Well, the excitement and the feasting of Christmas are over, and the guilt is kicking in.
Walking the dog is a great way to help me work off both the calories and the guilt.
My favourite local walks, where my Labrador, Jazzy, can safely go off lead include:
Beechurst Garden
This is a large open area, where you are bound to see other friendly dog walkers. I love it when the weather is wet because there is excellent parking and a tarmac circular walk, so that I can keep warm by going at a good pace rather than slogging through the mud elsewhere.
Ashenground Wood
Ashenground is another popular dog walking area, with lots of different routes to choose from, and excellent firm paths that don’t get too muddy. Jazzy loves the puddles to splash in here, and in the spring the bluebell display is spectacular. If you want a longer walk you can connect up from Ashenground to Beechurst and back again.
Blunts Wood
At the top of the hill past the Dolphin Leisure Centre there is field after field of pleasant walks to explore, and you can take in a warm drink at The Wheatsheaf in Cuckfield, if required. A serious work-out can be had, as many of the fields are quite steep, and parts do get very muddy, but you can also explore along well kept paths through the woods, making a pleasant change.
The Downs
At this time of year, there is no better view than from Ditchling Beacon or the Jack and Jill Windmills. A walk from the one to the other and back again really clears out the tubes and is not usually too muddy. I love being high up, and looking down on either side, and Jazzy loves roaming free, as long as there are no sheep about.
Bedelands Nature Reserve
This area has so many different environments. I like to park at the Burgess Hill Football Club. From there I can cross football pitches and stroll through the woods whilst Jazzy plays in the stream. Then I can cross a choice of different fields and explore for what seems like miles, enjoying the wildflower meadows on the way.
If I have missed out your favourite, why not share it with us on our Facebook page TheMewesVets?
