The Watermill Inn at Ings (Cumbria)

After yesterday mornings jaunt round Lostock Hall and Farington Moss we decided that we'd earnt a luch out, so it was off in the car up to the Lakes to try out the Watermill Inn at Ings.

Ings is one of those places that we've driven past hundreds of times on the way to Windermere or Ambleside, occasionally stopping at the garage to stock up on food or to buy a forgotten map (we must have at least four copies of the Landranger South Eastern Fells Map!). We did know that the Watermill, which lies just off the main road at Ings, between Kendal and Windermere, had a good reputation and has been a "dog friendly pub" award winner in past years. Yesterday we decided to stop off and give it a try.

In short, the dog loved it, and so did we. The large left hand bar doesn't just allow dogs, they are postively welcomed with a bowl of water and biscuits served at the table - fantastic service! The selection of real ales was admired by Dogs Dad, who was unfortunately driving so didn't have chance to sample them, and the bar menu was superb. The Cumberland Sausage and Lamb Shank were great. The locals we spoke to clearly loved their dogs, even pointing out the pictures of them on the wall by the bar, and were very welcoming.

The walk up the gated road next to the pub provides for some gentle exercise after you, and your dog, have over indulged.

Well worth a visit. We'll definately return.

Probably the best dog friendly pub we've visited, certainly the best in the the North West.

Doggy rating 10/10

http://www.watermillinn.co.uk/

Farington Lodges

Farington Lodges are tucked away in Farington Moss, close to Lostock Hall. The lodges themselves are fairly small, with a couple of tree lined footpaths leading alongside the banks, and adjacent to the railway tracks, for half a mile or so. The lodges probably aren't worth a special visit but of you live locally it's a nice addition to your walk.

Todays early morning visit got us there just before the first of the fishermen arrived so the dog had a good run off-lead. If you visit during the daytime though, keep your dog clear of any fishermen on the banks.

Click here for Google map

Doggy rating 5/10

Roddlesworth Woods (Again)

We spend another Sunday morning at Roddlesworth but, for a change, parked up at Abbey Village rather than our usual spots on the road leading from Tockholes.

The approach from Abbey Village led us on small road across the dam of the lower reservoir where we observed the signs and the dog stayed on the lead, past the farmhouse and stables and over the bridge to the middle reservoir.

From here we crossed the dam and wandered fairly aimlessly along some of the smaller woodland tracks, looking for an elusive woodpecker that could be heard, but not seen, for a good stretch of todays walk.

Eventually, we found ourselves near the Vistors Centre before heading back down to the upper reservoir and across the dam to return on the far bank to near our starting point. Not before though the dog had gatecrashed a party of three other better behaved dogs and attempted to steal the various balls that they were playing with.

After a couple of hours of off lead walking we found ourselves back at the car, with a tired a muddy dog as usual. Such fun!

As always, a great place to walk the dog.

Doggy rating 9/10