Over the past year we've been on loads of nice walks and do of course have our favourites. I've come to realise that what makes a good walk for me doesn't necessarily make a good walk for the dog, and that what might be doggy heaven for the dog can turn out to be a muddy wet nightmare for me!
The walks that feature in our current top ten are (in no particular order):
- Anglezarke Reservoir
- Clevelys and Rossall Beach
- Cuerden Valley Park
- Hurst Grange Park
- Hoghton Bottoms and River Darwen Gorge
- Preston Junction Nature Reserve
- Roddlesworth Woods and Reservoir (Tockholes)
- St Annes Beach
- Turton and Entwisle Reservoir
- White Coppice and Great Hill
We've added a poll to the blog so you can vote for your favourite. If your favourite spot isn't listed hear why not leave a comment, and we'll give it a try!
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, October 14, 2007
Sunday, October 07, 2007
River Yarrow Country Park, Chorley (Balshaw Lane Car Park)
The Balshaw Lane entrance to the River Yarrow Country Park car park is clearly signposted off Balshaw Lane. Don't expect the signs at this end of the park to give you an easy time though, if you have no sense of direction, this is not a place for you!
From the car park, we followed the lane past the cricket club and through a kissing gate leading to a muddy farm track through fields. Within a few yards, we had our first decision, to follow a path left, or head straight on. The signs helpfully marked "Footpath" weren't much help so we carried straight on down the main track, and over a stile (the dog could just squeeze underneath) to an open field. Not really sure where we were heading, we crossed the field towards another stile which led, as it turned out, to a path leading beside woodland, above the waste treatment works and down to Common Bank Lane.
Once again, we took a guess at our route and followed a very muddy footpath to the river. The dog took the opportunity for a paddle and dig around on a rather muddy path of sand before we headed off, still not knowing where we were going, up what turned out to be German Lane.
Reassured that we were at least on a road, and seeing the railway tracks that we knew must lead us back up towards Euxton, we headed up the hill, put the dog on the lead and continued until we reached what we knew to be the A49, Preston Road. Not to be dispirited, we practiced our heel work and followed the road back to Balshaw lane and the car.
All in all, not the best trip out, but certainly not the worst. Perhaps we'll return some time to take a guess at which path leads down the river to the south end of the park that we enjoyed last week.
Click here for the Chorley Borough Council website with information about the park
Doggy rating 5/10
From the car park, we followed the lane past the cricket club and through a kissing gate leading to a muddy farm track through fields. Within a few yards, we had our first decision, to follow a path left, or head straight on. The signs helpfully marked "Footpath" weren't much help so we carried straight on down the main track, and over a stile (the dog could just squeeze underneath) to an open field. Not really sure where we were heading, we crossed the field towards another stile which led, as it turned out, to a path leading beside woodland, above the waste treatment works and down to Common Bank Lane.
Once again, we took a guess at our route and followed a very muddy footpath to the river. The dog took the opportunity for a paddle and dig around on a rather muddy path of sand before we headed off, still not knowing where we were going, up what turned out to be German Lane.
Reassured that we were at least on a road, and seeing the railway tracks that we knew must lead us back up towards Euxton, we headed up the hill, put the dog on the lead and continued until we reached what we knew to be the A49, Preston Road. Not to be dispirited, we practiced our heel work and followed the road back to Balshaw lane and the car.
All in all, not the best trip out, but certainly not the worst. Perhaps we'll return some time to take a guess at which path leads down the river to the south end of the park that we enjoyed last week.
Click here for the Chorley Borough Council website with information about the park
Doggy rating 5/10
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Ullswater and Aira Force, Cumbria
A drive along the A592 along the shores of Ullswater gives loads of options for your dog to have a good run around or even a swim. There are various places where you can pull in and park for free, and access the wooded lake shores.
We chose to park at the National Trust car park at Aira Force (free for Members) and had a stroll up the side of the beck to the dramatic waterfalls. The round trip is only a mile or so but well worth a visit, especially after some rain. There are no real off lead opportunities though, and your dog must be well under control near some of the steep drops! The paths are steep and rough in parts.
Returning to the car park, we'd recommend the toffee cake and coffee from the nearby cafe. The lakeside is just a short distance away if you can still manage it afterwards!
Click here for information on the National Trust website
Doggy rating 5/10
We chose to park at the National Trust car park at Aira Force (free for Members) and had a stroll up the side of the beck to the dramatic waterfalls. The round trip is only a mile or so but well worth a visit, especially after some rain. There are no real off lead opportunities though, and your dog must be well under control near some of the steep drops! The paths are steep and rough in parts.
Returning to the car park, we'd recommend the toffee cake and coffee from the nearby cafe. The lakeside is just a short distance away if you can still manage it afterwards!
Click here for information on the National Trust website
Doggy rating 5/10
A run around in Ambleside, Cumbria
Ambleside always seems full of dogs, and I'm sure many of them (and their owners) don't frequent the high fells. With grazing sheep prevalent on most of the lower fells and public footpaths it can sometimes be hard to find somewhere to let the dog have a good run around off the lead.
Borrans Park, on the banks of Lake Windermere, is a good place to spend half an hour or so. It's ideally suited to start or end a walk round Jenkins Crag or Loughrigg. The park is easy to find, next to the A591, beside the Waterhead Hotel and very near to the Steamer Piers. There are several small gently shelving beaches and a large grassy area, ideal for "fetch". When we visited it was quite busy, but we did find a peaceful spot to sit on a wooded crag, whilst the dog ran frantically over the rocks, pleading with us to throw something in the lake.
Unfortunately for him, we didn't fancy dragging a bedraggled dog around Ambleside, so this time he didn't get a swim.
View Larger Map
Doggy rating 5/10
Borrans Park, on the banks of Lake Windermere, is a good place to spend half an hour or so. It's ideally suited to start or end a walk round Jenkins Crag or Loughrigg. The park is easy to find, next to the A591, beside the Waterhead Hotel and very near to the Steamer Piers. There are several small gently shelving beaches and a large grassy area, ideal for "fetch". When we visited it was quite busy, but we did find a peaceful spot to sit on a wooded crag, whilst the dog ran frantically over the rocks, pleading with us to throw something in the lake.
Unfortunately for him, we didn't fancy dragging a bedraggled dog around Ambleside, so this time he didn't get a swim.
View Larger Map
Doggy rating 5/10
Saturday, September 29, 2007
River Yarrow Country Park, Chorley (Birkacre Car Park)
Today was our first visit to the River Yarrow Country Park. The park lies close to Chorley and was created through the redevelopment of the once industrial Birkacre area. Nature has pretty much reclaimed the land and it proved a very pleasant place to spend an hour or two.
Our walk started from the main car park by the Birkacre Visitor Centre. There are a few information boards dotted around the car park and, having looked at a potential route, we headed off on the "woodland walk". A nice path led through a picnic area and up through the woods. We soon lost our way though and had to retrace our steps having reached another park exit somewhere near Longworth Avenue. Not that it mattered, there were plenty of woodland paths to choose from and we soon found ourselves back on a substantial footpath and a bridge over the river Yarrow.
We followed the riverside path up to the weir and continued until we reached what I imagine was a capped coal shaft. Here, the main path seemed to loop back sharply to the left, towards Burgh Lane.
We followed the path up the hill and out on to open scrub land. After a short game of fetch (thistles somewhat spoilt the fun) we worked our way round the trees and down the hillside, returning to the riverside path, and retracing our steps to the bridge.
On reaching the bridgewe decided to take a stroll round the main lodge. Until this point the dog was entirely off lead but I played it safe until I was sure there were no fishermen about. The path round the lodge provided a chance for the dog to attempt to scavenge bread from several children trying to feed the ducks, but unfortunately for him, the ducks were quicker!
We returned to the car park, having walked for a little over an hour, and found a good spot for a further game of fetch.
The park is huge and there are plenty of other places to walk. I'm sure we'll return again.
Click here for further information about the River Yarrow Country Park, on the Chorley Borough Council website.
Doggy rating 7/10
Our walk started from the main car park by the Birkacre Visitor Centre. There are a few information boards dotted around the car park and, having looked at a potential route, we headed off on the "woodland walk". A nice path led through a picnic area and up through the woods. We soon lost our way though and had to retrace our steps having reached another park exit somewhere near Longworth Avenue. Not that it mattered, there were plenty of woodland paths to choose from and we soon found ourselves back on a substantial footpath and a bridge over the river Yarrow.
We followed the riverside path up to the weir and continued until we reached what I imagine was a capped coal shaft. Here, the main path seemed to loop back sharply to the left, towards Burgh Lane.
We followed the path up the hill and out on to open scrub land. After a short game of fetch (thistles somewhat spoilt the fun) we worked our way round the trees and down the hillside, returning to the riverside path, and retracing our steps to the bridge.
On reaching the bridgewe decided to take a stroll round the main lodge. Until this point the dog was entirely off lead but I played it safe until I was sure there were no fishermen about. The path round the lodge provided a chance for the dog to attempt to scavenge bread from several children trying to feed the ducks, but unfortunately for him, the ducks were quicker!
We returned to the car park, having walked for a little over an hour, and found a good spot for a further game of fetch.
The park is huge and there are plenty of other places to walk. I'm sure we'll return again.
Click here for further information about the River Yarrow Country Park, on the Chorley Borough Council website.
Doggy rating 7/10
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Cleveleys and Rossall Beach
The Fylde Coast may not be Cornwall but it can offer plenty of fun for dogs and their owners and is, happily, rather easier to get to from Preston. Having said that, on a sunny day, it can seem as if the whole of Lancashire is heading to the Coast, and you'll need plenty of patience approaching the Windy Harbour traffic lights on the A585.
Our walk this afternoon started at the car park on Cleveleys Promenade, near to the Royal Hotel. The Promenade itself has undergone quite a few changes since we were last there. It's a shame to see the open space around Jubilee Gardens given over to a featureless brick built multiplex cinema and pizza outlet. Having said that, I assume the funding the Council received from selling the car park and land is contributing to the ongoing sea defence works, the "Peoples Prom" and the much improved facilities for kids in the adjacent park.
The dog enjoyed a good splash around as we strolled up the beach towards Rossall. The tide was well in so we did have to give some anglers a wide berth as well as watch for kids throwing stones into the sea. The dog, having recently gained his sea legs, is a little over confident in the water and I had visions of him swimming out through the surf in a doggy impression of Bay Watch.
At the far end of the beach towards Rossall, we were forced up on to the prom by the sea, end enjoyed the walk in front of the sea wall to Fairway. It was busy with people, bikes and dogs along here, but that was fine and gave us a chance to practice some heel work with some major distractions! It probably also made me look pretty stupid, constanlty barking "heel" and taking two steps back every time he pulled, but such is life.
We returned the same way, stopping at the ice cream van in the Promenade car park to try to recapture some of the spirit of last week's holiday. I'm sorry to say that the ice cream of Terry's of Cleveleys just doesn't match Roskilly's of Cornwall. The dog enjoyed the remnants of the cone all the same though.
The views ac cross Morecambe Bay, out to the new Wind Farm and beyond, were great. The dog loved the beach and didn't seem to notice the difference between the clear blue seas and golden sands of Cornwall and the brown seas and slightly grubby shingle of the Fylde. My powers of observation were slightly sharper but it didn't spoil a good afternoon out and we'll return there soon.
Click here for Google Map
Click here for information and pictures relating to the Cleveleys Promenade and Sea Wall Defence Works.
Doggy rating 7/10
Our walk this afternoon started at the car park on Cleveleys Promenade, near to the Royal Hotel. The Promenade itself has undergone quite a few changes since we were last there. It's a shame to see the open space around Jubilee Gardens given over to a featureless brick built multiplex cinema and pizza outlet. Having said that, I assume the funding the Council received from selling the car park and land is contributing to the ongoing sea defence works, the "Peoples Prom" and the much improved facilities for kids in the adjacent park.
The dog enjoyed a good splash around as we strolled up the beach towards Rossall. The tide was well in so we did have to give some anglers a wide berth as well as watch for kids throwing stones into the sea. The dog, having recently gained his sea legs, is a little over confident in the water and I had visions of him swimming out through the surf in a doggy impression of Bay Watch.
At the far end of the beach towards Rossall, we were forced up on to the prom by the sea, end enjoyed the walk in front of the sea wall to Fairway. It was busy with people, bikes and dogs along here, but that was fine and gave us a chance to practice some heel work with some major distractions! It probably also made me look pretty stupid, constanlty barking "heel" and taking two steps back every time he pulled, but such is life.
We returned the same way, stopping at the ice cream van in the Promenade car park to try to recapture some of the spirit of last week's holiday. I'm sorry to say that the ice cream of Terry's of Cleveleys just doesn't match Roskilly's of Cornwall. The dog enjoyed the remnants of the cone all the same though.
The views ac cross Morecambe Bay, out to the new Wind Farm and beyond, were great. The dog loved the beach and didn't seem to notice the difference between the clear blue seas and golden sands of Cornwall and the brown seas and slightly grubby shingle of the Fylde. My powers of observation were slightly sharper but it didn't spoil a good afternoon out and we'll return there soon.
Click here for Google Map
Click here for information and pictures relating to the Cleveleys Promenade and Sea Wall Defence Works.
Doggy rating 7/10
Holiday in Cornwall: The Lizard
Holidays are great, especially when you're lucky enough to have almost two weeks of sunshine whilst staying with our dog in one of the recently converted lighthouse cottages on the Lizard in Cornwall!
The cottages themselves were great for the dog. The floors were tiled or wood, so easily cleaned. Each cottage has a small yard with a solid gate, giving and outside extension to the living space. The Lighthouse Complex is surrounded by a 6 foot high wall keeping you and your dog safe and secure from the surrounding cliffs. Perhaps the only down side of the cottages themselves is the fact that when it's foggy, a very very loud fog horn sounds, which can be heard over 3 miles away. Unsurprisingly, the dog was less than impressed, as we were, on the one night when it sounded. We weren't able to use the "free" earplugs provided as we wanted to be able to hear and reassure our grumbling and barking dog. I don't actually remember whether the dog stopped barking or whether the fog horn stopped, but we did eventually get to sleep, and awoke to wonderful sunshine.
The Lizard point requires you to take care of your dog. A small bowl outside the National Trust shop was dedicated to Skippy, who fell in May 2007. A small bunch of flowers near the top cafe were dedicated to a trusted friend. Posters asked us to look out for a lovely looking Springer Spaniel, who disappeared in early August 2007. My heart went out to those owners and the dogs who had fallen from the very very steep cliffs round here. It served as a warning for the duration of our stay and our excitable and easily distracted dog was never ever off the lead on the cliff tops.
Don't be put off visiting the Lizard with your dog though. We found plenty of places off off lead run arounds which were perfectly safe. There were no sheep at all in the area, only cattle, so paths crossing fields and the many green lanes were generally great places for a good run around. For those staying in the Lizard, I'd recommend the book "Five Walks from the Lizard", available in most local shops and the National Trust car parks, to give you a range of short but really enjoyable walks. These proved ideal for early morning jaunts, and we generally had the whole place to ourselves save for the occasional other friendly dog walker.
The Lizard itself isn't great for dog friendly beaches. The best we found were at Porthoustock and Coverack. Both had plenty of space and were safe for swimming with care. Most other beaches on the Lizard, especially the busy ones such as Kynance, either ban dogs in season or otherwise only allow dogs on leads.
As with our holiday in June, we had a great time, and I think the dog did too. We've never seen him so tired!
Roll on next summer!
The cottages themselves were great for the dog. The floors were tiled or wood, so easily cleaned. Each cottage has a small yard with a solid gate, giving and outside extension to the living space. The Lighthouse Complex is surrounded by a 6 foot high wall keeping you and your dog safe and secure from the surrounding cliffs. Perhaps the only down side of the cottages themselves is the fact that when it's foggy, a very very loud fog horn sounds, which can be heard over 3 miles away. Unsurprisingly, the dog was less than impressed, as we were, on the one night when it sounded. We weren't able to use the "free" earplugs provided as we wanted to be able to hear and reassure our grumbling and barking dog. I don't actually remember whether the dog stopped barking or whether the fog horn stopped, but we did eventually get to sleep, and awoke to wonderful sunshine.
The Lizard point requires you to take care of your dog. A small bowl outside the National Trust shop was dedicated to Skippy, who fell in May 2007. A small bunch of flowers near the top cafe were dedicated to a trusted friend. Posters asked us to look out for a lovely looking Springer Spaniel, who disappeared in early August 2007. My heart went out to those owners and the dogs who had fallen from the very very steep cliffs round here. It served as a warning for the duration of our stay and our excitable and easily distracted dog was never ever off the lead on the cliff tops.
Don't be put off visiting the Lizard with your dog though. We found plenty of places off off lead run arounds which were perfectly safe. There were no sheep at all in the area, only cattle, so paths crossing fields and the many green lanes were generally great places for a good run around. For those staying in the Lizard, I'd recommend the book "Five Walks from the Lizard", available in most local shops and the National Trust car parks, to give you a range of short but really enjoyable walks. These proved ideal for early morning jaunts, and we generally had the whole place to ourselves save for the occasional other friendly dog walker.
The Lizard itself isn't great for dog friendly beaches. The best we found were at Porthoustock and Coverack. Both had plenty of space and were safe for swimming with care. Most other beaches on the Lizard, especially the busy ones such as Kynance, either ban dogs in season or otherwise only allow dogs on leads.
As with our holiday in June, we had a great time, and I think the dog did too. We've never seen him so tired!
Roll on next summer!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall
We'll soon be off to Cornwall again for two weeks of relaxation in the sunshine. Ok, maybe relaxation isn't the word as we'll have our Springer Spaniel with us, but I'm sure we'll have a good time.
Our last trip proved to us that Cornwall was a fairly dog friendly County, with many pubs and shops happy to allow the dog in, and plenty of beaches and nice walks if you know where to find them. Whilst dog bans do exist there are plenty of alternatives.
There are lots of sites which list dog friendly beaches in Cornwall such as www.thecornishcoast.co.uk
If there are any sat nav users out there I have created a waypoint/POI file of dog friendly beaches in cornwall which you can upload to your GPS. The waypoints are in a .loc file.
If you want a copy of the file leave a comment and I'll mail it to you
If you do use the GPS files, just double check the signs when you get to your destination. On some beaches it's just part of the beach that is open to dogs.
Happy holidays! We'll think of you when we're high on the cliffs, gazing out at the sea, listening to the distant sound of the waves washing the shore.
Our last trip proved to us that Cornwall was a fairly dog friendly County, with many pubs and shops happy to allow the dog in, and plenty of beaches and nice walks if you know where to find them. Whilst dog bans do exist there are plenty of alternatives.
There are lots of sites which list dog friendly beaches in Cornwall such as www.thecornishcoast.co.uk
If there are any sat nav users out there I have created a waypoint/POI file of dog friendly beaches in cornwall which you can upload to your GPS. The waypoints are in a .loc file.
If you want a copy of the file leave a comment and I'll mail it to you
If you do use the GPS files, just double check the signs when you get to your destination. On some beaches it's just part of the beach that is open to dogs.
Happy holidays! We'll think of you when we're high on the cliffs, gazing out at the sea, listening to the distant sound of the waves washing the shore.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Cuerden Valley Park Revisited
I'm sure every dog and their owner has a favourite spot. Ours is Cuerden Valley Park, close to the junction of the M6, M61 and M65, just South of Preston. The Park has open meadows, a stream, woods and a lake. What more could a dog want?
Our normal route starts near to Cuerden Hall but today, for a change, we parked at the car park on Sheep Hill Road. We walked through the gate from the car park and through the meadow to the right of the stream. The grass had recently been cut, allowing the dog to hone his sniffing skills looking for his ball buried in the loose cuttings.
After half a mile or we joined the main gravelled path leading through the Park, and took the footpath leading off up the hill to the left through Gravel Hole Wood. The path winds its way through the woods, crossing a wooden bridge high above a small stream, before descending down to the Lake.
There are some picnic tables by the lake, so if you're dog is a scavenger like ours, watch out! This morning we only had some fishermen for company so quickly passed by down to a meadow by the steam, next to a small stone bridge. Once again, there are picnic tables here so on a sunny day make an early or late visit if your dog is likely to harass feasting picnickers.
If ever there was a spot designed for dogs the meadow next to the stream is it. The stream is generally shallow, so safe for splashing around in. The meadow is great for a game of fetch, with long and uncut grass at one end ideally for sniffing around in. Best of all, the meadow lies at the junction of all main routes through the park so you can rest a while while your dog is entertained by every other visiting dog.
We returned to the car park walking along the bank of the stream for much of the way, foolishly hoping that the dog would dry off by the time we got back to the car. Needless to say, he ran in to the water less than 100 yards from our final destination so needed a good towel dry before leaving for home.
What more could a dog want? Click here for map
The Park does not receive any funding from local or County Councils to fund the up-keep of the Park, or from wildlife charities and trusts to maintain wildlife habitats. The Trustees welcome any help Park users can offer, including volunteering, making a donation to the Park directly or by joining the 'Friends' group. The Friends annual subscription is just £15.00 per household; visit the Friends page for more details.
We love this place. Doggy rating 9/10
Our normal route starts near to Cuerden Hall but today, for a change, we parked at the car park on Sheep Hill Road. We walked through the gate from the car park and through the meadow to the right of the stream. The grass had recently been cut, allowing the dog to hone his sniffing skills looking for his ball buried in the loose cuttings.
After half a mile or we joined the main gravelled path leading through the Park, and took the footpath leading off up the hill to the left through Gravel Hole Wood. The path winds its way through the woods, crossing a wooden bridge high above a small stream, before descending down to the Lake.
There are some picnic tables by the lake, so if you're dog is a scavenger like ours, watch out! This morning we only had some fishermen for company so quickly passed by down to a meadow by the steam, next to a small stone bridge. Once again, there are picnic tables here so on a sunny day make an early or late visit if your dog is likely to harass feasting picnickers.
If ever there was a spot designed for dogs the meadow next to the stream is it. The stream is generally shallow, so safe for splashing around in. The meadow is great for a game of fetch, with long and uncut grass at one end ideally for sniffing around in. Best of all, the meadow lies at the junction of all main routes through the park so you can rest a while while your dog is entertained by every other visiting dog.
We returned to the car park walking along the bank of the stream for much of the way, foolishly hoping that the dog would dry off by the time we got back to the car. Needless to say, he ran in to the water less than 100 yards from our final destination so needed a good towel dry before leaving for home.
What more could a dog want? Click here for map
The Park does not receive any funding from local or County Councils to fund the up-keep of the Park, or from wildlife charities and trusts to maintain wildlife habitats. The Trustees welcome any help Park users can offer, including volunteering, making a donation to the Park directly or by joining the 'Friends' group. The Friends annual subscription is just £15.00 per household; visit the Friends page for more details.
We love this place. Doggy rating 9/10
Friday, August 03, 2007
Keswick and Friars Crag (Cumbria)
We seem to have spent all of our days out in the Lake District over the past month or so, despite the weather! Today we had a run up to Keswick for a wander round the shops, a nice along the shores of Derwent Water, followed by fish and chips - who could want more!
We parked up at the Central Car park in Keswick and had a good wander round the nearby shops. The centre of Keswick is pedestrianised so it makes life easy wandering round with the dog. Some of the shops, such as Cotswold, were happy to welcome dogs.
After a bit of lunch we followed the clearly signed route to the Lake, passing the Lakeside car park before arriving at the shores of Derwent Water and numerous landing stages.
A good path leads along the lake shore for half a mile or so to the wonderful viewpoint of Friars Crag. Even though it today was wet and wild the views across to Cat Bells were great. The jaws of Borrowdale were well hidden in the mist though! There are places along this path where you can access the lake shore and some dogs were off lead having a good run round the "beach" and a swim. We didn't risk an off lead run here.
After admiring the view from the crag, retrace your steps a little way and follow the path right, continuing along the lake shore. Passing through a gate we entered a large field adjoining the lake. There were no livestock around today so we could let the dog off lead. It's great place for a good run around, game of fetch and a paddle. Fortunately, he didn't manage to get too muddy and we continued along the path through Ings wood.
This path ultimately leads to the Borrowdale road and you can follow it, adjacent to the road, and back to the landing stages via Cockshott Wood. We didn't fancy the roadside walk so retraced our steps, with another quick run in the field on the way.
The day ended with huge portions of fish and chips at the "old Keswickian" chippy next to the Moot Hall.
Visitors to the blog may think our lives consist of shopping, dog walking and eating...at the moment you'd be right!
Click here for a useful Lake District National Park link "miles without stiles". It's obviously aimed at those with wheelchairs or buggies but looked like a nice set of relatively short dog walks.
Doggy rating 6/10
We parked up at the Central Car park in Keswick and had a good wander round the nearby shops. The centre of Keswick is pedestrianised so it makes life easy wandering round with the dog. Some of the shops, such as Cotswold, were happy to welcome dogs.
After a bit of lunch we followed the clearly signed route to the Lake, passing the Lakeside car park before arriving at the shores of Derwent Water and numerous landing stages.
A good path leads along the lake shore for half a mile or so to the wonderful viewpoint of Friars Crag. Even though it today was wet and wild the views across to Cat Bells were great. The jaws of Borrowdale were well hidden in the mist though! There are places along this path where you can access the lake shore and some dogs were off lead having a good run round the "beach" and a swim. We didn't risk an off lead run here.
After admiring the view from the crag, retrace your steps a little way and follow the path right, continuing along the lake shore. Passing through a gate we entered a large field adjoining the lake. There were no livestock around today so we could let the dog off lead. It's great place for a good run around, game of fetch and a paddle. Fortunately, he didn't manage to get too muddy and we continued along the path through Ings wood.
This path ultimately leads to the Borrowdale road and you can follow it, adjacent to the road, and back to the landing stages via Cockshott Wood. We didn't fancy the roadside walk so retraced our steps, with another quick run in the field on the way.
The day ended with huge portions of fish and chips at the "old Keswickian" chippy next to the Moot Hall.
Visitors to the blog may think our lives consist of shopping, dog walking and eating...at the moment you'd be right!
Click here for a useful Lake District National Park link "miles without stiles". It's obviously aimed at those with wheelchairs or buggies but looked like a nice set of relatively short dog walks.
Doggy rating 6/10
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