Driving with dogs on the M25, Grays Essex England
Driving with dogs on the
Published: 9th July 2010
Motorway Walks...
Junction 2
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This is a fascinating park between Dartford and Gravesend, so close to the road network and yet utterly remote in atmosphere.
There is over 88 acres of space, and an information board outlines the many wildlife species that can be seen here.
Junction 2
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Situated on the site of a Saxon cemetery, this is now a site of special scientific interest
There are several signed footpaths in the country park leading through orchards, woodlands, meadows and open spaces.
Junction 3
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This is a quiet and atmospheric circular woodland walk in a nature reserve that is a haven of meditative calm.
The woodland is frequented by a few local dog walkers, and as soon as you are within the wood there are virtually no signs of human existence. Lovely!
Junction 6
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The paths here are easy to follow, and the birdsong and wildlife rustlings in this unspoiled wood is a delight. Dogs will relish the chance to sniff in a palette of new scents.
Interestingly, Marden Park was once owned by the conductor Sir Adrian Boult and it doesn't seem too far-fetched to imagine him conducting an imaginary orchestra in the trees.
Junction 8
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Junction 8
Sportsman, Lower Kingswood, Surrey
Superb 16th century pub with an excellent local reputation for its food, with a vast expanse of common land behind. In previous centuries, this was a haunt for the Royal Family when out hunting.
Mogador Road
Lower Kingswood
Surrey
United Kingdom
KT20 7ES
Junction 9
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An ancient Common that's enormous (500 acres) and will easily satisfy the most energetic of hounds. There's enough walking here for a day hike, and this is a dog walk that is worth re-visiting to explore the different areas of the forest.
The pub is friendly and welcoming, and dog water is always available.
This is well worth a visit for a dogs' day out, and is easily reached from SW London.
Junction 9
Star, Ashtead Common, Surrey
A friendly, welcoming pub close to some wonderful walking areas.
Kingston Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
United Kingdom
KT22 0DP
Junction 10
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This Common is a favourite for families and dog walkers. The coolness of the pine forest is ideal for hot, travel weary dogs, or check out the dog swimming possibilities of the lake.
Junction 11
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Wander through the idyllic Dumsey Meadow and this leads to a pathway alongside the river. It's almost impossible to believe that this bucolic scene, complete with marina, is just off the busy Chertsey Road.
Junction 13
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This is a large, city-style village green. On a warm summer's day expect to see families enjoying their picnics underneath gazebos and tents, and children are well catered for with a brightly painted old-fashioned merry-go-round and bouncy castle.
There's plenty of room for dogs too, as most of the picnickers stay next to their cars!
Junction 14
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It's hard to believe that this small village pub so close to Heathrow possesses all the qualities so beloved by dog owners. The food is home made and tasty, service is efficient, and the prices reasonable. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar area, and dog water is provided. A very useful spot if you're waiting for a Heathrow arrival.
And there's a walk too.
Junction 17
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For a short stroll with the dog, there is comfortable flat walking around part of the first lake. If you're feeling more energetic, the circular path takes a couple of hours and seems to be a well kept local secret. We didn't see anyone at all on the entire route.
Junction 18
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This is excellent dog walking – common land north of Rickmansworth with plenty of space for the travel-weary dog to spread his paws and fly into the bracken.
Junction 20
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Easy walking along the towpath, and a dog-welcoming pub in the village. The motorway is so close, and yet once on the walk there are no hints that you're not in the countryside proper.
Junction 21a
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This area is an unspoilt byway that remains rooted in the life of a century ago. Dogs will adore the space of the woodland, and the pub is a gem!
Junction 22
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A short walk across a gentle landscape.
Junction 23
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A walk that starts right in the Services, but with its start point well hidden from thousands of desperate dogs.
The path takes in a part of the Hertfordshire Way, and gives a fascinating glimpse of the county as it would have been pre-20th century. Fabulous for dogs, and relaxing for drivers.
Junction 24
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This is an orderly and well maintained country park, with hard surface paths creating accessibility routes – and all weather walking in designer footwear a definite possibility.
That said, there is plenty of space to go off-path and enjoy the shade of the ancient spreading trees in this generously sized former hunting forest.
Junction 25
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The paths here are very well maintained, making this a walk that is suitable for all weathers and shoes.
Expect some Olympics-related activity before 2012.
Junction 26
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This is the largest open space in London by far at nearly 6,000 acres. The forest is the habitat of a large number of wild animals, so don't be surprised to see deer grazing.
Junction 28
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Choose from a number of walks here, either across the meadows leading down to a lake, or in the rolling parkland with ice cream, loos and snacks available at the start.
Junction 29
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This is a fascinating open space, as it is really several parks within a park. If you have plenty of time there are routes of up to 5 miles, and helpful leaflets are available to help you spot the many interesting plants and flowers along the way.
Shorter walks are signed too, and facilities for wheelchair users are very good.
Junction 31
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The woodland here is a real pleasure to walk through, shady in sunshine, and with a dappled glow on duller days. It's a country park with good facilities and well-maintained and accessible paths. The nearest town is South Ockendon in Essex.
Snacks, hot drinks and useful info leaflets.
To find out more about any of the walks above please visit www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk
To get more information on the premium walks just sign up for a small fee of £6.99 per year.
Doesn't your dog deserve the very best?
Does your dog suffer with motorway car park verges when he could be stretching his paws in real countryside? The 450 or so Motorway Walks are real, tested walks for dogs within 5 miles of most UK motorway exits. Some walks even start from the Services making them ideal for easy parking, especially if you're towing a caravan.
The Motorway Walks benefit people too! A short walk boosts driver energy levels to give you and your family a safer journey.
Grab an advantage on those busy routes down to the coast. New walks from 'A' roads help you find those secret places for walks, cream teas or picnics. Your relaxed and happy dog and passengers will be the envy of other drivers for sure!
Join now at last year's price of just £6.99, and give your dog the quality of life he truly deserves.
www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk
www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk
