NEW research from Isuzureveals that Ambleside in the Lake District tops the list as the nation's favourite dog walking destination, with a quarter of owners willing to travel nearly 70 miles just to stretch their legs-and paws-in the great outdoors.

Whether it's the lure of breathtaking views, peace and quiet, or simply the joy of exploring new sniffs, the findings highlight just how far the UK's dog lovers will go to keep their four-legged companions happy and healthy.

In fact, according to the research byIsuzu, people would happily pack up the car and drive an average of 69 miles to sniff out a place with lovely views (60 per cent), good weather conditions (46 per cent), an area with plenty of bins dotted around (45 per cent) and somewhere with minimal traffic and noise (40 per cent).

Ambleside was followed by the dramatic landscape of Snowdonia (18 per cent) in the list of Britain's best dog walks, along with the ancient woodlands in New Forest in Hampshire (17 per cent) and the 2,500 acres of Richmond Park in London (14 per cent).

The country in the city of Hampstead Heath (14 per cent), the stunning mountain ranges of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales (13 per cent), Robin Hood's home Sherwood Forest in Nottingham (12 per cent) and the 73-mile-long Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland (11 per cent) also feature in the 25 strong list.

One in ten (10 per cent) dog owners say you can't beat Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands for its waterfalls and trails, while eight percent love nothing more than packing up their pooch and driving to the South Downs in Sussex to wander around the chalk hills.

It's no surprise that eight in ten (84 per cent) agree that walking their dog is good for their mental health, so much so that three quarters (76 per cent) admit they look forward to it all day.

Time to relax (71 per cent), spending quality time with your dog (65 per cent), the peace and quiet (57 per cent), getting out of the house (53 per cent), exploring the local area (28 per cent) and talking to other dog owners (21 per cent) are the main benefits of a dog walk, along with having the opportunity to work up a sweat (14 per cent).

The research also found that on average, Brits walk their dogs for just over an hour and 10 minutes a day, covering 17 miles over the course of a week.

One in four (28 per cent) do the same walk every day, with 68 per cent going a step further and saying they are bored of it.

Over half (58 per cent) admit that walking their four-legged friend is the only exercise they do.

George Wallis, head of marketing at Isuzu in the UKsaid: "It's no surprise to us that nearly a third of Brits are willing to drive almost 70 miles just to give their dogs the best walkies imaginable - we know our customers go the extra mile for their four-legged friends. Whether it's chasing views in Ambleside, getting lost in Snowdonia, or lapping up the trails in Glencoe, the Isuzu D-Max is built for the kind of adventures dog owners dream of."

"With 84 per cent of people saying dog walks boost their mental health and over half admitting it's their main form of exercise, it's clear the daily walks are vital. That's why we've kitted out the D-Max with paw-some accessories designed to make every trip easier - from robust dog boxes for safe and comfy travel, to safety harnesses, canine gear, rubber mats for easy post-walk clean-ups, with more accessories on the way."

"At Isuzu, we've taken the lead with this research to help owners find the ruffest terrain - and for the one in four people who do the same walk every day, maybe it's time to sniff out some new trails. With the D-Max and man's best friend by your side, the UK's best dog walks are just a tail wag away."

When it comes to our preferred walking companions, partners (53 per cent), sons (23 per cent), daughters (23 per cent) and best friends (13 per cent) come top, along with fellow dog walkers (seven percent) and mums (six per cent).

17 per cent would rather take the dog for a walk on their own.

Two thirds (63 per cent) love to let their pooch explore and sniff on a walk, with 45 per cent admitting that nothing beats playing fetch.

One in three (32 per cent) like running together, while a further 30 per cent like spending time with other owners and watching their dog play with other dogs (30 per cent). A quarter (25 per cent) use a walk to practise training commands.