GLOUCESTERSHIRE is one of the best places for dog-walking according to a recent study.

Using route data from All Trails, leading dog food brand, Forthglade, has revealed that England is brimming with dog-friendly trails for active pups and located the counties with the highest number of dedicated pooch-approved walking routes.

Gloucestershire ranked 15 out of 46 with a calculated 138 dog-friendly trails. Whilst the data is not specific on where the trails are across the county, the Forest of Dean is renowned for its dog-walking trails.

A spokesperson via The Visit Dean Wye website posted: “In an open access area like the Forest of Dean there are obviously many places to walk a dog. The great majority of the Forest paths are very suitable for walking dogs, there are plenty of options meaning overcrowding is rare and there are very few stiles or roads to cross. The Forestry England visitor sites like Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, Mallards Pike, and Symonds Yat Rock are ideal locations to begin, with on site parking, toilets and bins.”

However, while this research can be viewed as positive, the news comes following the recent report by The Forester which suggests permits may soon be needed for commercial dog walkers in the Forest.

Forestry England’s confirmation that it was considering a permit scheme for commercial dog walking in the Forest of Dean was met with controversy via social media.

Some residents believed it was a good idea which could raise money to help maintain the local facilities like some car parks, whereas others believed the plans sounded like a “money-spinning exercise”. As the time of writing though, no changes have been made.

You can find out more about the best places to walk your dog in the Forest of Dean via Forestry England’s website.