Walkie Dogs, a brand-new 'social dog walking club', is launching in Carlisle along with 73 other cities across the UK on August 18.

The first walks in Carlisle will take place in Bitts Park, which offers the space for four-legged friends and their owners to embrace the outdoors, and 'immerse themselves into the dog walking community'. 

In order to participate, interested people are asked to sign up for a membership, with prices ranging from £40 a year to £60 a year depending on the number of dogs, and humans, you bring with you.

Danny Silk, founder of Walkie Dogs, said: "This project is the first of its kind on this scale and one that I hope will not only bring dog lovers together, but offer a supportive space which benefits local communities in lots of different ways, and we’re really excited to bring this to Carlisle.

"The physical and mental wellbeing of our members and their pets is our utmost priority.

"As well as providing a fun experience each week our walks are run by volunteers, and through driving volunteer sign ups we’re aiming to support young people through initiatives which get them off the street and help them gain valuable work experience.

"We’re working closely with local communities across our 74 locations to ensure we create a genuinely positive space, offering events which members can look forward to every week.

"I can’t wait to welcome everyone to the first walks and watch the project I’m so passionate about finally come to fruition."

There are 30 spaces on each walk, and they’re done on a first come, first served basis. All the walks are organised and run by volunteers, with a ‘Pack Leader’ in attendance ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Key details like timings are only available to those with a membership to ensure that the walks remain exclusive to members.

A membership also has benefits such as access to ‘The Dog Pages’ which includes recommendations on groomers, training and vets, a range of discounts on their online shop, as well as money off the Canine First Aid Course.