A COMPETITION to find the best dog walk along the South West Coast Path has been launched.

It is being backed by Kennel Club’s access adviser Stephen Jenkinson, an expert on where dog owners can go and what they can do in the countryside.

The winning voter will win a holiday at one of Holidaycottages.co.uk 900-plus dog-friendly cottages in the region worth £400. Locals and visitors are encouraged to vote for their dog’s favourite walk along this stunning 630-mile National Trail that stretches from Minehead in Somerset to Poole.

With hundreds of routes to choose from that are dog-friendly throughout the year and with recommended places to eat, drink and sleep that are particularly dog-friendly, it’s not going to be easy. Mr Jenkinson said: “I’ve always had a soft spot for the South West and its glorious coastline – it’s great for dogs with miles of golden sands to play around on as well as woodland paths and green pasture.”

Mr Jenkinson has worked alongside the South West Coast Path team to advise on dog walking issues, such as responsible dog walking through farmland, and helped to produce an introductory video for dog walkers on the Coast Path, which can be viewed on the dogs page of the South West Coast Path website.

Last year’s winning dog walk, Heddon’s Mouth in Somerset, was described by Alison Moreland who nominated it, as ‘an easy section of the path with a great stream, a small beach for doggie paddling, and a dog-friendly pub for refreshment’.