How do I find the best walking spots in a new area?

As the title says really...... Do I just go out there and wonder? (baring in mind, the dog will be kept on lead at all times for the first few weeks untill recall is perfect). Its going to be like a finding game!

Have a butchers at streetmap .com for footpaths. Have a look on line for good walks.

I tend to google places, or type in "dog friendly places in Essex" for example.

Or you could just go for awalk in your area and find a new place! There was an article I think in Dogs Today a few months ago for good places to walk.

Maps are great, the Explorer range of OS maps (orange ones) have public footpaths marked. I love looking at a map and deciding which paths to follow, then just going out there and doing the walk. It's best to take the map with you as sometimes it's a little difficult following footpaths across fields; bridleways are easier.

this is what i am doing! - Well im looking on google maps. x

I have done one or two of the walks suggested on the link below:

http://www.21topdogwalks.co.uk/2008/winning_walks.asp

Google Earth...

Asking local people...

Your local council might have section for local walks on their website (ours does).

When I first moved here I went to the local tourist information centre and got loads of leaflets and booklets.

I still haven't managed to do all the walks in them 8 years on.

Talk to people - other people with dogs quite often will point you in a few local directions.
Local council websites often have walking leaflets as well, or indexes of parks and open spaces nearby.