AVOID DANGEROUS FEATURES…

…AND WHERE YOU CAN’T, BE CAUTIOUS

● CLIFF EDGES: Keep away from the edge, and keep your dog on a lead; many fall over, not realising there’s a sheer drop. The foot of cliffs can be as perilous as the tops; rockfalls, ranging from a few small rocks tumbling down to substantial cliff collapses, can happen without warning. Advice from HM Coastguard is to keep the same distance away from the base as the height of the cliff.

● MOD LAND: Keep your dog under close control when walking on MOD sites. Public rights of way are closed sometimes when military exercises are taking place; if you see a red flag or light do not attempt to enter. If you have a noise-sensitive dog you might also decide to walk elsewhere, well out of earshot at times when firing will be taking place. Find out where and when at www.gov.uk/guidance/public-access-tomilitary-areas

● LEVEL CROSSINGS: Put your dog on the lead and always obey signs and instructions at level crossings. If there are no warnings or lights or you have to operate the gates yourself, stop, look, and listen, then look again, checking in both directions: trains travel very fast so don’t take any risks.

● THAT SINKING FEELING: Bogs, mires, sinking sands, mudflats; stick to pathways and recognisable routes so you can avoid these dangerous areas of ground — or steer clear of them altogether. Even experienced walkers get caught out, and one wrong step can lead to you becoming trapped. Sometimes you can extricate yourself, but sometimes you end up sinking deeper, and the consequences can be fatal. If you or your dog get into difficulties, ring emergency services for help the moment you realise you’re in trouble.

● ALWAYS TAKE A FULLY CHARGED MOBILE PHONE OUT WITH YOU. Download the ‘what3words’ app; if you need rescuing, it can pinpoint any location on Earth.