NightWalkies is back! Tonight, you’ve got plans

The days are getting shorter, the big coats are coming out and your dog still wants their evening walk. Some things never change.

But what if that daily walk was also a chance to catch up with friends, meet other dog owners and enjoy a bit of company? That’s the idea behind NightWalkies by YuMOVE, and we’re bringing it back for 2026.

This year, we’re inviting women and their dogs across the UK to get together, keep moving and make evening walkies something to look forward to. After all, everything’s a little nicer with good company.

What is NightWalkies?

NightWalkies started in 2025 with a simple idea. When the clocks go back, many women feel less comfortable walking their dogs alone in the evenings. And that can mean fewer walks for our dogs, too.

So we created NightWalkies, bringing women and their dogs together for friendly group walks throughout the winter. It’s a chance to get some fresh air, meet new people and keep up those daily walks, with the reassurance of having company along the way.

You don’t need to know anyone beforehand. Just bring your dog, wrap up warm and come along.

Why those daily walks matter

If there’s one thing our dogs don't care about, it’s the clocks going back. They’re still ready for their walk, whatever time the sun sets. And we all know how important those daily outings are to them.

Regular walks help support physical fitness and mobility, while sniffing and exploring provide important mental stimulation. At YuMOVE, we call our commitment to helping pets live healthier for longer PETSPAN, and keeping our dogs active throughout the year is an important part of that.

And there’s plenty in it for us, too. A bit of fresh air, some exercise and a chat with someone who understands why your phone is full of dog photos. In fact, our latest research found that 77.3% of women dog owners would welcome a neighbourhood evening dog-walking group. Sounds like we’re in good company.

Tonight, you’ve got plans

This winter, we’re taking NightWalkies around the UK, with the help of some brilliant community partners, including personal safety app WalkSafe.

We’ll be joining forces with The Lonely Girls Club for walks in Manchester, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Brighton, alongside These Girls Run and Pawla for our London event.

But NightWalkies isn’t just about organised events. We’d love to see women starting their own walking groups in towns, villages and neighbourhoods across the country. It could be you and a friend, a few neighbours or a group of local dog owners who fancy a regular catch-up. A bit of company can make all the difference when you’re heading out after a long day.

How to get involved in NightWalkies

Fancy joining us? There are a few easy ways to take part.

•    Join a community NightWalkies

Come along to one of our regional community walks and meet other women and their dogs. You can come with a friend or on your own, and there’ll be lots of friendly faces to welcome you. Check the NightWalkies hub for details of walks you can join.

•    Start your own NightWalkies group

Ask a friend, invite a neighbour or see if anyone in your local dog-walking community fancies joining you. Choose a familiar, well-lit route, agree on a time and make it a regular date if everyone enjoys it. You only need one other person to get started.

•    Download our free NightWalkies toolkit

Want to organise a walk but not sure where to begin? Our free NightWalkies toolkit takes you through it, from choosing a route and inviting people along to what to bring on the day. There are also handy tips to help you get the word out in your local community.

Download the NightWalkies toolkit 

Share your NightWalkies

We’d love to see your walks! Share your photos and stories, tag @yumove_uk on Instagram or @YuMOVE on TikTok and use #NightWalkies. You might just encourage someone else to give it a go.

A little planning goes a long way

A little preparation can help everyone enjoy their NightWalkies. That’s why we’re once again working with WalkSafe, the personal safety app designed to help people feel more confident when they’re out and about.

Choose a familiar, well-lit route, make sure everyone knows where you’re meeting and keep your phone charged. Reflective clothing is a good idea, too. Dogs should stay on leads, with enough space between them to feel comfortable. And remember to choose a pace and distance that suits the group, especially if there are puppies or older dogs joining you.

There’s no need to clock up the miles, either. A short walk can be just as enjoyable.

Let’s keep moving together

There’s something lovely about having a regular date in the diary, especially when it’s one your dog gets to enjoy too. And who knows, the people you meet on your first NightWalkies could become friends you see all year round.

We certainly hope so. Shall we see you there?

Download our NightWalkies toolkit, find a walk near you or start your own.