Dogs are not permitted on this beach between 1st May and 31st October.....Ive no problem at all with that in most cases but love it when the dog bans are lifted and we can avoid the worst of the mud associated with our normal walks.
This weekend has seen us make two trips to the Lancashire coast. On Saturday we returned to the wonderful Formby Point. Parking at the Nation Trust Car Park we followed the well marked path through the woods and dunes to Life Boat Road and returned along the beach. My mum, who had joined us for the weekend, commented that the woods and dunes have a continental feel to them, reminiscent of the South of France. Although the weather wasn't up to Mediterranean standards, I have to agree that the landscape is totally unlike anywhere else in the North West. As always, the dog loved the trip. Unfortunately the Red Squirrels seem a rare sight these days but nonetheless please observe the dogs on leads policy through the woodlands.
A day off today, and some more sunny weather, resulted in a trip to Cleveleys. Parking up at the 5 bar gate car park, north of the town centre, we were straight on to the beach and enjoyed a brisk cold walk towards Bispham. After a mile or so we retraced our steps and had a wander through Cleveleys before buying a sandwich which was saved for the relative warmth of the car. As always the views across the bay were great, with the snow capped Coniston fells gleaming in the sunlight. The sea defence works are progressing well and the Royal Hotel to Cleveleys stretch is complete. I can envisage hundreds of people sitting on the wall enjoying fish and chips on the sea wall in summer - no wonder there's a dogs on leads policy on the prom. We uploaded a picture to Facebook here
Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow, otherwise a trip to Silverdale and Arnside would have rounded things off nicely!
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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Crosby and Anthony Gormley's Another Place
It was raining (again) in Preston this morning. The thought of Worden Park with it's great dog wash was tempting but heading towards Leyland we spotted what appeared to be a break in the dark clouds in the skies to the south. Excited by the prospect of not getting wet we joined the M6 and were soon speeding southwards towards rays of sunshine, deciding whether to take a visit to Pennington Flash or "somewhere else".
As we reached the M58 "somewhere else" won the day and we headed off towards Liverpool, still not quite sure where we'd end up, but with the thought of a trip to Crosby and a look at Anthony Gormley's Another Place seeming attractive.
Om entering Crosby the car park was well signposted and we were pleased to find masses of open grassland adjacent to the Marine Lake where we enjoyed a good game of fetch before heading over the dunes to the beach.
The beach itself is vast and, with the tide retreating, we wandered out to some of the many figures gazing out to sea. The dog wasn't too sure what to make of them at first, but was soon interested in nothing other than his ball, as is usual. Even the passing ships leaving the Mersey on their way to yet another place were no distraction.
We spent an hour or so on the beach before returning to the fields for more ball games. Best of all, the sun shone pretty much throughout!
Click here for Google map
As we reached the M58 "somewhere else" won the day and we headed off towards Liverpool, still not quite sure where we'd end up, but with the thought of a trip to Crosby and a look at Anthony Gormley's Another Place seeming attractive.
Om entering Crosby the car park was well signposted and we were pleased to find masses of open grassland adjacent to the Marine Lake where we enjoyed a good game of fetch before heading over the dunes to the beach.
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| From Preston Walkies |
The beach itself is vast and, with the tide retreating, we wandered out to some of the many figures gazing out to sea. The dog wasn't too sure what to make of them at first, but was soon interested in nothing other than his ball, as is usual. Even the passing ships leaving the Mersey on their way to yet another place were no distraction.
We spent an hour or so on the beach before returning to the fields for more ball games. Best of all, the sun shone pretty much throughout!
Click here for Google map
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Rufford to Mawdsley
It feels like we've had more than our fair share of rain over the past few weeks but inbetween downpours we have managed to venture out on a few new walks, finding new paths around the lovely Beacon Fell (nice and quiet again after a busy summer) and exploring the vast network of footpaths around Rufford.
Navigating some of our walks is complicated and, given this blog never really attempts to be a step by step guide, it sometimes doesn't seem worth blogging our visits. Sometimes though, just giving a feel for the route and the general area might give others some inspiration to find their own way through new territory.
The walk from Rufford to Mawdelsey, returning along the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is one such route. The walk takes in plenty of open farmland, some country lanes and, best of a all, a few miles of towpath walking before ending up near the marina at Rufford, where you can reward yourself with coffee and cake.
Our route began at the station car park at Rufford. We turned right from the car park and endured a rather risky 100 yards or so of walking along Meadow Lane before crossing and taking the public footpath through the fields. We were soon on more open ground, high on the one of the paths that run adjacent to the drains, where the dog enjoyed a brief spell off the lead. Reaching Gales Lane we made our way, taking a complicated network of footpaths, towards Church Farm Stables and Cedar Farm Gallery before heading towards the Rufford Canal via Sandy Lane and Daub Lane before crossing more fields and crossing the river Douglas.
A mile or two of towpath walking led us back to the car, rather tired by happy. Two word of advice if you walk round here: Take a good map or download one of the excellent route planners from walkingworld
Click here for a Google map of the area
Navigating some of our walks is complicated and, given this blog never really attempts to be a step by step guide, it sometimes doesn't seem worth blogging our visits. Sometimes though, just giving a feel for the route and the general area might give others some inspiration to find their own way through new territory.
The walk from Rufford to Mawdelsey, returning along the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is one such route. The walk takes in plenty of open farmland, some country lanes and, best of a all, a few miles of towpath walking before ending up near the marina at Rufford, where you can reward yourself with coffee and cake.
Our route began at the station car park at Rufford. We turned right from the car park and endured a rather risky 100 yards or so of walking along Meadow Lane before crossing and taking the public footpath through the fields. We were soon on more open ground, high on the one of the paths that run adjacent to the drains, where the dog enjoyed a brief spell off the lead. Reaching Gales Lane we made our way, taking a complicated network of footpaths, towards Church Farm Stables and Cedar Farm Gallery before heading towards the Rufford Canal via Sandy Lane and Daub Lane before crossing more fields and crossing the river Douglas.
A mile or two of towpath walking led us back to the car, rather tired by happy. Two word of advice if you walk round here: Take a good map or download one of the excellent route planners from walkingworld
Click here for a Google map of the area
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Ruffwear dog boots
Seems like an eternity since we were descending Scafell Pike and the poor dog cut his paw whilst paddling in angle tarn. I learnt a few things that day:
- don't throw things for the dog in to lakeland tarns without checking the shallows first
- human first aid kits come in handy for dogs
- you need high strength self adhesive tape to stand any chance of keeping a bandage on a dog
- dogs don't like walking on cut paws
- 4 miles is too far to carry a dog off a mountain
- I wished I'd had a set of dog boots in my rucksack for such events
I subsequently learnt that:
- cheap dog boots from places like Pets at Home are useless
- you can get quality dog boots with Vibram soles (cool)
- not only mad people buy dog boots (possibly)
....so, after some searching of the net I purchased a nice set of Vibram soled Ruffwear dog boots (and socks of course)which I can now take out with me on our longer walks and if I ever enter a riot situation (unlikely) I know that my dog's paws will be safe.
The video was taken over the course of about 5 minutes....didn't take long to get reasonably used to them....enjoy!
- don't throw things for the dog in to lakeland tarns without checking the shallows first
- human first aid kits come in handy for dogs
- you need high strength self adhesive tape to stand any chance of keeping a bandage on a dog
- dogs don't like walking on cut paws
- 4 miles is too far to carry a dog off a mountain
- I wished I'd had a set of dog boots in my rucksack for such events
I subsequently learnt that:
- cheap dog boots from places like Pets at Home are useless
- you can get quality dog boots with Vibram soles (cool)
- not only mad people buy dog boots (possibly)
....so, after some searching of the net I purchased a nice set of Vibram soled Ruffwear dog boots (and socks of course)which I can now take out with me on our longer walks and if I ever enter a riot situation (unlikely) I know that my dog's paws will be safe.
The video was taken over the course of about 5 minutes....didn't take long to get reasonably used to them....enjoy!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
An autumn stroll at Roddlesworth
Summer seems a long time ago now, even though last month we were enjoying sun, sea and sand in Cornwall. Autumn's a great time of year to be out and about with the dog though. The cooler weather is perfect for dog walks and and if you choose a woodland walk you can't fail to be impressed with the amazing autumn colours in the landscape.
Today saw us make a welcome return to Roddlesworth woods near Tockholes Village, where we were not dissapointed. Parking at our usual spot near the visitors centre we took the Woods and Water Trail and followed the woodland paths down to the reservoirs where we sat and watched the fly fisherman delicately casting their lines in search of seemingly elusive trout. The leaves haven't yet reached the peak of bronze and gold brilliance but are wel on the way. I expect that by next weekend they'll be stunning. In any event, the woods make a great backdrop to the views over the reservoirs.
The dog was on form today, obediently returning when we caught sight of the occasional mountain biker and horse riders who were also making the most of the morning. He was though seemingly frustrated that he had to make do with a walk along the shores rather than be allowed a swim and on a number of occasions chose to voice his annoyance by barking loudly. I suspect the fishermen were less than impressed.
As always, Roddlesworth was a great place to visit. Now summer is behind us I've no doubt it will once again become a regular weekend haunt.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 9/10
Today saw us make a welcome return to Roddlesworth woods near Tockholes Village, where we were not dissapointed. Parking at our usual spot near the visitors centre we took the Woods and Water Trail and followed the woodland paths down to the reservoirs where we sat and watched the fly fisherman delicately casting their lines in search of seemingly elusive trout. The leaves haven't yet reached the peak of bronze and gold brilliance but are wel on the way. I expect that by next weekend they'll be stunning. In any event, the woods make a great backdrop to the views over the reservoirs.
The dog was on form today, obediently returning when we caught sight of the occasional mountain biker and horse riders who were also making the most of the morning. He was though seemingly frustrated that he had to make do with a walk along the shores rather than be allowed a swim and on a number of occasions chose to voice his annoyance by barking loudly. I suspect the fishermen were less than impressed.
As always, Roddlesworth was a great place to visit. Now summer is behind us I've no doubt it will once again become a regular weekend haunt.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 9/10
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Worden Park, Shaw Brook and Altcar Lane
Regular visitors to the blog will know that Worden Park is one of our favourite places to walk the dog. Sometimes though it's good to have a bit more of a purposeful walk rather than an aimless wander across the fields and through the woods.
For some reason (possibly to clear my head of yesterday's crushing 4-0 defeat of Exeter City at Huddersfield) today was one of those days so, whilst we set off to Worden, we'd planned an extension to our normal circuit of the park. We set off from the main car park as normal, with the dog chasing his ball endlessly (as is also normal) and headed towards the pond before following Shaw Brook Road along the edge of the football pitches to the white gate at the far side of the park. We continued along Shaw Brook Road, which is little used by traffic, until reaching Leyland Lane. This part of the route was a little disappointing. Recent cutting of the hedges along the road revealed numerous fly tipping sites, so pointless!
The short walk along Leyland Lane gave chance to remind the dog of what "heel" means before we turned down Altcar Lane. Passing open farmland where crazing cattle stared disinterestedly as we passed, we eventually reached Altcar Farm where our path took us left over a stile, before skirting the edge of the farm, through a gate and out in to open farmland. Be warned that we lost our way slightly here as the footpath sign has been removed from the gate. Fortunately for us the helpful and friendly farmer, who had watched us searching up and down for some kind of sign, was happy to show us the way and informed us that whilst the Council had replaced the gate, they'd not yet replaced the sign.
The path led us past hundreds of grazing sheep who, unlike the cattle, were very aware of our presence, before we reached another stile and small bridge over Shaw Brook near Runshaw Hall Lane. The bridge took us back in to the park and we turned left along the riverside path, with the dog off lead once more, before reaching the formal gardens of Worden Hall.
Finally, we headed back towards the car, with dog increasingly aware of the likelihood of a shower in the park's wonderful dog wash. I've never understood how a dog that loves mud and water so much hates the thought of a cold shower!
Despite the rain this morning we had a lovely walk. A well recommended extension to a trip to Worden and great for clearing your head. Huddersfield Town? Who are they?
Doggy rating 7/10
Click here for google map
For some reason (possibly to clear my head of yesterday's crushing 4-0 defeat of Exeter City at Huddersfield) today was one of those days so, whilst we set off to Worden, we'd planned an extension to our normal circuit of the park. We set off from the main car park as normal, with the dog chasing his ball endlessly (as is also normal) and headed towards the pond before following Shaw Brook Road along the edge of the football pitches to the white gate at the far side of the park. We continued along Shaw Brook Road, which is little used by traffic, until reaching Leyland Lane. This part of the route was a little disappointing. Recent cutting of the hedges along the road revealed numerous fly tipping sites, so pointless!
The short walk along Leyland Lane gave chance to remind the dog of what "heel" means before we turned down Altcar Lane. Passing open farmland where crazing cattle stared disinterestedly as we passed, we eventually reached Altcar Farm where our path took us left over a stile, before skirting the edge of the farm, through a gate and out in to open farmland. Be warned that we lost our way slightly here as the footpath sign has been removed from the gate. Fortunately for us the helpful and friendly farmer, who had watched us searching up and down for some kind of sign, was happy to show us the way and informed us that whilst the Council had replaced the gate, they'd not yet replaced the sign.
The path led us past hundreds of grazing sheep who, unlike the cattle, were very aware of our presence, before we reached another stile and small bridge over Shaw Brook near Runshaw Hall Lane. The bridge took us back in to the park and we turned left along the riverside path, with the dog off lead once more, before reaching the formal gardens of Worden Hall.
Finally, we headed back towards the car, with dog increasingly aware of the likelihood of a shower in the park's wonderful dog wash. I've never understood how a dog that loves mud and water so much hates the thought of a cold shower!
Despite the rain this morning we had a lovely walk. A well recommended extension to a trip to Worden and great for clearing your head. Huddersfield Town? Who are they?
Doggy rating 7/10
Click here for google map
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Withnell Local Nature Reserve
I am slightly concerned that I am developing a fascination of disused railway lines! I can't help gazing at the route of the old Chorley to Cherry Tree railway line when I look at my 1:25000 maps of Lancashire, the route marked out by evidence of cuttings and occasional footpaths which give me a longing to be able to walk its entire length. Driving through Abbey Village this morning an uncontrollable urge took over and we found ourselves parked on the bridge which crosses the unmistakable route of the line at the north end of the village.
We followed the footpath sign marked "Brinscall" and "Nature Trail" and immediately found ourselves in the deep railway cutting which is Withnell Local Nature Reserve. It seemed rather odd to be entering the reserve from Abbey Village but, ignoring that, we read some of the interesting local history on the entrance sign.
The line ran from Chorley to Cherry Tree near Blackburn, serving the villages of Heapey, Brinscall and Withnell before closing to passengers in 1960. The line was finally severed in 1968 with the demolition of the Botany Bay viaduct, making way for the M61 motorway. In keeping with our new found fascination with railways, we've tracked down some local history on the Chorley Local History Society website.
The walk led us for a mile or so, mainly through a deep cutting with tree lined embankments and natural grass and wetlands at its base, before leaving the reserve and entering in to more open meadows, including a few small fishing pits, at Brinscall. The whole route was spotlessly tidy and well maintained. Looking at the map afterwards it was clear we'd walked almost right through the middle of Withnell without even realising.
As far as dog walks go, the route was ok. As with most nature reserves its dogs on leads all the way, but the grasslands near Brinscall give a chance for a short off-lead run. An interesting way to spend a hour though.
Perhaps we'll now try to walk the whole route.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 5/10
We followed the footpath sign marked "Brinscall" and "Nature Trail" and immediately found ourselves in the deep railway cutting which is Withnell Local Nature Reserve. It seemed rather odd to be entering the reserve from Abbey Village but, ignoring that, we read some of the interesting local history on the entrance sign.
The line ran from Chorley to Cherry Tree near Blackburn, serving the villages of Heapey, Brinscall and Withnell before closing to passengers in 1960. The line was finally severed in 1968 with the demolition of the Botany Bay viaduct, making way for the M61 motorway. In keeping with our new found fascination with railways, we've tracked down some local history on the Chorley Local History Society website.
The walk led us for a mile or so, mainly through a deep cutting with tree lined embankments and natural grass and wetlands at its base, before leaving the reserve and entering in to more open meadows, including a few small fishing pits, at Brinscall. The whole route was spotlessly tidy and well maintained. Looking at the map afterwards it was clear we'd walked almost right through the middle of Withnell without even realising.
As far as dog walks go, the route was ok. As with most nature reserves its dogs on leads all the way, but the grasslands near Brinscall give a chance for a short off-lead run. An interesting way to spend a hour though.
Perhaps we'll now try to walk the whole route.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 5/10
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
10 days out with dogs in Cornwall
We've had five holidays in Cornwall with dog in tow now so, partly to keep the memories alive, here's a list of our top 10 places to go with your four legged friend:
1. The beach between Rock and Daymar Bay. Miles of golden sands and dunes on which dogs are allowed all year round. Pick up after your dog to keep it that way! The Rock Inn and the Mariners both welcome dry dogs on leads in the bar area.
2. Watergate Bay. The main car park is expensive but when the tide's out the walk along to the far end of the beach is lovely and dogs on leads are welcome all year round. Whilst Jamie Oliver's 15 is off limits for dogs, the Beach Hut below does great food and if you can get a table outside your dog will be very welcome.
3. Deerpark Woods. If you choose to stay at the Forest Holidays site at Deerpark the woods are literally on your doorstep. If not, it's a good place to visit if you're in the Looe area and want a change from the coast path. Make a day of it with a trip to Polperro (which doesn't have much in the way of facilities for dogs other than the coast path) and the extremely welcoming Blue Peter Inn. I'm told the walk between Looe and Polperro is great, but we've not done it yet.
4. The Camel Trail. The discused railway lines run for miles between Bodmin Moor and Padstow. Whilst the track between Padstow and Wadebridge is likely to be backed with cyclists there are plenty of quieter stretches.
5. Bodmin Moor and the Old Inn at St Breward. I confess that we've not pounded the moorland paths on our recent visits but we have made several trips to the Old Inn for good home made food in a traditional pub which is very welcoming to dogs on leads and their owners.
6. The Lizard. The cliffs at the Lizard are high and sheer, so keeping your dog on the lead is an absolute must. Having said that, there are plenty of great walks which link the inland footpaths around Lizard village with coastal paths, and do provide some opportunities for a good game of fetch. When the weather's good dogs are welcome in just about all of the local cafes. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Top House bar area, if you can find a seat!
7. Coverack. The small village of Coverack has a fairly rocky beach but dogs are welcome all year round and the shallow waters are great for paddling. You could combine a trip here with the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, where dogs on leads are welcome in most areas.
8. Mawnan Smith. Many of the footpaths around Mawnan Smith lead you down wooded valleys to small and (in the early mornings) deserted stony beaches. Doggy heaven.
9. St Mawes. Take the Ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes and enjoy the walk up to the castle and round the headland. If you can find the small path down to the beach next to the catle you can pass some time with a paddle and game of fetch before enjoying a pasty on the beach below the Idle Rocks Hotel.
10. Boscastle. Walk alongside the old harbour and up to the National Coastwatch lookout tower. As with many of the coastal paths, dogs on leads is a must as the cliffs are high and steep. Well worth the short walk though. If the weather's good enjoy a cream tea in the numerous cafes. Dogs are very welcome in the Wellington Hotel and bar.
It goes without saying that the hundreds of miles of South West Coast Path provides some great walking and I'm sure you'll find your favourites. Check out the Cornwall Council website for up to date details of dog friendly beaches and the excellent doggiepubs.org website for good places to eat and drink.
Where we've stayed:
Forest Holidays, Deepark Forest
The Lizard Lighthouse Holiday Cottages
Moyles Farm, Polzeath
Mariners Lettings, Rock
The Wellington Hotel, Boscastle
Trembath, Mawnan Smith
Of course you need to check whether dogs are still welcome in these properties, and whether there are any specific restrictions or charges. We've loved them all.
1. The beach between Rock and Daymar Bay. Miles of golden sands and dunes on which dogs are allowed all year round. Pick up after your dog to keep it that way! The Rock Inn and the Mariners both welcome dry dogs on leads in the bar area.
2. Watergate Bay. The main car park is expensive but when the tide's out the walk along to the far end of the beach is lovely and dogs on leads are welcome all year round. Whilst Jamie Oliver's 15 is off limits for dogs, the Beach Hut below does great food and if you can get a table outside your dog will be very welcome.
3. Deerpark Woods. If you choose to stay at the Forest Holidays site at Deerpark the woods are literally on your doorstep. If not, it's a good place to visit if you're in the Looe area and want a change from the coast path. Make a day of it with a trip to Polperro (which doesn't have much in the way of facilities for dogs other than the coast path) and the extremely welcoming Blue Peter Inn. I'm told the walk between Looe and Polperro is great, but we've not done it yet.
4. The Camel Trail. The discused railway lines run for miles between Bodmin Moor and Padstow. Whilst the track between Padstow and Wadebridge is likely to be backed with cyclists there are plenty of quieter stretches.
5. Bodmin Moor and the Old Inn at St Breward. I confess that we've not pounded the moorland paths on our recent visits but we have made several trips to the Old Inn for good home made food in a traditional pub which is very welcoming to dogs on leads and their owners.
6. The Lizard. The cliffs at the Lizard are high and sheer, so keeping your dog on the lead is an absolute must. Having said that, there are plenty of great walks which link the inland footpaths around Lizard village with coastal paths, and do provide some opportunities for a good game of fetch. When the weather's good dogs are welcome in just about all of the local cafes. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Top House bar area, if you can find a seat!
7. Coverack. The small village of Coverack has a fairly rocky beach but dogs are welcome all year round and the shallow waters are great for paddling. You could combine a trip here with the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, where dogs on leads are welcome in most areas.
8. Mawnan Smith. Many of the footpaths around Mawnan Smith lead you down wooded valleys to small and (in the early mornings) deserted stony beaches. Doggy heaven.
9. St Mawes. Take the Ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes and enjoy the walk up to the castle and round the headland. If you can find the small path down to the beach next to the catle you can pass some time with a paddle and game of fetch before enjoying a pasty on the beach below the Idle Rocks Hotel.
10. Boscastle. Walk alongside the old harbour and up to the National Coastwatch lookout tower. As with many of the coastal paths, dogs on leads is a must as the cliffs are high and steep. Well worth the short walk though. If the weather's good enjoy a cream tea in the numerous cafes. Dogs are very welcome in the Wellington Hotel and bar.
It goes without saying that the hundreds of miles of South West Coast Path provides some great walking and I'm sure you'll find your favourites. Check out the Cornwall Council website for up to date details of dog friendly beaches and the excellent doggiepubs.org website for good places to eat and drink.
Where we've stayed:
Forest Holidays, Deepark Forest
The Lizard Lighthouse Holiday Cottages
Moyles Farm, Polzeath
Mariners Lettings, Rock
The Wellington Hotel, Boscastle
Trembath, Mawnan Smith
Of course you need to check whether dogs are still welcome in these properties, and whether there are any specific restrictions or charges. We've loved them all.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Dean Black Brook and Great Hill from White Coppice
Well, it's been a while since our last blog entry. Two weeks rest (hard for a Springer!) and some anti-biotics from the vets saw his cut paw heal well, just in time for a week near Mawnan Smith in Cornwall. Perhaps we'll blog about Cornwall later but for now I'll share with you one of my favourite walks in Lancashire, the trip up Great Hill via Dean Black Brook, from White Coppice.
If I ever wanted to show anyone just how picturesque Lancashire can be, I'd take them to White Coppice on a sunny day. After a stroll round the cricket pitch, gazing across at the stunningly white cottages (and wondering how many windows are broken each summer), I'd take them for a wander past millstone grit outcrops, up the impressive ravine of Dean Black Brook, with its peaty waters tumbling down the fellside, until we reached ruined famhouses and Beech Woodlands high above the Lancashire plain. Rising higher, we'd reach the top of Great Hill and sit at the summit cairn, staring at the stunning views of Blackburn, Preston, Chorley (with the spire of the Temple glistening in the sun). In the far distance we'd spot Blackpool Tower, Heysham Power Station, the Lakes and the distant hills of North Wales before following the wide track back down to the clear waters of the Goyt. Finally, we'd have an ice cream from the cricket pavilion at White Coppice, having seen Lancashire at its best.
Well, that just about sums up todays walk! As far as the dog was concerned it was pretty much on the lead all the way as loads of sheep were grazing on the fellside. He enjoyed it though.
Doggy rating 6/10 (near perfect for humans though!)
Click here for google map.
If I ever wanted to show anyone just how picturesque Lancashire can be, I'd take them to White Coppice on a sunny day. After a stroll round the cricket pitch, gazing across at the stunningly white cottages (and wondering how many windows are broken each summer), I'd take them for a wander past millstone grit outcrops, up the impressive ravine of Dean Black Brook, with its peaty waters tumbling down the fellside, until we reached ruined famhouses and Beech Woodlands high above the Lancashire plain. Rising higher, we'd reach the top of Great Hill and sit at the summit cairn, staring at the stunning views of Blackburn, Preston, Chorley (with the spire of the Temple glistening in the sun). In the far distance we'd spot Blackpool Tower, Heysham Power Station, the Lakes and the distant hills of North Wales before following the wide track back down to the clear waters of the Goyt. Finally, we'd have an ice cream from the cricket pavilion at White Coppice, having seen Lancashire at its best.
Well, that just about sums up todays walk! As far as the dog was concerned it was pretty much on the lead all the way as loads of sheep were grazing on the fellside. He enjoyed it though.
Doggy rating 6/10 (near perfect for humans though!)
Click here for google map.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Langale to Scafell Pike (Cumbria)
There's nothing like a good challenge and with that in mind we set off on Monday to scale England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, from Langdale. Despite over 30 years of walking in the lakes, the ascent from Langdale is one that has evaded me, mainly because I've thought there were easier ways to reach such dizzy heights!
We set off from the Old Dungeon Gill car park soon after 10.00am and after what seemed like a never ending climb up beside Rossett Gill, reached the tranquil waters of Angle Tarn at about 12.00. Of course a quick paddle was in order before setting off again up to Esk Hause and then in to the clouds and a boulder strewn and rough ascent to the summit. Small dogs would find this route very tough!
After a few minutes of being the highest dog and dog owner in England we descended the way we had come, returning once again to the banks of Angle Tarn. This time, the dog enjoyed an extended paddle and swim before we once again set off for the final descent.
A few minutes in to the final stretch of our hike it was clear the dog was struggling and a brief inspection revealed a cut to his pad, probably gained during his watery playtime. Fortunately, the first aid kit was to hand and after some improvised bandaging we slowly (and probably uncomfortably for him) made our way back to the car, arriving back soon after six. It's the first time I've ever used my first aid kit on the fells and I confess that it hadn't really occurred to me that I'd be using it on the dog. There's a lesson in there somewhere for more adventurous owners!
All in all a good days walking, despite the injury. Definitely not a walk I'd put in a "dog walks" category though and consequently I'll not give it a score. Think of it as a mountain challenge and you'll not go far wrong.
Thanks to the new Lake District for Dogs website for giving us the idea. We planned our route and navigated through the clouds using route details from Walkingworld
In case you're wondering, the dog is fine. He'll be restricted to light grass walking for the next week or so though, so plenty of time for me to recover!
We set off from the Old Dungeon Gill car park soon after 10.00am and after what seemed like a never ending climb up beside Rossett Gill, reached the tranquil waters of Angle Tarn at about 12.00. Of course a quick paddle was in order before setting off again up to Esk Hause and then in to the clouds and a boulder strewn and rough ascent to the summit. Small dogs would find this route very tough!
After a few minutes of being the highest dog and dog owner in England we descended the way we had come, returning once again to the banks of Angle Tarn. This time, the dog enjoyed an extended paddle and swim before we once again set off for the final descent.
A few minutes in to the final stretch of our hike it was clear the dog was struggling and a brief inspection revealed a cut to his pad, probably gained during his watery playtime. Fortunately, the first aid kit was to hand and after some improvised bandaging we slowly (and probably uncomfortably for him) made our way back to the car, arriving back soon after six. It's the first time I've ever used my first aid kit on the fells and I confess that it hadn't really occurred to me that I'd be using it on the dog. There's a lesson in there somewhere for more adventurous owners!
All in all a good days walking, despite the injury. Definitely not a walk I'd put in a "dog walks" category though and consequently I'll not give it a score. Think of it as a mountain challenge and you'll not go far wrong.
Thanks to the new Lake District for Dogs website for giving us the idea. We planned our route and navigated through the clouds using route details from Walkingworld
In case you're wondering, the dog is fine. He'll be restricted to light grass walking for the next week or so though, so plenty of time for me to recover!
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