Waggy Walks In Nature with or without a companion dog

Waggy Walks In Nature is back on Monday 2 November, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It's part of an informal weekly series run by Love Dogs West Dorset and the Environment, led by trained volunteers who set out with or without a companion dog of their own. The whole thing is free, and you're welcome to join in whether you've got a dog with you or not.

Beyond the exercise, the organisers use the walks to promote responsible dog ownership. They ask that dogs stay on leads, owners carry bags and pick up after their pets, and everyone sticks to public footpaths. It's a straightforward set of rules that keeps things easy for everyone on the trail. The group also draws on the World Health Organisation's recognition that walking in nature helps reduce isolation and improve physical and mental health, and they invite anyone interested to join in and become part of the informal weekly 'Waggy Walks with Freddie and Friends'.

The walks rotate across Weymouth, so the meeting point changes depending on the week. On the first Monday of the month, it's the Lodmoor Country Park car park (DT4 7SX). The second Monday moves to the Radipole Park and Gardens car park (DT3 5EZ), and the third Monday is at the Weymouth Park and Ride by the bus stop. Since this one falls on the first Monday of November, you'll find the group at Lodmoor Country Park, starting at 2:00 pm.