Dunham Massey and the Swan with two Nicks (Cheshire)

It's almost a year since our last trip to Dunham Massey. Today, on a lovely sunny but freezing cold day, we made a return trip to meet up with friends for a wander round the deer park followed by lunch at the Swan with Two Nicks.

We parked up in the pub car park and followed the road down to the narrow foot bridge over the river. From here the dogs had a few hundred yards of off lead walking before we climbed an easy wooden stile and entered the national trust parklands. Dunham Massey has a dogs on leads policy but we were happy to wander along the woodland paths past the frozen ponds and lakes, which could present a real hazard at this time of year.

After a circuit of the park we returned to the pub where we were lucky to get a seat by the roaring fire. The fact that dogs are welcome in the bar area seems to be well known judging by the number of dogs and their owners that joined us in what is a relatively small area. We counted seven at one stage so if your dog isn't sociable I suggest you give this place a miss. The food and drink was excellent and we'll definitely make a return trip.

Autumn walks with the dog

Doesn't time fly! It doesn't seem long ago that we were enjoying the last of the summer, sweltering in the Yorkshire Dales. Now we're in the first grips of what looks to be a cold cold winter. Somehow autumn has been and gone but we've had some great days out and I've listed some of our favourite autumn days out with the dog.

Worden Park, Leyland



Worden Park never fails to disappoint. Gets really wet and muddy after after heavy rain but the wonderful dog wash by the car park makes life so much easier!

Formby Point



One of the best things about autumn is getting out to relatively deserted beaches. Formby has to be one of the best, especially in wild and windy weather!

West Pennine Moors






The West Pennines have loads to offer. You can't beat Winter Hill or Rivington on a sunny autumn morning!

Arnside



Arnside might be a little further afield but is a great day out. We had to cut our most recent trip very short because I'd forgotten the dog was due for a trim. As you can see, it was a glorious morning so we were gutted!