hashtag #DogsWhoBike has grown by 8.8% since December 2021.
Just like running (as that’s exactly what your dog will be doing), you need to make sure they’re an appropriate breed, age and fitness level before heading out. Use a specialised bike lead and clip it to your dog’s harness rather than collar. Start out easy, watch out for hot weather, and always bring plenty of water and snacks for you both!
@murphy.the.magnificent
OUR SUGGESTED SPOTS: How about heading to the charming coastal town of Whitby in Yorkshire, which is just minutes from the North York Moors National Park? As well as being seriously scenic, this rugged landscape offers many miles of country roads, bridleways, forest tracks, and disused railway lines for safe cycling with your pooch. There are also plenty of places to hire bikes, so you there’s one less thing to pack.
@murphy.the.magnificent
CAMPING.
#DogsWhoCamp saw a growth of 13.8% between December 2021 and September 2022 – from 33,009 to 37,548 posts. And we can see why – it’s a fun chance to reconnect with nature, embrace the great outdoors and spend quality time with your family… including the four-legged members!
To make it the perfect getaway, make sure you choose a site that welcomes dogs and is a manageable distance away for your dog to travel. Pack all your dog’s essentials including a doggy first-aid kit, and make sure they’re always wearing a collar and tag. It might even be worth camping in the garden for a night so they get used to the tent set up.
OUR SUGGESTED SPOTS: Snowdonia National Park in Wales is home to beautifully rugged mountains, glacial lakes and countless hiking trails – perhaps the ultimate combo for a memorable dog walk. From lakeside retreats to rustic glamping getaways, there are also plenty of (dog-friendly) places to set up camp in the area.
RUNNING.
Amazing for both your body and brain, there’s only one thing that can make running better… a furry companion! In fact, #DogsWhoRun has grown by 9.4% between December 2021 and September 2022.
To keep things safe and fun, make sure your dog is a breed that’s suited to running – (your Frenchies and Pugs will be happier at home! ). When out, always run at a pace that is comfortable for them and stop as soon as they want to. Try to choose quieter routes too, particularly when you’re starting out.
OUR SUGGESTED SPOTS: How about the beautiful Camber Sands in East Sussex for a good run along the beachfront? It’s part of a newly built National Trail with views of the striking White Cliffs of Dover. Up in Yorkshire, we recommend jogging from Whitby town to Robin Hood’s Bay along the Cleveland Way National Trail.
PADDLEBOARDING.
Both fun-filled and seriously calming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to spend any sunny (or not so sunny) day. And it looks like more people than ever are taking their pooches along for the ride. #DogsWhoPaddleboard saw the largest growth from December 2021 to September 2022 – 17.1% to be precise.
To keep everyone safe and happy, introduce your dog slowly to the paddleboard on dry land before you approach taking it on water. Doggy buoyancy aids are also perfect for an added layer of protection. And remember: bring plenty of drinking water, don’t stay in the warm sun too long and keep plenty of treats up your sleeve, so your dog will learn to love paddleboarding as much as you do.
@murphy.the.magnificent
A DOG’S EYE VIEW.
CAMBER SANDS.
LOCH NESS.
IDEAS FOR LESS ADVENTUROUS POOCHES.
Just like humans, dogs have different personalities and interests. While Cody the Golden Retriever might be ready to run for miles, Sammy the Shih Tzu would much rather be chilling on the couch. So, we’ve shared some ideas for spending time with those less adventurous pooches:
Grab a coffee together. Many coffee shops now allow dogs and taking them with you can be a great way for them to socialise and practice practise settling in unfamiliar environments. Puppachino, anyone?
Head to the nearest park. Even if your dog is older or a breed that can’t walk far, they’ll probably love getting outside for a slow stroll and sniff of fresh air.
Catch a movie. Some cinemas now host dog-friendly screenings so you can take your pup along. Snoring dogs – very possible. The best cinema experience ever – guaranteed.
@thelivingroomcinemaliphook
MORE DOG-FRIENDLY TRAVEL TIPS.
For loads more expert tips, articles and videos on travelling with your pooch, as well as handy recommendations on accessories, check out our dedicated Dogs Hub.
As part of our mission to help dogs travel happier, we’ve worked in partnership with Dogs Trust to develop a bank of handy tips and practical advice for owners. It’s all in our brand-new Dogs Hub. Check out our paw-fect car accessories, best beachy dog walks and advice on choosing a dog-friendly car.
Helping you live your best MINI. Create your personal profile, tweak in-car settings, explore frequently asked questions, manage your MINI Financial Services or even shop ‘til you drop in the MINI Shop – all straight from the MINI App.
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