Sniffing out a new dog walk route leads to wagging tails

A Romaldkirk pub is encouraging dog owners to take their time with the launch of a new walk.

The Rose & Crown is inviting dog walkers to join in the inaugural Sniffari on September 4, leaving at 3pm.

The six-mile route runs along part of the old Teesdale Railway line before returning along the river from Cotherstone.

Taking around two to three hours, the route includes open countryside, woodland and riverside sections, with dogs encouraged to set the pace along the way.

The Sniffari has been set up with the backing of the Dogs Trust, which was concerned that many walkers admitted hurrying their dogs through their daily exercise.

Instead, they want to see dogs given a chance to sniff around, plugging them into a wealth of information about their surroundings.

And the Rose & Crown was a natural choice to help promote the idea.

Set in beautiful countryside, the dog-friendly inn is well-placed to provide something that could be enjoyed by local dog owners and visitors to the area.

Cheryl Robinson, operations director, said: “In the heatwaves, many dog owners had to adapt their usual walking routines by avoiding the hottest parts of the day or cutting back on longer walks.

“As the cooler days arrive, the Sniffari offers a great opportunity to get dogs back into the countryside, with the time and freedom to really take it all in.

“We’re excited to launch the Sniffari in support of Dogs Trust and encourage owners to experience a walk a little more from their dog’s point of view.”

Research suggests that a third of dog owners tend to pull their dogs along when they stop to sniff, while 54 per cent admitted to rushing through walks in bad weather.

Local dog behaviourist Evie Hole-Todd who runs Wuffalo dog services, said: “Dogs have around 220 million scent receptors compared with our five to six million, meaning their sense of smell is an incredibly important way for them to explore, process and understand the world around them,” she said.

“A rushed, structured on-lead walk may provide physical exercise, but allowing time to sniff, investigate and explore – safely off lead where appropriate – allows them to engage in natural behaviours… helping to keep them mentally stimulated, fulfilled and happy.”