Hitchin and St Albans have been named among the top destinations for dog walkers in a new dog-friendly travel guide.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has launched the Blue Wag guide to encourage dog owners to walk their pet pooches outside of their local area.

GTR says research revealed that just seven per cent of city dog owners are aware of beaches and country parks that are dog friendly, so is highlighting destinations on its network that are perfect for doggy day trips this summer.

Whilst humans use the Blue Flag guide to visit beaches around the UK, the rail operator is sharing its Blue Wag guide exclusively for dog owners.

With around 60 destinations to visit along the south coast, as well as access to the South Downs and other dog-friendly country parks, GTR’s train services offer a great way to get out of the city with four-legged friends.

The Blue Wag guide includes St Albans, which according to GTR has more than 100 businesses which are dog friendly, as well as Verulamium Park, which spans over 100 acres.

The guide also features Hitchin, with dogs on leads permitted at Hitchin Lavender, and the town offering a dedicated dog park, making it the perfect setting for dogs to run free.

Other places featured in the guide include Hove, Littlehampton, Chichester, Rye, Worthing, Banstead, Eastbourne and South Downs.

Dog behaviour and training consultant Carolyn Menteith said: "Just like us, many dogs can get bored with their often dull daily routine and same old walks, and welcome a total change of scenery from time to time.

"While some dogs are homebodies and love their regular routine, others love nothing more than getting out and about discovering new places and being part of family day trips and holidays.

"These fun shared experiences all serve to deepen the bond between dogs and their owners, and can even help prevent some of the behaviour problems that can often arise in dogs due to boredom.

"It's easy to think that you can’t get out and about with your dog if you don’t have a car, but that isn’t the case at all, proven by the many destinations that GTR is promoting in its new guide."

Jenny Saunders, customer services director at GTR, added: "We want to inspire dog owners to venture beyond their local parks and experience the variety of outdoor destinations that the UK has to offer.

"Our dog-friendly trains and new Blue Wag guide make it easy and convenient for dog owners to plan a day out. We’re excited to increase awareness of the many dog-friendly beaches and countryside locations accessible on our network."

Passengers can take two domestic pets with them on board GTR services. All dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times, unless contained within an enclosed pet-carrying basket.