š¾ The Joy of Countryside Walks: Why They're Magic for You and Your Dog
Celebrating International Dog Day with muddy paws, open skies, and the legacy of Florence Nagle
Thereās something quietly transformative about escaping to the countryside ā especially when itās the rolling hills and peaceful trails of the South Downs National Park. This breathtaking stretch of southern England feels tailor-made for wandering, and at Westerlands, we believe itās even better with a four-legged companion trotting beside you.
Whether youāre weaving through ancient woodlands, padding along chalky ridge lines with sweeping views, or meandering past wildflower-strewn meadows, countryside walks offer more than just scenery. Theyāre a balm for the soul ā and a playground for paws.
Bodhi climbing the steps to our off-grid cabin, Timber Country
Science-Backed Benefits of Countryside Walks
Dogs process scent 40x better than humans ā with over 300 million olfactory receptors, a countryside walk is like reading a novel in smells. Itās mentally enriching and emotionally regulating.
Green spaces reduce cortisol in both dogs and humans. Studies show that walking in nature lowers stress hormones and boosts serotonin ā the āfeel-goodā chemical.
Joint mobility improves with varied terrain. Uneven paths, gentle slopes, and natural surfaces help strengthen stabilising muscles in dogs, especially older ones.
Shared walks increase oxytocin, the bonding hormone. That tail wag when your dog looks back at you? Itās mutual love, backed by neuroscience.
For the Dogs
š¼ A Symphony of Scents
The South Downs is a sensory wonderland for dogs. Every path hums with new smells ā from badger trails to bunny burrows ā keeping curious noses engaged and tails wagging. Florence Nagleās own Irish Wolfhounds were bred for their working instincts, and she believed scentwork and coursing were essential to a dogās wellbeing.
š” Room to Roam (Safely)
Several of our farm stay properties feature private, enclosed gardens, giving your pup a secure space to stretch, sniff, and snooze. After a day of adventuring, they can enjoy a rinse in a warm outdoor shower and curl up in a quick-dry dog towel (yes, we provide those!).
šāš¦ŗ Tail-Wagging Wellbeing
Fresh air, gentle exercise, and natural stimulation ā countryside walks offer the perfect trifecta for canine health. Florence bred over 45 Irish Wolfhounds who earned Challenge Certificates, including Sulhamstead Merman, who won Best in Show at Crufts in 1960.
š³ Natural Calm
The quiet rhythms of nature, the open space, and the gentle pace of rural life work wonders on anxious or overexcited dogs. After a day out here, itās all waggy tails and sleepy snuggles ā just as Nagleās dogs were known to be: powerful, sensitive, and deeply bonded to their humans.
For the Humans
š¬ļø A Breath of Fresh Air
Walking in the South Downs National Park means reconnecting with nature ā wide skies, birdsong, and views that stretch for miles. Itās not just beautiful; itās deeply restorative.
š¶āāļø Feel-Good Fitness
Gentle hills, woodland paths, and scenic loops make movement effortless. And letās be honest ā walking is infinitely more joyful with a happy dog leading the way.
š¤ Bonding Time That Matters
In a world of notifications and to-do lists, these shared walks are sacred. Just you, your dog, and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot. Florence Nagle believed in the power of companionship ā not just between people, but between people and animals. Her dogs werenāt just champions; they were family.
š¾ Mindful Moments
Dogs donāt rush. They pause to sniff the breeze, chase shadows, and listen to the rustle in the hedgerow. Follow their lead, and youāll notice more, breathe deeper, and feel lighter.
Dog Festivals
Planning your trip around dog-tastic events and festivals?
Itās a wonderful way to discover new activities, connect with fellow dog lovers, and enjoy treats, games, and entertainmentāall while letting your dog socialise and soak up the festive atmosphere. Many festivals feature agility courses, splash zones, costume contests, and āpaw printā art stations, along with exciting shows like dock-diving, frisbee competitions, and training demos. Themed backdrops, fun props, and professional pet photography make for the perfect keepsake.
Donāt miss these ones ā just down the road from Westerlands:
Dog Fest ā Loseley Park, Surrey ā 27 and 28 September 2025
Goodwoof at Goodwood ā The Kennels, Goodwood Estate, Chichester ā 16 and 17 May 2026
Paws in The Park ā South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex ā 2026 dates TBC
Heritage That Lives On
On a day that celebrates dogs in all their muddy, tail-wagging glory, it feels only right to honour Florence Nagle ā the pioneering Irish Wolfhound breeder, feminist, and former owner of Westerlands Farm. Her legacy lives on in the land, the ethos, and the deep respect for animals that still shape this place.
Florence Nagle purchased Westerlands in 1942 to personally oversee her stables and kennels. She was a fierce advocate for womenās rights, famously taking on the Jockey Club and the Kennel Club to demand equal recognition for female trainers and breeders. Her dogs were exported globally, and her bloodlines helped revive the Irish Red and White Setter breed in the 1970s.
She believed dogs should be capable of doing the work they were bred for ā not just looking good in the ring. That ethos still echoes through the fields and footpaths of Westerlands today.
Whether youāre curling up by the fire after a long walk or watching the sun dip behind the Downs with your best friend at your feet, Westerlands is a place where simple joys shine bright ā just as Florence Nagle believed they should.
Westerlands Dogs
Bringing your dog to work means built-in companionship, stress relief, and joy throughout the day - as all our staff at Westerlands know. Life on the farm at Westerlands is just as magical for them as it is for us.
Dog-Friendly Stays at Westerlands
Weāre proud to welcome dogs at Westerlands ā it wouldnāt be home without them. All our farm stay properties come with dog bowls, and many are thoughtfully designed with enclosed gardens, outdoor showers, and quick-dry towels for muddy paws.
We do ask that you bring your dogās bed so they feel truly at home.
As proud supporters of the South Downs National Parkās Take the Lead campaign, we kindly ask that dogs be kept on a lead outside garden areas. This helps protect local wildlife, our free-roaming chickens, and ensures your dog stays safe around nearby farm equipment.
So pack the lead, bring the treats, and come explore the South Downs with us ā paws, muddy boots, and all!
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