January can feel like the longest month of the year and walking with your four legged friend can be one of the best ways to beat the January blues.

But as it’s also National Walk Your Dog Month, there’s no better excuse to pull on your boots and beat the winter blues with some fresh air, open skies and a scenic walk with your four-legged companion.

Use the New Year as motivation to get moving, even in chilly weather, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of daily walks for both dogs and their owners.

With the help of The Cumbria Dog Walking Guide from Paragon Veterinary Group, here’s a round-up of routes to kick off the year.

1. Easy Start: Dalston Green and Millstream, near Carlisle

For those easing back into walking after the festive lull, one of the guide’s gentler routes is perfect for January.

Designed to be accessible and stress-free, your dog can stretch their legs without any steep climbs.

This is popular with colleagues at Paragon’s Dalston site, with a loop walk along the promenade to the White Bridge with Dalston Green on the right-hand side.

2. Higher Ground: Castle Crag, Borrowdale

Woods, river and fells – the perfect Cumbrian combination.

This circuit in the beautiful Borrowdale valley starts with a meditative stroll through the woods beside the River Derwent and around the eastern base of the fell.

After a short climb on a stony path, another peaceful saunter follows across the lower slopes of the open fellside. 

3. Down In The Woods: Quarry Beck and The Ridgewood, Brampton

While not as spectacular as the fells, the county’s low-lying woods offer plenty of places to sniff out for our canine companions.

This walk explores two of the loveliest stretches of  woodland in north-east Cumbria, starting with Quarry Beck, a peaceful valley just to the south of Lanercost, near Brampton, then heading on to the slightly higher ground of the Ridgewood.

4. Best of Both Worlds: Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts

There’s nothing better than a stroll beside a lake followed by a hike to a fell top.

Starting from Buttermere, this walk heads to the shores of Crummock Water and then climbs Rannerdale Knotts.

A challenge for both two and four-legged walkers but it’s not too demanding and soon you’re able to enjoy the views.

5. Down to Earth: Wetheral Woods and River, near Carlisle

Not all great walks have to be remote. Some of the guide’s highlighted routes weave through historic villages and countryside lanes, finishing at dog-friendly pubs or cafés.

This easy two-mile stroll is perfect for young pups and offers history and architecture for their owners – plus the promise of a pub at the end.

6. Hidden Gem: Souther Fell, Mungrisdale

Cumbria has some of the most famous mountains in the world but there are countless others to seek out away from the ‘big names’.

Souther Fell is one of those, not one of the highest peaks but still impressive in its own right.

And a leisurely stroll to finish leads to Mungrisdale where the Mill Inn welcomes dogs – and their well-behaved owners, of course.

The Cumbria Dog Walking Guide provides detailed directions, terrain information and practical tips for all these walks.

See it here.

Be aware of sections of road walking and steep places where dogs should be on leads, the likelihood of encountering livestock, and to bring water for your pet even on winter walks.

The winter months pose other hazards for dogs. Graham Lewis, veterinary surgeon at Paragon, said: “We really hope you’ll enjoy the walks in our guide but it’s important to keep you and your dog safe when you’re out and about.

“Visibility is crucial if you’re out walking when it’s darker. 

“Use high-vis leads, flashing collars and harnesses for your dog — and wear some sort of high-vis yourself, maybe a head torch.

“Be as visible and protected as possible, and make sure your pet’s details and microchip are up to date.

“Snow and grit can also irritate dogs’ feet so, after enjoying your walk, make sure you clean their paws if needed.”