Going for a walk, be that morning, noon or night, is such a benefit to your mood and your health - it can boost endorphins, improve cardiovascular fitness and even alleviate conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. And for dog owners everywhere, embarking on a multi-mile walk daily is no new habit and a prime opportunity to help your playful pooch burn off some energy.
But, add in the bonus of a glorious wood of bluebells or a wildflower meadow along a babbling brook, or even a castle side route and you've got yourself a walk that not only your four-legged furry friend will love, but you will too.
From coastal walks to mountainous terrain, we're pretty lucky here in Wales to have vast landscapes to explore and all the better for doing it with your pet.
And it seems outdoor experts, Millets, agree as they have named the top five walking routes to do in Wales with your dog. Natalie Byrne, content marketing manager at Millets, said: "One of the greatest things about Wales is the array of unbeatable walking routes across the country and the sheer variety of walks available. From mountains to moors, country parks to beaches, the UK truly is Made for Adventure - and what better way is there to explore than with a furry friend?"
Read more: Five epic Welsh road trips you'll want to start planning straight away
We couldn't agree more - and with that in mind, we've added a few more of our favourites to the list that must be added to your own dog walking itinerary next time you leave your house, lead in hand. For incredible views, as well as routes to get your heart pumping, read on...
Three Cliffs Bay to Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula
Level: Easy
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
The Gower peninsula is a stunning place on which to embark on a dog walk that is guaranteed to give you views well worth the 'wow factor.
Millets said of the route: "[It] offers sea views as well as high views of the coastline from the Gower Way, a long-distance footpath that will lift you up onto the spine of the peninsula, providing you with views of the northern and southern coastline that surround the headland.
"The bay also offers a range of dog-friendly accommodations, welcoming caravans, motorhomes and tents. If you prefer luxury accommodation, glamping yurts and converted farm cottages are available."
Allt yr Esgair Circular, Bannau Brycheiniog
Level: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
A protected area situated between Llangorse Lake and the A40 road into Brecon, this hefty seven mile route consists of "breathtaking mountain ranges, picturesque canals, beautiful forests, tranquil lakes and reservoirs, and historic towns and villages. Not forgetting its caves, castles, nature reserves and spectacular waterfalls," described Millet.
The goal of reaching the summit of Allt yr Esgair - or The Allt, as the locals know it - will be well worth the walk as it boasts amazing views over the River Usk, and in the distance you can see Corn Du and Pen y Fan peering over the hills.
Pen-Pych Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Level: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Sitting at the head of the Rhondda Fawr Valley is Rhondda Cynon Taf's very own Table Mountain, Pen-Pych. Its circular walk takes you on an adventure that is steeped in history and awesome scenery; think large dramatic waterfalls - two of which are Nant Carnfoesan and Nant Melyn - dense forests, an Iron Age settlement of hut circles, streams, routes through wild heather, views of a former colliery, and an old railway tunnel (which is no longer in use).
Llyn Brianne, Cambrian Mountains
Level: Moderate
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 3 hours 57 minutes
Llyn Brianne is a spectacular man-made reservoir named after a stream called ‘Nant y Bryniau’ that is neatly nestled in the Doethie Valley in Mid Wales and surrounded by the Tywi Forest. It sits 300m above sea level and is deemed the tallest dam in the UK and the world's largest clay core dam.
Millets added: "The area boasts an abundance of wildlife including the rare red squirrel. Travel along the narrow road which winds up toward the dam. The scenic road then meanders on through the beautiful forest alongside the lake."
The Preseli Stone trail, Pembrokeshire National Park
Level: Moderate
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (allow additional time for stops)
This historically rich route takes you from the former railway station at Rosebush, through Maenclochog village, past St Dogmael's Church and along the Rhos Fach Common. Here you can marvel at the Carn Menyn (a source of the famous bluestones - aka, Stonehenge) which have been standing for over three thousand years, as well as Waldo's Stone and Gors Fawr Stone Circle - among other great views. It's a stellar walk to blow the cobwebs away with your dog.
If you're into your megaliths, this route is for you.
1807 route, Cwmcarn Forest, Caerphilly
Level: Moderate
Distance: 9 miles
Time: 6 hours
Woodland, mountain scenery and history: a holy trinity for keen hikers and adventurous dogs alike. With quaint bridges, steep hills up to an outstanding view over Caerphilly, woodland, and even a Iron Age hill fort, it's a six hour trail not particularly for the faint hearted but at the summit, it is well worth the climb.
JDL's walk, Penllergare, Swansea
Level: moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Fuel up with a beverage from the coffee shop before you set off on the 1833 Carriage Drive to reach a luscious green viewpoint through the trees over the Penllergare Valley. Passing quarries, a once-adjacent mansion, Nydfwch, lower lake, a green plant area and woodland, over Llewellyn bridge before soaking up the views of Upper Lake and passing by its waterfall, it's a feast for the eyes as well as the heart.
You can walk past the hydro electric turbine too that uniquely makes Valley Woods self-sufficient, before concluding your walk.
The Knap and Porthkerry Circular trail
Level: Easy-moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
A mix of greenland and coastal scenery, this walk is not too far from the city centre and boasts stunning views over the sea. Along this varied route from The Knap car park, you'll pass by a 3rd century Roman Villa and walk via Marine Drive along which you can marvel at Barry Island, Flatholm and Steep Holm across the water.
The Golden Steps will take you to Porthkerry Country Park, whose route includes a rewilding section, the viaduct (built in 1890) and, at the halfway point, make a pitstop in Mrs Marco's. Historic buildings like Nightingale Cottage and Barry Castle are also points of interest as well as the Gorsedd Stones.
Your finale, Knap Lake and Gardens, can be reached once you go through the lush Romilly Park. A stunning route on a sunny day.
Alyn Waters Country Park in Wrexham
Level: Easy
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 50 minutes
If you're after a shorter trail, that won't take up too much of your day, this route in Wrexham is only around 50 minutes - depending on which trail you take. Be prepared to get a little muddy - especially after it rains - in the wooded areas, but your pooch is sure to have a field day frolicking in the shallows of the River Alyn en route.
There are two trails that are two miles - the Red Trail and the Purple Trail. While the 'Red' has marble egg and cloud sculptures along the way and is a winner for wildlife lovers, the 'Purple' one takes you to a mining sculpture, through woodland and past the golf course.
Cwmbran Boating Lake, Torfaen
Level: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dogs must be kept on a lead if you wish to embark on this route but it's worth the easy meander with trees, brooks and more to ogle at as you make your way around the lake and park. For those not as keen on more hilly climbs, this flat route is the one for you.
Bute Park river trail circular, Cardiff
Level: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Just a stone's throw from the city centre is Bute Park, around which is a lovely 2.5 mile circular trail that makes you forget, entirely, that you're in the middle of Wales' capital. Starting beside Cardiff Castle, you'll find yourself walking along the River Taff, maybe stopping off at the Secret Garden Cafe, before getting lost in trees and flowers that make up this large park.
Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy on the common. It's a flat route, so won't be too strenuous and dogs will love the large open spaces it has. It's a Green Flag site and is a CADW Grade 1 listed park that was named after the Marquess of Bute, whose family own the castle adjacent.
Old Station Tintern in Monmouthshire
Level: Easy
Distance: 2.5 mile
Time: Up to 2 hours
The Old Station Tintern, which opened in 1876 and closed in 1959, is situated along the Wye Valley Walk and is a great place for setting off on a walk with your dog. The Wye Valley Walk is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you won’t want to miss the serene beauty of Tintern. The Old Station also boasts a 10-acre site with a brand new children’s play area, zip wire and a newly refurbished cafe.
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