A misty walk on Winter Hill

I've lost count of how many times we've walked up to the trig point on Winter Hill. Despite the array of radio masts, the access road and even occasional evidence of a discarded McDonalds meal wrapper it still has an attraction, which is probably based on its visibility from almost every corner of Lancashire.

With bright sunshine forecast yesterday it seemed like a good time to revisit, and walk from Belmont up past the reservoir before taking the steep but direct route to the summit.

Unfortunately, although Preston was bathed in sunshine, Winter Hill remained shrouded in thick cloud. Undeterred we headed on upwards, enjoying a play with a ball en-route, before reaching the trig point. I failed to spot that the trig had been recently whitewashed so spent a few minutes washing my jacket in the adjacent puddle. Typically, the cloud lifted about 15 minutes after we had descended.

Still, it was enjoyable as always, and, quoting from the Doves, "I'll see you back on Winter Hill'.

A day out on the Llyn Peninsula

Day two of our weekend near Pistyll started early. Perhaps the dog could smell the sea, only a stones throw away from our cottage, or maybe he was just hungry. Either way, we were off down to the rocky beach just after dawn where we once again struggled over the large stones before pausing for a game of fetch by a stream that had ended its short but lively cascade down the hillside.

After a breakfast of bacon and halloumi we decided to take a drive round the Peninsula, stopping first at Abersoch. We were pleasantly surprised to see a fair number of shops which remained open out of season, and wandered down to the beach where the dog enjoyed another good run. The mountains of Snowdonia provided an impressive backdrop.

Next stop was the small village of Aberdaron, the final resting place for pilgrims journeying to Bardsea Island in days gone by. Out of season Aberdaron had a rather somber feel to it. The few small gift shops and cafes were shut, although the terrace of the hotel overlooking the beach seemed to be doing brisk trade, and dogs were welcome. Once again, the dog enjoyed a run on the beach before we made our way back to Pistyll.

After a short rest we headed round the footpaths circling Moel Ty-Gwyn, a small but nicely shaped hill that rises up from the sea. As with yesterday's short walk, the views were great. The dog was unimpressed though, making it clear he much preferred playing with his ball on the beaches and nearby open fields.

Happily for the dog, we ended the afternoon on the fields around Gwylfa, returning to the sheep free enclosure for a game of fetch.

I suspect there won't be too many fireworks around here. If there are, I think the dog will be too tired to care!

A short walk from Pistyll on the Llyn Peninsula

I don't visit North Wales very much. I don't know why, as it's an easy trip from Preston and I love the ruggedness of the landscape. In my student days I spent many weekends camping at Capel Curig, walking in Snowdonia. I've never visited the Llyn Peninsula or much of the Welsh coastline, so today's short walk from Pistyll was a first.

We began near the small church, which was a real delight. Whilst the dog waited patiently outside the open door I took a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet, being careful not to disturb the straw that covers the stone floor.

We then headed across the field adjacent to the church and down the path to the beach. It was near to high tide when we visited, with no sand exposed. Walking on the large pebbles proved difficult so after half an hour or so we retraced our steps up towards the church.

The National Trust land around Gwylfa looked stunning in the afternoon sun so we wandered through sheep filled fields and flowering gorse bushes towards the headland and old quarry workings.

The views back towards Pistyll and Nefyn were great, and we spent a while just watching the world go by before retracing our steps.

Happily, the field by the church was sheep free so the afternoon was rounded off with a game of fetch.

I can see this won't be our last trip to the Llyn!

A dog is for life, and it changes your life!

We had thought about getting a dog for months. Living with my wife's family inbetween house moves had been the turning point. They had a wonderful Springer called Oscar, who would have been about 5 at the time. Oscar was very much part of their family and his unconditional love was clear to see.

To be honest I hadn't imagined we would ever get a dog. We had our new house with a new cream sofa and near white carpets. Hardly the best choice for any prospective dog owners. We had though moved much closer to work (about 10 minutes drive) and gained a decent sized garden.

It was my wife who decided we were to have a dog. She registered on some reputable looking breeder sites and several months later announced a litter of Springers were available from St Helen's. We were soon off to see the pups and, like many people, instantly fell in love.

There was just one dog in the litter. He was amazingly cute. We both knew instantly that, subject to the breeder accepting we were going to give the little chap a good home, he (Finney) was the dog for us.

Our first lesson was that puppies aren't cheap. Bedding, bowls, puppy crate, toys, vaccinations, insurance and the cost of buying Finney from the breeder all mount up very quickly in the first few weeks. Then there was the time off work to make sure he was never really alone for the first few months with us. Holidays away were cancelled in that first year and we did 2 week 'shifts' to make sure Finney settled in to his new surroundings and mastered the basics like toilet training. There were plenty of disturbed nights sleep listening to the pitiful whine from the kitchen so in more ways than one, we were glad of the time off.

Our second big lesson was that puppies can get ill, and that when they do they do downhill rapidly. Soon after his second injections and first walk out, he developed diarrhoea and became lethargic. Within 24 hours he was so weak he couldn't stand. The emergency duty vet gave some injections and care advice but when we finally fell asleep exhausted that night a part of me was terrified that he'd be gone when we awoke. One of the happiest days of my life followed, when our bundle of fluff wandered shakily out of his bed and wagged his tail. If we hadn't known before then, we knew now that the relationship with a dog is special.

As with all special relationships, there are some aspects that need working on. We soon realised that puppy teeth are sharp, like needles. Finney liked nothing better than to launch himself at us and sink those needle sharp teeth in to ankles, cushions or any other closeby object. Chew toys became our greatest assets. A firm 'no' our most used word. In many ways we were lucky though. At no time did he try to eat the kitchen, sofa or any other major item!

Balancing work and home was our next challenge. We found a great local company who were able to come round every lunchtime as needed and take him out for a walk. Although we worked locally, it look the pressure off in terms of having to get home by a certain time at lunchtimes and we soon found it to be an essential part of dog ownership for us. 5 years later, Chris and Martin, who walk him, are now as much a part if his weekday routine as we are.

Training came next. Every week we attended training classes and over 18 months or so progressed to the Gold award. 5 years later the dog might have escaped but I continue to help out as best I can.

So what else has changed for us? Holidays. To be honest we have never been great sun worshipers. For the past 8 years we have headed down to Cornwall once or twice a year. All that really changed for us is that Finney comes too, and we enjoy our holidays even more as a result. There are plenty of good places to stay that welcome dogs. Restaurants may be out of bounds but we have found some amazing pubs and cafes. In nice weather eating pasties or fish and chips on a harbour wall, with a dog drooling at your feet, becomes a treasured memory.

Walking the dog is never a big issue. He is as happy walking down the road, with all its familiar smells, as he is walking further afield. We have enjoyed walks in places across Lancashire that I would never have been to if it hadn't have been for him. Over the past year or so my quest to seek out new places has been replaced by a more relaxed approach, just to enjoy those places which I know are a pleasure to visit. Even a couple of hours with a ball on our local park is great.

Owning a dog is wonderful, but it is huge commitment lasting maybe 10 to 15 years. In that time the dog doesn't grow more independent like a child. It will stay dependant on you for everything it needs, even going out to the toilet. Days out without the dog (football, shopping, fishing and more) will become rarer unless another family member is prepared to stay at home. I have found that raking my wife and friends to the Trafford Centre provides a good excuse to visit Dunham Massey with the dog. As your dog gets to old age it will need you even more, unlike a teenager who will no doubt be trying to spend as little time with you as possible.

A dog really is for life and changes your life, in a big way. For us, getting a dog has been wonderful. Hopefully he'll be with us for many years to come.
Oh, the carpets. Replaced with a darker pattern after about 6 months. Finney owns the sofa!

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!