Waggy Walks In Nature with or without a companion dog

Waggy Walks is an informal weekly series of nature walks around Weymouth, and the next one is on Monday 30 November from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The whole point is that you can come with or without a companion dog, so it's as much for people who just fancy a stroll as it is for those who want to get their dog out for an hour. The walks are led by trained volunteers, and they're run by Love Dogs West Dorset and the Environment.

Because it's a weekly thing, the meeting point changes depending on which Monday of the month it is. On the first Monday, it's the Lodmoor Country Park car park (DT4 7SX); on the second, Radipole Park and Gardens car park (DT3 5EZ); and on the third, it's the Weymouth Park and Ride by the bus stop. Since the 30th is the last Monday of November, you'll want to check which one of those is the one to aim for.

The organisers are big on responsible dog ownership, so there are a few ground rules to keep in mind: dogs have to be kept on leads and under close control, you're encouraged to carry dog bags and pick up after your pet, and the groups stick to public footpaths. It's a relaxed way to get some fresh air without having to plan a route yourself.

There's a bit of a wider reason behind it, too. Love Dogs West Dorset and the Environment point out that the World Health Organisation recognises walking in nature as a way to reduce isolation and improve physical and mental health, and they invite people to join the informal weekly Waggy Walks with Freddie and Friends. It's free to take part, and the next one runs from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Monday 30 November.