Hiking with dogs is not only a good way to exercise and have fun, but now that the weather allows us and the heat is not overwhelming, it is the ideal time to do it. Furthermore, we don't only have to do it during holidays; any weekend or day off can be used to spend the day with our ARISTOPET, as we can hike just a few kilometers from the city.
Things to consider before hiking a trail
One of the most important things to consider is the weather on the day or days of the hike, as this will also determine the condition of the terrain when you are on the trail. In these months when cold and rain are common, you may encounter snow, ice, moss, or large puddles on your path.
It is also essential to plan the route you are going to take and know in advance how long the trail will last so that you can foresee everything you will need and know the stops you will make to rest. The type of terrain is also a significant aspect, as the route may have unevenness or slopes that make the activity difficult, and we must know this to be clear if we can carry more or less weight, what type of footwear to wear, or if it will be easy for our pet to do.
Finally, it is essential to know your pet's health and age perfectly, as this will allow you to choose the most suitable route for them. Also, if your dog is not used to a lot of exercise, you should train them gradually before embarking on the adventure.
Routes in Madrid
1.Ruta de los Miradores (Cercedilla)
In the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this route is 10 kilometers long and can be completed in approximately two hours. It is circular and has several streams where your dog can enjoy splashing around. In addition, as its name suggests, along the way you can find different viewpoints from which to enjoy the views of the entire Sierra de Madrid.
2.Callado del Cabrón (La Pedriza)
Although the name is peculiar, this is one of the most incredible routes to do with dogs. It is difficult to find perfectly enclosed and fenced routes, and this is one of them. It starts at the Cantocochino car park, which is perfect, because the route is circular. You can leave the car in the car park, walk the 10 km of the route and end up in the same place.
Routes in Valencia
1.Los cañones del Júcar (Jalance)
This is a linear route of 11 km, lasting approximately four hours. It boasts great scenic interest due to its impressive walls and views of the Júcar canal, a spectacular engineering feat that brings water through a 14km tunnel from the Molinar de Villa de Ves reservoir.
2.Senda del Portalet (Gandía)
This is a very simple linear route of about 2km where you and your ARISTODOG can enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Parpalló-Borrell Municipal Natural Park in Gandía. It is a local trail that runs through the area known as Barrac de Borrell. It consists of 3 ravines that form the city's most important hydrological network and, at the same time, some geological formations that captivate us with the unique and daring beauty of the limestone cliffs, as well as the impressive rocks already eroded by water.
Routes in Asturias
1.Ruta del cueto de Arbas (Cangas del Narcea)
This is a 5-kilometer route of medium difficulty, lasting approximately two and a half hours. You and your ARISTODOG can enjoy a landscape of great beauty that runs through the Partial Natural Reserve of Cueto de Arbas, delimited by high mountain ridges and open to the east to the course of the Naviegu River. You can admire glacial ridges and frequent deposits that form one of the best representations of the glacial model in the mountains of western Asturias.
2.Ruta Pendones – Vega Baxu (Pendones)
A 13-kilometer route of low difficulty, lasting approximately three hours and forty-five minutes. The path runs through the valley of the Corralín River, a tributary of the Pendones, an area where you and your pet can enjoy splendid views from Gasgasa of the Nalón river's course and the heights of the Cordal de la Fuente. In addition, during autumn, the reddish coloration of its leaves dyes the mountains of the park, creating a truly spectacular image.
Routes in Barcelona
1.Llac petit de Terrassa
This is a small reservoir on the outskirts of Terrassa, about half an hour from the city of Barcelona. This is a place full of nature near the city where your dogs can swim peacefully and enjoy the natural landscape. It's a very short route from the parking area, making it ideal if your pet isn't very used to exercise, it's a good way to start and adapt.
2.Font de les dous
It is a flat path accompanied by plane trees and riverside vegetation with a beautiful panoramic view of the orchards and the stream. The fountains and other marked places are distributed along the path with beautiful, crystalline natural water where you can enjoy spectacular views and the best of nature. It is also ideal for a day trip as the Font de les Dous has 35 water spouts, a beautiful area for camping, barbecues, pools, and waterfalls that make it a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy.
Routes in Cádiz
1.Sendero la calzada romana (Benaocaz)
This is a very simple linear route of about 3 and a half km, ideal if your pet is still very young or not used to a lot of exercise. This trail combines nature and culture, a heritage that allows us to discover the Benaocaz to Ubrique park, and the history of its settlement. From Salto de la Mora, the Roman city of Ocuri overlooks the trail surrounded by a large wall and with important infrastructures such as water reservoirs and thermal baths where you can spend the day enjoying the wonderful natural landscape that this route offers.
2.Los acantilados de Barbate
It features an easy 12 km route, taking approximately three hours, traversing a natural landscape with incredible pine forests in the Breña and Marismas de Barbate Natural Park. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular cliffs over 100 meters above sea level, near the Torre del Tajo. The sandy path makes it very comfortable for our ARISTOPET.
Unique and extraordinary places where ARISTODOGS can unleash all their energy, play, and have a great time by your side.
And you, have you done any of these routes? Do you know of any others to share with the ARISTOPET community? Tell us on social media.