Waggy Walks in Nature with or without a companion dog

Love Dogs West Dorset are running their weekly nature walks across Weymouth, and the next one is on Monday 4 January. It's part of an informal series called 'Waggy Walks with Freddie and Friends', led by trained volunteers who take in the local scenery with or without a companion dog. The whole thing is free to join.

Depending on the week, the walks start at different spots around town. On the first Monday of the month, they meet at the Lodmoor Country Park car park (DT4 7SX); the second Monday is at the Radipole Park and Gardens car park (DT3 5EZ); and the third Monday is at the Weymouth Park and Ride by the bus stop. It's a rotating schedule, so it's worth checking which Monday you're aiming for before you head out.

Beyond the exercise, the organisers use the walks to promote responsible dog ownership: dogs on leads, owners carrying bags and picking up after them, and sticking to public footpaths. The World Health Organisation recognises that walking in nature helps reduce isolation and improve physical and mental health, which is exactly what these are about — getting outdoors and getting moving, with or without a four-legged friend by your side.

If you fancy getting involved, you can just turn up to the walks. And if you're interested in helping out, prospective volunteers can sign up through the Volunteer Centre Dorset website. You can also find Love Dogs West Dorset on Facebook, Instagram and Next Door. The walk on 4 January runs from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and it's free.