Atlantic Highway Named Most Dog-Friendly Road Trip in England

With the summer season in full swing, more travellers are planning road trips with their canine companions. Searches for “driving with dogs” have skyrocketed by 200% over the past year. Responding to this trend, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has unveiled a list of the top 10 most dog-friendly road trips in the UK, providing valuable insights for dog owners eager to explore the country’s scenic routes with their furry friends.

Atlantic Highway: The Top Dog-Friendly Route in England

Among the top dog-friendly road trips, the Atlantic Highway, stretching from Newquay to Barnstaple, has been recognised as the most dog-friendly route in England. This picturesque journey, spanning 98.4 miles, offers a perfect blend of coastal views and charming countryside, making it an ideal choice for dog owners.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Road Trips in the UK

Rank	Road Trip	Route	Country	Total Rank
1	Borders Historic Route	Carlisle to Edinburgh	Scotland	70.8
2	The Atlantic Highway	Newquay to Barnstaple	England	46.9
3	Moray Firth Route	Inverness to Loch Fleet	Scotland	46.2
4	Angus Coastal Route	Dundee to Aberdeen	Scotland	45.6
5	The North Wales Way	Mold to Holyhead	Wales	41.2
6	Highland Tourist Route	Aberdeen to Inverness	Scotland	38.4
7	Deeside Tourist Route	Perth to Aberdeen	Scotland	38.3
8	The Lake District Loop	Kendal to Keswick	England	37.0
9	South Wales Circuit	Cardiff to Chepstow	Wales	36.4
10	The Cambrian Way	Cardiff to Conwy	Wales	31.7

Key Highlights of the Atlantic Highway

• Dog-Friendly Accommodation: The route boasts an impressive 1,409 dog-friendly Airbnb options, ensuring that travellers can find comfortable and pet-welcoming places to stay.
• Pet Safety: There are 27 veterinary clinics along the way, providing peace of mind for any potential emergencies.
• Dog-Friendly Pubs: With over 42 pubs that welcome dogs, owners can enjoy a relaxing break and a meal without worrying about their pets.

Travel Tips for Dog Owners

Keith Hawes from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts shares essential tips for those planning to travel with their dogs:

1. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car: It’s illegal to leave a dog in a hot car, as this can cause unnecessary suffering and could lead to a £20,000 fine and a potential ban from owning animals.
2. Use Appropriate Restraints: Ensure your pet is securely fastened using dog-friendly seatbelts or safety cages to prevent accidents and comply with the law.
3. No Heads Out the Window: Allowing a dog to hang its head out of the window can result in a £5000 fine due to the risk it poses to the pet.
4. Take Regular Breaks: To keep your pet comfortable, especially during long journeys, take frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch and hydrate.
5. Avoid Feeding Just Before Travelling: To prevent motion sickness, feed your dog well in advance of the journey.

Explore the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Road Trips in the UK

Aside from the Atlantic Highway, the top 10 list includes scenic routes across the UK, such as the Borders Historic Route from Carlisle to Edinburgh, and the Moray Firth Route from Inverness to Loch Fleet. Each of these routes has been evaluated based on dog-friendly amenities, ensuring a pleasant experience for both owners and their pets.

For those planning their next adventure, detailed information and tips for travelling with dogs can be found on Nationwide Vehicle Contracts’ website.

About Nationwide Vehicle Contracts

Since 2002, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has been offering a wide selection of cars and vans with competitive leasing options. Through its user-friendly website, customers can easily find and lease vehicles that suit their needs.

For more information on travelling with your dog and to explore dog-friendly routes, visit Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.