Don't Cook Your Dog

Ok, so we're not having the best of summers, and on a wet and miserable day like today it's easy to forget that temperatures can soar in the UK. All the more reason then to remind ourselves of a new campaign entitled, simply, 'Don't Cook Your Dog'. I can't imagine there is any dog owner that doesn't know that dogs die in hot cars. Why is it then that every year dogs are left and dogs die? Perhaps it's because people think 'it's only for 10 minutes', 'it's not that hot', 'the windows are down' or even 'it's cloudy at the moment'. Remember then that it only takes 10 minutes, even with the windows down, for temperatures to rise high enough in your car to cook your dog. Remember too that with our changeable weather, it can go from cloudy to sunny in 5 minutes. Most of all, remember your dog is more than likely your best friend and you'd never do anything to put him at risk.



http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/2011/06/dont-just-get-mad-stop-it-ever.html

Preston Pooches Parade - Sunday 10th July

Preston Pooches Parade takes place this Sunday morning at Preston Grasshoppers RFC. It will be a great chance to meet up with fellow dog walkers, have a bacon roll and a drink, exercise your dog and help to raise money for good causes at thecsame time. Entry is £10 per dog, which includes a roll, drink, doggie bag and certificate. Who could wish for more! More details on the Preston Grasshoppers website

Horrocks Wood - Bolton

Set within the foothills of Winter Hill, Horrocks Wood is a bad weather alternative to a walk on the higher moors. It was for that reason that we visited a couple of weeks ago, when Winter Hill was shrouded in mist and drizzle, making a trip to the summit from the car park at Horrocks Wood an uninviting proposition.

We parked up at the newly refurbished Scout Road car park and were immediately able to allow the dog off lead, free to sniff his way round the many network of paths that criss cross the rugged hillside. To call it a wood is slightly misleading. Whilst there are trees in abundance, much of the area is rough grassland with occasional ponds and boggy patches. The paths are good though and a freshly surfaced bridleway is a good option to keep the mud at bay. Avoid it though if your dog is partial to eating rubber as the entire track is made of what appears to be small bits of recycled tyres!

The views over Bolton towards Manchester were good. Eventually the sun came out and we could make out both Jodrell Bank and the Chill Factor next to the Trafford Centre, which looked quite stunning as the sun reflected off the sloping roof.

We didn't really have a route in mind but wandered happily for a few miles towards Bolton before working our way back to the car. It would be hard to get lost here!


Perhaps not a place we'd make a special trip to visit, but a good wet weather alternative to the trip up Winter Hill.


Click here for Google Map
Click here for the Forestry Commission site


Doggy rating 6/10

Natural Retreats in Yorkshire

Experiences can make the best birthday presents, and I assume it was with that in mind that my better half booked a February weekend away on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Looking at the Metcheck 14 day forecast a few weeks ago, rain and strong winds were forecast. Metcheck is one of the most accurate forecasting sites I've come across so it was no great surprise when we encountered heavy rain, roads turned in to rivers and spectacular waterfalls cascading down the hillsides as we took the scenic route from Preston to Richmond via Skipton and Kettlewell.

Our home for the weekend was at Natural Retreats, just outside Richmond. Their website reads "The award winning design, modern open plan living and sustainable build are only a few highlights of these superb residences which offer perfect self catering holidays Yorkshire Dales." As we drove down the long and heavily rutted track to our "Eco Cabin" we weren't disappointed. Despite the poor weather the views across Swaledale were great and there were clearly acres of rough grassland and woods on the doorstep to keep the dog entertained. Perfect for a wet and wild weekend!


No need to leave the site for a good walk!

After a an hour or so playing with his ball the dog was happy enough to curl up on his bed near to the fantastically cosy wood burner, rising occasionally to stare out of the huge windows in hope of glimpsing one of the many rabbits and pheasants that hopped and strolled across the grass outside.

The site is big enough not to need to venture far and Saturday morning's walk took in a couple of miles of walking, almost entirely within the boundary walls. It was then off for a trip to Reeth, where we had heard good reports about the Dog Friendly Kings Arms Hotel. On arrival it was hard to miss the "lease this pub" banners adoring the facade. Undeterred we went inside and joined one elderly lady inside, who was finishing a pot of tea. Perhaps unfairly we decided that a pub with a good reputation for food should have more than two punters and a dog awaiting Saturday lunch so after (a good) pint of Theakstons Best we took a short stroll around the village before heading to the historic town of Richmond for the afternoon.

Happily the rain held off so we enjoyed a walk around Richmond without getting wet. We again struggled to find a good food serving pub which looked like it would welcome damp dogs so we took our chances as sat outside, pretending it was summer, eating fish and chips from what was clearly a popular place on the main square. We contemplated a trip to the dog friendly Richmond Castle but decided that given the weather, we'd save it for another visit.


The woodland trail

Returning to the site gave another chance for an hour or two in the fields and woods before returning for another cosy night in front of the fire.


Wet and misty early morning


One of the cabins set in a disused quarry

You might have to wait for special offers if there are only a few of you but a short break at Natural Retreats in Yorkshire is recommended. The only down side was that, despite the weather, it was all over too soon!

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!

Pen-y-ghent and Plover Hill from Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Almost 30 years ago I walked most of the Pennine Way on a family holiday with mum, dad and one of my brothers. I say most because we did a cut down version to fit in to our 2 week holiday. Our trip that year started at the bridge over the M62 and (I think) ended around Housteads Fort at Hadrian's Wall. We did though walk between the two, which I was quite impressed with at the time. They say though that you always remember the sins of your youth and one of my memories is "not being bothered" whether we walked to the top of Pen-y-ghent or descended to what was probably an overnight stay in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Now, may years later I have to some extent made up for that omission and finally reached the top of what must be one of the most famous peaks in England.

It was thanks to Dave Brown (@KidstyPike) and his Wainwright Wanderings website that I ended up in the Dales on this particular day. Having tweeted to say I would be doing one of the many walks on his website this weekend I felt almost obliged to make sure I kept to my word rather than take the easy option of a short trip to the West Pennines, so thanks Dave for that.

Our route began at the car park at Horton-in-Ribblesdale were we followed the well signed bridleway out of the village and along a short stretch of quiet road before making our way out on to more open land. There were loads of sheep around so it was dog-on-lead as we followed the well trodden path up towards the limestone scars which crossed our route. It pays to be prepared on walks such as this and the flexi-lead was soon out of the rucksack to made the short scrambles a little easier!

The final stretch up to the summit is an easy scramble but could be awkward if your dog isn't used to the rougher aspects of the great outdoors. Small dogs in particular might need an occasional bunk up the limestone steps! The summit itself was packed with around 40 walkers, 10 dogs and a steady stream of cyclists participating in a 3 Peaks race. Undeterred we joined them up against a wall which provided a bit of shelter whilst I (I mean we) tucked in to sausage roll with apple sauce.

Well fed and watered we walked where Dave had not had time in the walk that inspired our visit, following the deserted and boggy path towards Plover Hill. With no sheep in sight the dog enjoyed a mile or two of off-lead walking before we reached the most difficult obstacle of our route, a 6 foot wooden stile. Our walks on Pendle Hill have perfected our approach to such stiles, dog lifted up, big strong wait command, both perched on top, me down, dog lifted down.....not fun with a muddy dog and a slightly dodgy back. This route is definitely not an option if you cannot cope with stiles like this as another followed 5 minutes later!

A steep descent followed with dog back on lead over the grouse moors followed by a couple of miles of very pleasant walking along a bridleway towards the impressive gaping chasm of Hull Pot. From there, our descent was easy, following the bridleway back down to Horton. Happily, the Pen-y-ghent Cafe serves tea and cake which I (we) thoroughly enjoyed. Happy but tired, it was back to the car for the hour or so trip home.

Although we really enjoyed this walk it won't be for everyone. If you can't lift your dog to shoulder height, perch on a stile with him and lift him down again (twice) then don't continue to Plover Hill. If you or your dog have trouble with scrambles then choose another walk altogether - there are plenty of lower level great walks to choose from around here.

Sunnyhurst Woods (Darwen)

Last weekend saw our first trip to Sunnyhurst Woods just outside Darwen. We've walked past the woods many times whilst walking alongside Earnsdale Reservoir en-route to Jubilee Tower but never ventured in.

Our trip began at the (busy) car park at the top of Earnsdale Road. The car park is well tucked away but gives direct access to the woods and a choice of footpaths. A small sign at the entrance suggested a path led up to the reservoir and back down alongside a stream so off we went, with the dog running in his usual crazed fashion when he senses water may be nearby.



There's not a lot to say about our route as we just meandered through the woods, deciding which path to take as we went. It was hard to get lost though as whilst it feels very remote, you're never more than half a mile or so from your car. The woods are full of surprises and in a way the surprise element was the best thing about the place. In the lower stretches a new scene presents itself around every turn. A bandstand in the woods, ornate ponds and bridges crossing the brook all made it a really interesting place to be.....and the dog loved it.

The woodland was established in the 1800s to provide cover and established as a park in 1903. Although quiet when we visited a frequent visitor told me it does get incredibly busy in summer so perhaps autumn would be a good time to make a trip. It's unlikely you'll be disappointed, particularly if you fancy a longer walk and take a trip up to the Tower.

Click here for directions

Another week in dog friendly Cornwall

It was summer when we left Lancashire last week for another trip to Cornwall. Holidays with dogs in Cornwall are great!

Listening to the rain outside and having endured an 8 hour return journey today it now feels firmly like autumn. On the plus side, we should have some nice woodlands walks over the next few months.

Our latest trip was to the Forest Holidays site at Deerpark Woods, not too far from Looe. We've been to the site several times before and although the interior of our log cabin was in need of a lick of paint it was a good spot to stay, with woodland walks quite literally on the doorstep.

We made return visits to some of our previous haunts but added a few new dog friendly places to our list. Perranporth beach was the most welcome new addition....although busy near the car parks the beach is massive when the tide is out and dogs are allowed all year round. The Jubilee Inn at Pelynt was the second...very busy (booking advisable, even in the bar where you can take your dog) but the food was fantastic. Really friendly landlord and landlady too.

Off the list of favourite spots was the Ship Inn at Lerryn. Previously a great place to eat with our dog it remained welcoming but the food was nowhere near the standard of past years. Still worth a visit for a drink and a stroll by the river but not worth a special trip.

Saviour of the holiday was the dogs Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots. Having cut his paw the week before last he needed some protection whilst out and about. He was happy to wear just one boot on the injured paw which gave his pad some additional protection for the first few days we were away. Although it's now almost two weeks since he's had a play with his beloved ball his pad is pretty well healed and we could manage some short walks and even a paddle by the end of the week. Highly recommended!

A walk around Yarrow Reservoir

Inspiration and information for new walks comes from many sources. Twitter has proved great recently for exchanging ideas with others (it does have a use!) but last weekend's inspiration came courtesy of a YouTube search for "West Pennines" and a user called "upforlastnameleft" who has uploaded a video called "My favourite walk".

Suitably inspired, and thinking that perhaps we'd avoid the crowded areas of Rivington and Anglezarke, we took a trip out to Yarrow last Sunday. Our route began on the dam between Upper Rivington and Anglezarke Reservoirs from where we headed on the signed track to the bowling club/cafe car park. The track does see some traffic from cars either going to the anglers car park or houses a mile or so away so it was dog on lead for a while here. The route was pleasant though, passing through trees until reaching a stile (lift required!) next to Dean Wood House.

From here we headed over the fields with views down to the water below. Crossing over another stile and another field we soon joined the road near Alance Bridge. A short stretch of quiet road walking followed before joining the obvious bridleway to complete our round trip. The start of this last stretch was a clear highlight,with great views through the trees to Anglezarke, as seen in the video. The dog was also able to run off lead on this stretch so it was a winner all round.

Given it was a busy Sunday it was incredibly quiet on this walk. Thanks very much to "upforlastnameleft"for sharing it with us.

Click here for google map

Doggy rating 6/10 (water everywhere but not a drop to swim in!)