Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has announced that their much-loved series of dog walks is to continue, for a fourth year, in 2018. 20 fun-filled countryside walks will be held at picturesque locations between March and July this year. These walks help ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-changing benefits to deaf children and adults.

The walks are firmly established as a UK favourite among Britain’s dog-loving nation. Last year, around 3,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes, along with 5,000 adults, took part in the nationwide dog walks. These scenic venues, which include nine National Trust locations, have been handpicked by the charity to make sure the Great British Dog Walk is an ideal event for dog-lovers, families, couples, independent walkers and organised walking groups.

There is a free special limited-edition Great British Dog Walk doggie bandana for each adult ticket purchased and you can meet working hearing dogs at every walk. Each venue will have fun activities for all the family, as well as stalls with gifts and refreshments.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People chief executive Michele Jennings says: “The Charity is very proud that we are entering a fourth year of the Great British Dog Walks. We simply could not help thousands of deaf people reconnect with life without our wonderful supporters and dedicated volunteers taking part in these types of events. Following the success of the last three years, I hope the 2018 walks in our Great British countryside get tails wagging and faces smiling all over the UK.”

The effects of hearing loss can be devastating. The inability to take part in everyday life can lead deaf people to feel isolated, excluded and anxious. Hearing dogs alert their owners to crucial sounds like the smoke alarm, as well as everyday sounds such as the doorbell. They also provide a warmth of companionship that can boost a recipient’s confidence, often helping them to reconnect with the community around them, and lead their lives to the full.

To sign-up to your nearest Great British Dog Walk and for more information visit: greatbritishdogwalk.org

The Great British Dog Walk 2018 venues are:

Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear Sunday 18 March

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury Sunday 18 March

Culden Faw Estate, Henley-on-Thames Saturday 24 March

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Sunday 25 March

Margam Park, West Glamorgan Sunday 8 April

Burton Constable Hall, East Yorkshire Saturday 14 April

Ightham Mote, Kent Saturday 21 April

Pollok Park, Glasgow Sunday 22 April

Windsor Great Park, Berkshire Saturday 28 April

Ickworth Park, Suffolk Saturday 5 May

Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire Saturday 12 May

Kedleston Hall, Derby Saturday 12 May

Lyme Park, Cheshire Saturday 19 May

The New Forest, Hampshire Saturday 19 May

Canonteign Falls, Exeter Saturday 2 June

Stowe, Buckinghamshire Saturday 9 June

Frog Firle Farm, East Sussex Saturday 16 June

Belvoir Castle, Grantham Sunday 17 June

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Saturday 30 June

Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire Sunday 1 July

Tickets to each event are £10 in advance for adults online at www.greatbritishdogwalk.org or £12 on the day. Children under 16 are free. Shorter routes are suitable for parents with buggies.

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