Instagram hashtag data has revealed the top 20 most beautiful dog-walking trails in the UK with Somerset locations appearing TWICE in the list.

The team at dog supplement company, YuMOVE, has analysed more than 265,000 Instagram hashtags from the UK’s favourite dog-walking trails to uncover the most shared spaces.

Taking the top spot is Delamere Forest in Cheshire with a whopping 13,879 photos per mile.

The North West's top dog walking hotspot has 62% more Instagram posts per mile than the UK’s second most-snapped location, West Wittering beach in Chichester (8,591 posts per mile), and nearly double that of the third-placed Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire (7,274 posts per mile).

The data reveals that places right across the UK have made it into the top 20, with notable inclusions including Ninesprings Country Park in Somerset, Cobtree Manor Park in Kent and Holcombe Hill in Cumbria.

It would appear the country’s dog owners are also fond of a bit of tree-bathing with some 14 of the top 20 walks being in forests.

Beaches are another popular choice for dog walking, with picturesque Instagram favourites including Holkham Beach in Norfolk and Fraisthorpe Beach in Yorkshire.

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A spokesperson for YuMOVE said: “We’re very lucky to have such incredible scenery in the UK. And dog owners often get out to enjoy it more than most.

“Up and down the country, it’s clear that dog owners see some truly stunning places – and post them online.

“While locations like forests are undeniably beautiful during winter, it’s important that dog owners – especially new ones – think about the effects of winter on their dog.

“It’s crucial to keep them stimulated at home if they’re put off walking by the cold.

“You can make them more comfortable outdoors with a coat, particularly the short-haired breeds. And all breeds will need their paws checking for ice, grit and other foreign matter.”

20 most picturesque UK dog walks according to Instagram

1. Delemere Forest Walk
Where: Cheshire
Length: 3.7 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, forest

2. West Wittering Beach Walk
Where: Chichester
Length: 2.8 miles
Type of walk: Beach

3. Hardcastle Crags
Where: West Yorkshire
Length: 2 miles
Type of walk: Hilly Forest

4. Holcome Beach
Where: Norfolk
Length: 4.8 miles
Type of walk: Flat, beach, forest

5. Ninesprings Country Park
Where: Somerset
Length: 1.9 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, forest, park

6. Tandle Hill National Park
Where: Greater Manchester
Length: 1.5 miles
Type of walk: Forest

7. Lytham Hall
Where: Lancashire
Length: 2.7 miles
Type of walk: Forest, park

8. Cobtree Manor Park
Where: Kent
Length: 0.6 miles
Type of walk: Park

9. Fingle Bridge
Where: Exeter
Length: 3.3 miles
Type of walk: Forest, park

10. Fraisethorpe Beach
Where: Yorkshire
Length: 3 miles
Type of walk: Beach

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11. Langsett Reservoir
Where: Sheffield
Length: 5.3 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, forest

12. Sandstone Trail
Where: Cheshire
Length: 5.9miles
Type of walk: Forest

13. Jeskyns Country Park
Where: Kent
Length: 1.3 miles
Type of walk: Flat, park

14. Harlestone Firs
Where: Northampton
Length: 2 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, flat, forest

15. Dimmingsdale
Where: Stoke-on-Trent
Length: 3 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, flat, forest

16. Knettishall Heath
Where: Norfolk
Length: 1.8 miles
Type of walk: Forest

17. Ham Hill Country Park
Where: Somerset
Length: 1.7 miles
Type of walk: Hilly, flat, forest

18. Holcombe Hill
Where: Cumbria
Length: 7.7 miles
Type of walk: Hilly

19. Greenham Common
Where: Berkshire
Length: 6.7 miles
Type of walk: Flat

20. Goit Stock
Where: West Yorkshire
Length: 2.7 miles
Type of walk: Forest

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How to walk your dog safely during winter

As temperatures drop, it’s important that dog owners consider the impact of adverse weather conditions when walking their pets. Here are some tips for keeping yourself and your canine friend safe.

  • Train your dog not to pull on the lead, so they don’t cause you to fall on ice, and wear shoes with good grip.
  • Buy a winter coat for short-haired or hairless breeds, making sure it’s not too tight.
  • Look after your dog’s joints by giving them a warm place to sleep, and consider joint supplements.
  • Watch out for grit, making sure none gets stuck in your dog’s paws.