I avoid the major dog walking routes during all Bank Holidays, for several reasons.

Too crowded for me
Too many numpties and their out of control dogs
But the worse thing for me are the dogs that have only walked around their local park once a day are now suddenly expected to do the equivalent of a marathon, when they are unfit and/or overweight, often in the heat, with no water available.

I like to enjoy my walks and be relaxed..............

Just read through this thread and am happy that I'm in good company. It's amazing how many of us have to have strategies for a peaceful walk. As for the weather, I think the seasons are changing. It's like summer now so by the time the school summer holidays are here it should be like autumn. So ClaireandDaisy, I think there could well be a monsoon or just some ordinary rain. Then it's empty, muddy parks for us. Yay!