With the weather improving, what better way to celebrate than to try a top dog walk.

Whether your pet pooch is full of boundless energy, or just fancies a short stroll, we've found some places to take him across Kent if you live near.

Cobham Park and the Cuxton Heritage Trail

Dig out the wellies for a six-mile circular walk from the cottage with looks like a major with a moustache at the gateway to Cobham Park over to Lord Darnley’s Toe Memorial and back.

With views of the North Downs valley stretching towards Cuxton, you’ll encounter some ramblers on your way, so have your lead at the ready. This run takes about an hour or so. Turn into a tree-covered wide path that eventually reaches a fork, and turn left where the path narrows, and head along Narnia-style trails. Once you reach a stile looking down on a path that leads down across a hill and up again, you’ve reached the Cuxton Heritage Walk. Turn right and the path loops up and to a beautiful bench at a spot called Brockles, carved with badgers other woodland creatures, commanding views over the Bush Valley, a former pretend air strip that lured in enemy fighters during the Second World War – perfect for a spot of cake and a flask of tea. Turn left for another welcome bench – one of a number with lovely words inscribed – before climbing up the hill, past the memorial and up to the gate that leads back into Cobham Park.

Nashenden Down Nature Reserve, Medway

Cared for by Kent Wildlife Trust, it is also the trust's only arable reserve. Head up the hill away from the M2 - you'll be able to see it looking positively picturesque when you look back later - which will take you along footpaths, often frequented by cyclists, and into woodland. You can stop and enjoy the view or keep going and find yourself on the top of Blue Bell Hill, if you walk for long enough. Alongside there are fields with rare breeds of sheep, which you need to keep your dog away from.

Lullingstone Country Park, Eynsford

Part of Darenth Valley, Lullingstone Country Park, has acres of woodlands, green open space, flowering meadows and a small river where your dog can enjoy a dip.

From the car park if you follow the path alongside the river you can walk to both Lullingstone Castle and the Lullingstone Roman Villa, an English Heritage site. If you turn left by the castle you walk across fields to the woods or can continue past the adjoining golf course and join the woods at several points further along the walk way. The Darent Valley Path also runs past the park, offering more opportunities to explore the local countryside.

White Horse Country Park, Detling, Maidstone

Pull up at the car park and you might think it's an average country park, but cross a couple of fields and a stile, and you’ll find yourself with panoramic views across the Downs; there is a viewing point and Ordnance Survey point, and plenty of boards with details on the history of the site to tell you more about where you are. The site formed part of Detling Air Field - the other part became the Kent Showground on the other side of the A249. Step a little further down the hill and to your left and you’ll stumble across the ruins of Thurnham Castle built in the 12th century. It’s owned by Kent County Council.

Knole, Sevenoaks

The National Trust's Knole is the perfect place to explore with your pooch. A short walk from Sevenoaks town centre, there’s more than 1,000 acres of parkland you can both enjoy. If you’re new to the park, try one of the outdoor walks -t he all-ability walk is perfect for dog-walkers with buggies, scooters or wheelchairs. Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on the lead at all times - one of the attractions of Knole is the wild deer that roam in the park, so you'll need to bear them in mind. There is car parking on site. For more details on visiting and for other dog walks at National Trust sites across Kent go to nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Palm Beach, Margate

Enjoy seeing your dog frolic in and out of the surf as you stroll along Palm Bay beach. You can head from Hodges Gap to the pumping station and when the tide is out, you can walk from Botany Bay to Margate and beyond. Reach Hodges Gap from Northumberland Avenue in Cliftonville and park along the seafront. A green along the cliff tops leads to The Ridings, although don’t let your dog run near the edge! At the end of The Ridings, you come to the Botany Bay Hotel where you can take a pit stop. Palm Beach makes for a tranquil spot for a peaceful walk but take care to consider the elements when you head out.

Beaches you can walk your dog on all year round