The wilds of Turton Moor

We gave Roddlesworth a rest yesterday and decided instead to take a blustery trip around Turton Moor. The walk was a wild one, with rarely a soul in site and only the faintest of footpaths at times. At all times though, we were only a short walk from either the well trodden path that marks the Witton Weavers Way or the roads leading from Cadshaw to Belmont.

Our walk began at the United Utilities Car Park at Slipper Lowe, Roddlesworth Woods. Crossing the road, we took the path through fields signed "Lions Den" to the well trodden path leading steeply upwards between Darwen Moor and Turton Moor. The views from the top towards Winter Hill and the Lancashire coast to the west, and to the Pennine moors in the east, were spectacular.

Descending towards Cadshaw, we crossed over a stile on the right of the path, over a new stretch of fencing on to open moorland. Our route followed a faint path alongside the fence and through a number of ruined farmsteads, before we caught fleeting glimpses of Entwistle Reservoir through the wooded valley below.

We continued around Turton Moor, passing close to Charters Moss Plantion, before rejoining the Witton Weavers Way, and a good track, near to Pasture House Farm. The track led us back above Belmont Reservoir and back to our starting point.

Almost all of the walk crosses Access Land and consequently the dog was on the lead throughout. He wasn't bothered though, and was suitably tired by the end. The walk took us about an hour and a half, and involved several stiles over which I had to lift the dog. Not the greatest dog walk in the world but enjoyable for Dogs Dad none the less.

Click here for a rather featureless Google map. You will need an OS map, and a compass if you're undertaking this in bad weather.

Doggy rating 5/10

A short walk from Devil's Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale

Devil's bridge, at Kirkby Lonsdale, is a mecca for bikers but also provided a nice spot (on a quiet day) for the dog to have a good run around on the stony "beach" beside the river Lune followed by a riverside walk through the Mill Brow Nature Reserve. Visit on a bank holiday Monday at your peril!

Our short walk began by the bridge, where we spend a good half an hour on the stony beach by the river whilst the dog chased various sticks and destroyed (through constant pawing) the carrier bag that housed the many doggy treats we'd bought at the Animal Emporium in the town. The river was shallow and fast running where we camped out, but there were some deep pools which were being enjoyed by other four legged friends.

We followed the obvious footpath beside the river, which led us past football pitches below the town and the Mill Race behind the church.

Short but nice! Click here for Google map

Lunch was had at the Highwayman Inn at Burrow. The food was good and the dog was welcome on the Garden Terrace. Probably not a good place to visit after your walk if it's muddy or wet!

Doggy rating 7/10

A weekend in Grasmere

"Random Barking" is the term we use to describe the dog's unpredictable periods of barking for no apparent reason, probably because he's heard a car door shut half a mile away and thinks a doggy treat is about to arrive at the front door. "Random Barking" has occurred quite a lot recently, often late in the evening or early morning, when Dogs Mum and Dad are attempting to sleep.

It was then with some trepidation that we set off to stay at the Red Lion Hotel in Grasmere last weekend, on our first visit to a dog friendly hotel. Before arrival we had a trip to the Western Lakes, taking in the little Railway at Eskdale and a short walk and a run around the woods at the nearby Stanley Ghyll. We reached Grasmere late in the afternoon and after checking in the dog had a good sniff round his new surroundings, clearly finding some good smells to keep him entertained for a while.

We ate in the Lamb Inn, which is adjacent to the hotel. The dog was made very welcome and offered a few treats and water, and Dog's mum and dad enjoyed a few drinks in the bar.

Night time soon came and the dog didn't disappoint. After about 10 minutes, and a brief spell of Random Barking as residents drifted back to their rooms, the dog was firmly stationed on his lead next to the bed, under orders to be quiet! Happily, he stayed that way and soon adjusted to his new surroundings, giving a peaceful remainder of our stay.

Our second evening was spent al-fresco in the Ash Cottage Hotel, which was virtually deserted following the afternoon's thunderstorms.

There were several options for short walks around Grasmere, which is lovely at dog waking up time around 6.30am. We took in a short early morning walk up the road towards Easedale Tarn and round the woods at the back of Butharlyp How, footpaths alongside the river and a lovely path alongside Grasmere itself, which was fenced from adjacent fields so fine for off-lead walking.

We also visited Grizedale Forest, which was great dog walking territory. A few words of advice though, watch for mountain bikers and watch out for humans flying through the air (they certainly gave the dog a fright) as they traverse the high ropes and decent from aerial runways which form the "Go Ape" attraction at Grizedale.

Fortunately the weather was great so hoteling with the dog was fine, but it could have been difficult had we returned wet and bedraggled. The Red Lion itself was comfortable but expensive for our needs, which didn't really include the leisure facilities on offer. We'll no doubt return to stay in Grasmere but a simple cottage would probably be a better option for us.

Click here for the Red Lion website

Haslingden Grane and Calf Hey Reservoir

We were up early this morning, missing the rain that now seems to have set in, for a three to four mile trip round Haslingden Grane.

We intended to park at the United Utilities visitor centre car park at Clough Head but since the car park was still gated and locked (note it closes at 4.00pm) we had to make do with a layby a short way up the road.

Wandering back to the car park wasn't particular pleasant owing to the vast amounts of discarded rubbish lining the A6177 Grane Road, but it was soon over with and we joined our intended footpath, leading just to the left of the visitor centre. The route was well signed "Rossendale Way" and lead us through moorland, alongside some small coppices, and back down to the road. Sheep were everywhere, and the dog was less than impressed with being kept on the lead.

Crossing the road and joining another signed track just to the left, we passed through fields of cattle which, fortunately, were not in the slightest bit interested in the dog. Here, the walk became more interesting, passing through the many ruined buildings which line the valley, reminders of the Grane's past existence, which included illegal Whiskey Distilling, before the valley was flooded to provide water for the growing industrial towns.

The dog too enjoyed the second half of the walk, with no sheep or cattle in sight, he was able to run through the woodland off lead, seemingly sniffing every blade of grass along the way.

The final part of the walk led us round Calf Hey Reservoir, still following the Rossendale Way signs, before heading down and over the dam and back up the signed footpath to our starting point.

It took us about an hour and a quarter to complete the walk but we didn't stop for long along the way. The dog had to be on the lead for much of the route, as we passed fields of sheep and cattle, and crossed Access Land. The off lead spots more than made up for it though, and it's certainly a spot we'll return to.

Click here for google map

Doggy rating 6/10

Dog Friendly Pubs

We've found quite a few dog friendly pubs whilst visiting Cumbria and Cornwall but haven't visited many dog friendly pubs in Lancashire. There are a few websites out there which given general pub reviews but not many that seem to be aimed specifically at dog owners, listing pubs that allow dogs.

The best site we've come across is http://www.doggiepubs.org.uk
Basically there are three criteria that the supporters of Doggie Pubs website give the thumbs up to:

- where good wines and beer are well kept
- where you can eat well
- where your well-behaved dog is welcome to be with you while you eat.

If you're looking for a dog friendly pub have a look at this site and, together, we can help keep an up to date list of the best dog friendly pubs in Lancashire and beyond.

http://www.doggiepubs.org.uk

Doggie Pubs supports the Border Terrier Welfare Charity http://www.borderterrierwelfare.org.uk/.

Lanes and fields from Leyland Road

Much to the dog's delight we managed a walk of about an hour and a half, mainly on country lanes and footpaths this morning, without setting foot in the car. Best of all, our starting point was near to Leyland Road, only a mile or so from the centre of Preston.

We headed off on one of regular routes down Bee Lane. It's a lovely stroll, past the stables and over the cross roads, leading to a private lane and ending with a gate and stile, where the footpath leads over open fields.

After manoeuvring the dog over the stile, and keeping a watchful eye on nearby grazing cattle, we followed the path over the Penwortham Way bypass and through more open fields to a farm track which led us to Green Lane. Judging by the dog's excitement, I think the muck spreader had passed by recently but fortunately the dry weather of the past few days gave little opportunity for him to make the most of it!

Our route was completed with a circuit of Newgate Lane, Chain House Lane and Pope Lane before retracing our steps to home. Not before though the dog had launched himself into the biggest muddy puddle in sight, so ruining (for me anyway) an otherwise nice clean walk!

Click here for Google map

Doggy rating 6/10

Ullswater, Glenridding to Howtown (Cumbria)

The dog wasn't happy being relegated to the hatchback for today's trip to the lakes, whilst his new found Cairn Terrier friend was allowed on its mums lap on the back seat. Eventually though ,we arrived at the main car park next to the visitor centre at Glenridding, ready for a relatively gentle wander round the lake shore to Howtown, with a return by Ullswater Steamer.

A large open field next to the Steamer Pier provided an early highlight for the dog, with not a sheep in sight he was able to had a quick run with his ball and show off some of his skills learnt at dog training school. Soon though it was time to head off along the footpath to Patterdale before crossing the head of the lake to the far bank.

The path stayed close to the shore throughout but with the risk of sheep at lambing time, the dog was pretty much on the lead throughout. Each time we dropped through the trees and low level crags to the rocky shoreline the dog went frantic, longing for an ice cold swim. It wasn't to be though and after about three and a half hours we arrived at the steamer pier at Howtown, ending with a rather rushed final half mile whilst we walked and watched the steamer getting closer and closer to the pier. All ended well though and we arrived just as the passengers were embarking for the return to Glenridding.

The day was rounded off with a pub lunch at the Travellers Rest at Glenridding. The pub is set back about 600 yards from the main road but is well recommended. It's not listed as "dog friendly" but the landlord was quite happy to let the dogs join us in the bar area. The surroundings were simple and a roaring fire and good pub grub were just what was needed. Had we been really wet and bedraggled there was a good sheltered area which could have been a godsend.

Click here for the Ullswater Steamers website

Click here for the Travellers Rest website

Doggy rating 6/10 (because there were relatively few places where we felt able to let him off the lead)

The Watermill Inn at Ings (Cumbria)

After yesterday mornings jaunt round Lostock Hall and Farington Moss we decided that we'd earnt a luch out, so it was off in the car up to the Lakes to try out the Watermill Inn at Ings.

Ings is one of those places that we've driven past hundreds of times on the way to Windermere or Ambleside, occasionally stopping at the garage to stock up on food or to buy a forgotten map (we must have at least four copies of the Landranger South Eastern Fells Map!). We did know that the Watermill, which lies just off the main road at Ings, between Kendal and Windermere, had a good reputation and has been a "dog friendly pub" award winner in past years. Yesterday we decided to stop off and give it a try.

In short, the dog loved it, and so did we. The large left hand bar doesn't just allow dogs, they are postively welcomed with a bowl of water and biscuits served at the table - fantastic service! The selection of real ales was admired by Dogs Dad, who was unfortunately driving so didn't have chance to sample them, and the bar menu was superb. The Cumberland Sausage and Lamb Shank were great. The locals we spoke to clearly loved their dogs, even pointing out the pictures of them on the wall by the bar, and were very welcoming.

The walk up the gated road next to the pub provides for some gentle exercise after you, and your dog, have over indulged.

Well worth a visit. We'll definately return.

Probably the best dog friendly pub we've visited, certainly the best in the the North West.

Doggy rating 10/10

http://www.watermillinn.co.uk/

Farington Lodges

Farington Lodges are tucked away in Farington Moss, close to Lostock Hall. The lodges themselves are fairly small, with a couple of tree lined footpaths leading alongside the banks, and adjacent to the railway tracks, for half a mile or so. The lodges probably aren't worth a special visit but of you live locally it's a nice addition to your walk.

Todays early morning visit got us there just before the first of the fishermen arrived so the dog had a good run off-lead. If you visit during the daytime though, keep your dog clear of any fishermen on the banks.

Click here for Google map

Doggy rating 5/10

Roddlesworth Woods (Again)

We spend another Sunday morning at Roddlesworth but, for a change, parked up at Abbey Village rather than our usual spots on the road leading from Tockholes.

The approach from Abbey Village led us on small road across the dam of the lower reservoir where we observed the signs and the dog stayed on the lead, past the farmhouse and stables and over the bridge to the middle reservoir.

From here we crossed the dam and wandered fairly aimlessly along some of the smaller woodland tracks, looking for an elusive woodpecker that could be heard, but not seen, for a good stretch of todays walk.

Eventually, we found ourselves near the Vistors Centre before heading back down to the upper reservoir and across the dam to return on the far bank to near our starting point. Not before though the dog had gatecrashed a party of three other better behaved dogs and attempted to steal the various balls that they were playing with.

After a couple of hours of off lead walking we found ourselves back at the car, with a tired a muddy dog as usual. Such fun!

As always, a great place to walk the dog.

Doggy rating 9/10