Keep safe!

Keep safe!
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your dog. The walks listed in this blog are not detailed guides. Plan your route! Click the landrover image for safety advice from Bowland Pennine MRT.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Dog friendly Cornwall

Cornwall is great for dogs and our holiday destination of choice. Five months after our springer's cruciate surgery and pretty much free of exercise restrictions we headed off back to our favourite county for a couple of weeks of sun, sea and sand.

 On this occasion we had a two centre holiday. Our first week was at Westaway Cottage in Charlestown. This lovely cottage is right in the heart of Charlestown, two minutes walk from the harbour, made famous as a filming location for Poldark and (for those who are older) The Eagle Has Landed. The cottage was well kitted out and also has the benefit of an enclosed garden. It was a real sun trap in the afternoon so we enjoyed a few afternoons sat out with a glass of wine whilst the dog sunbathed on the grass.

Early morning dog walks here are lovely. We didn't go too far, either up the cliff path towards Carlyon Bay or just wandered round the harbour itself, watching the sun rise. Sadly the beaches are off limits for dogs but it didn't spoil our time. There are plenty of places, such as the wonderful Porthluney Beach at Caerhayes, which welcome dogs all year round.

If you get the right weather there are several good places to eat with your dog in Charlestown. Our favourite this time was sat out in the garden at Charlie's Boathouse. Dining here is relaxed with an good menu of beautifully presented classic dishes, a wide choice of beers and wines as well as cocktails. Sadly dogs are not allowed inside, so if the weather is less kind the Rashleigh, opposite, is the better option. The food here is also very good!

Our second week was pretty amazing, in the new Dutch Barn at Pencuke Farm Holidays in North Cornwall, not far from Boscastle. This huge barn can be configured for couples or those in larger family groups. As there were only two of us an the dog we rattled around the huge open plan living area a little, but it was wonderful. Huge sliding doors open out on to a large decking area, complete with hot tub and a grass 'terrace'. The dog was very much at home here and we loved wandering around the farm as our morning walk. Best of all, there are plenty of dog friendly beaches within a short drive, so he had plenty of opportunity to run free, making the most of his new titanium addition to his leg. Our accommodation was booked through Cornwalls Cottages.

Hard to imagine how lame he was only a few months ago!