A new dog walk featuring Wallace and Gromit has been unveiled at Westonbirt.

Forestry England has launched a new Forest Walkies route at The National Arboretum, in partnership with Aardman and Ordnance Survey.

The route is one of 22 across the nation’s forests and is designed to give dogs and their owners a fun and engaging outdoor experience.

The route features panels with activities for dogs and their owners, inspired by the beloved characters Wallace and Gromit.

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Challenges include getting your dog to sit still while you count to 30, high-fiving your pet, and encouraging them to lie still.

There is even a photo opportunity at the end of the route for your dog to say "cheese Gromit."

Holly Firks-Matthews, visitor attraction manager at Westonbirt, said: "We can’t wait to welcome dogs and their owners for their Forest Walkies with this brand-new campaign.

"Silk Wood at Westonbirt is the perfect place for dogs to have fun, exercise and stay healthy all year round.

"As well as being a beautiful environment for us as we take our dogs for a walk, it’s also a place full of enrichment for them with sights and smells to keep your dog happy and stimulated."

An activity pack is available to buy from the welcome building and the Westonbirt shop, featuring a tote bag with Wallace and Gromit, a dog bandana, a leaflet to enter the competition, and a crossword puzzle.

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Rachael Peacock, senior brand manager at Aardman, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our long-term partnership with Forestry England with the new ‘Forest Walkies’ campaign.

"Wallace and Gromit love the countryside and can’t wait to start encouraging families to get outdoors with their four-legged friends on these cracking dog-walking trails."

Nick Giles OBE, Ordnance Survey’s managing director for leisure, said: "This series of Wallace and Gromit routes around forests in England are wonderful fun for your dog and you.

"We are excited about helping people find the routes easily in the OS Maps app, the UK’s leading outdoor exploration app."

Gromit will also be Forestry England’s special ambassador for the year ahead, offering advice on visiting the nation’s forests with your dog.

Forestry England asks everyone to follow the forest dog code to keep dogs and people safe when visiting the nation’s forests.

This includes keeping your dog close and in sight, bagging their poo, and following signs around the arboretum to protect wildlife and other woodland visitors.

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