Holkham Beach on the North Norfolk coast named among most scenic dog walks in the country

Dog walkers have realised the beauty of Norfolk - naming parts of the county as some of the most scenic places to head for a stroll with their pet.

Holkham Beach on the North Norfolk coast was listed in the top 10 places in a survey which asked 2,000 UK dog owners about their preferred destinations.

More than one in four (44%) of those in the full list were beside the sea.

The top spot went to the Yorkshire Dales while Cornwall featured twice in the top five.

The poll, commissioned by Devon-based natural pet food producer Forthglade, revealed a further 39 per cent opt for walks in a forest, while 28 per cent chose national parks.

It also found the choice of dog walk destination is heavily influenced by how safe it is for pups (46 per cent), if there’s adequate space for them to be let off a lead (29 per cent) and if it’s somewhere to connect with nature (26 per cent).

Also in the top 40 were other Norfolk picks Sheringham Park and Blicking Estate.

Gerard Lovell, joint managing director at Forthglade, said: “We’re lucky to have so many picturesque places in the UK to enjoy walks with dogs.

“It’s important both owners and canine companions enjoy connecting with nature and discovering new places further afield from their usual route.”

The survey, commissioned by OnePoll, also found that during the pandemic, 46 per cent said dog walking helped their physical and mental health, with 24 per cent going on more strolls throughout the day.

Over half of the top 40 locations in the survey are cared for, or partially cared for by Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust.

The charity, in partnership with Forthglade has launched the Dogs Welcome Project, which is committed to improving the facilities and experience for dog visitors and their humans.