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!)

Darwen Moor and Jubilee Tower

Torrential rain early this morning wasn't the best incentive to take a trip up on to the West Pennine Moors but having bought some new boots on Monday I was keen to give them a short try out. Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, the walk from Ryal Fold near Tockholes, up to Darwen Moor and around Jubilee Tower and the Reservoirs seemed ideal.

We parked as usual at the public car park next to the Cafe at Ryal Fold and took the footpath behind the cottages across the fields to the woods at Stepback Brook. We followed one of our usual routes alongside the Brook, gaining height quickly and climbing in to the low clouds covering Darwen Moor.




With no sheep around and the nesting season now over the dog was able to walk happily off the lead as we headed across the moorland. We had avoided the worst of the heavy rain and soon the clouds began to list. Passing "Ged's Seat" we stopped a while to watch the views over Lancashire slowly emerge, before heading in the direction of the Tower, which was then still obscured.



The clouds had just about risen above the top of the tower by the time we reached it but we never hang around at the Tower itself for too long. After a short climb to the first level we were soon heading down towards Sunnyhurst before joining the rough road past Earnsdale Reservoir. Despite the seemingly endless rain of recent weeks the reservoir remains surprisingly low, perhaps an indication of why the north west hosepipe ban remains in place.



Climbing up from the reservoir we were soon on the path through farm fields. One or two incredibly muddy farm gates later we arrived back at the car, wet and smelly but happy!

Click here for Google Map

Doggy rating 8/10. A great walk for August.

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge (Cumbria)

My first trip to the Lake District was in the blisteringly hot summer of 1976. I thought it was perfectly normal to swim in lake Windermere, Stickle Tarn and the Upper Esk. I was proud that on one of the two less sunny days I remember that year we walked up in to the clouds high above Thirlmere and climbed Helvellyn. I'm pretty sure that "Helvellyn" was my first rucksack badge, proudly displayed as a reward for climbing in what at the time I thought were terrible weather conditions. Of course I've come to realise that cloud and rain on the lakeland peaks is perfectly normal...the innocence of youth!

I suspect most people not born in the Lakes remember their first days in the mountains. For me, one of the most special moments was walking in the evening from Elterwater Youth Hostel to the road leading to Chapel Stile. From there, we looked towards the seemingly distant Langdale Pikes and I was filled with awe when dad told me that we were to climb them the next day. The Pikes were my first lakeland peaks and I remember well the disappointment as we reached false summits, the excitement when the peak came clearly in to view and the feeling of triumph as I stood on top of the world.


Elterwater and the Langdale Pikes

For that reason and more, Elterwater holds special memories and will always be one of the most treasured places I visit. Happily, visits can be enjoyed without scaling the peaks. The walk from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge is a gem and was as always the perfect day out with my visiting mum last Monday.

We began at the free NT car park in Elterwater and walked through the village to Great Langdale Beck. From here, the clearly signposted bridleway led us along the riverside and to the shores of Elterwater where we admired the stunning view over the lake towards the Pikes. Continuing over the meadows we soon heard the roar of Skelwith Force and again stood a while to watch the water crashing through the narrow gorge. A little further and the dog friendly terrace cafe at Chesters provided some light refreshment before returning on the opposite side of the river to the bridge above the Force and back to Elterwater.


Dogs welcome at Chesters by the River

Much of the route is well surfaced although the autumn floods last year have taken their toll on stretches. It's easy walking though and most people should find this an easy but very rewarding short trip. At this time of year the route is busy with people and bikes so it was a dog on on-lead route for much of the way. The river did though provide him with some good opportunities for paddling and swimming and he was suitably shattered (and wet) when we arrived back at the car.

Elterwater on a Winters Day

Elterwater is a place we'll return to time and time again. It's a little piece of heaven. If you visit, please leave it as you find it.

Along the Goit from White Coppice to Anglezarke

White Coppice, near Chorley, is one of our favourite start and end points for walks. From here you really are spoilt for choice in terms of walking routes, whether up on the moors to Great Hill, gentle footpaths to Healey Nab or along the banks of the Goit to Brinscall or Anglezarke. The completion of a new Bridleway, linking Brinscall and Anglezarke, opens up the options even further and makes what was already a great place to visit even better. I would never dream of calling my mum elderly (a young 80 something!) but with mum visiting for the weekend, today seemed like a good day to try out the new path, which makes the area far more accessible for those who can't walk quite as far as they used to!

We began our walk today as usual walking past the white washed cottages and cricket pavilion before crossing the bridge over the Goit. Here, we took the waterside path right towards Anglezarke and enjoyed a mile or so of relatively flat walking below the steep slopes of Stronstrey Bank. The path along here is good but there are usually plenty of sheep grazing, so keep your dog on a lead.

On reaching the road at the end of Anglezarke Reservoir we turned left, following the road up the steep hill for 5 minutes or so until reaching the well signposted footpath through a kissing gate just before the farm at Siddow Fold. Walking through fields filled with grazing cattle, their calves and a (seemingly) placid bull was a little intimidating here, but we were soon walking down the hill with stunning views over the reservoir and beyond.

Passing through another (slightly awkward for an 80 something) kissing gate we turned right and along a fairly muddy path, made easier by the occasional duck boards, before rejoining the road at the end of Anglezarke. A few years on the other side of the bridge the new Goitway Bridleway led us back to our start at White Coppice. The Bridleway is a great addition to the extensive network of paths in the area, giving a great circular route of about 2.5 miles. The new path is well fenced but whilst your dog might be safe from livestock please respect the many other users of the path, including horseriders and mountain bikers, and keep your dog under close control.

Unfortunately the pavilion at White Coppice had shut by the time we returned so we had to pass on the obligatory ice cream. Fortunately, my better half had been busy whilst we were out, and we returned Cottage Pie followed by signature Banoffee Pie. The dog has now discovered that Cottage Pie fresh from the oven is hot and dogs who try to sneak a mouthful by jumping up at the table whilst their owners backs are turned will get a shock!

Click here for google map

Click here for information about the Giotway, a project which aims to open up currently inaccessible sections of the Goit and make existing stretches accessible to all

Doggy rating 6/10. Great walk but lots of sheep

More Dog Friendly Cornwall

The blog's been quiet over the past few weeks as we've enjoyed another few weeks with the dog in Cornwall. Once again we had a great time and found loads of places to visit where the dog was very welcome. Suggestions from our last trip include:

1. Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay, near Newquay, has established some notoriety as the location for Jamie Oliver's 15 Restaurant. Whilst 15 of off limits for dogs, the Beach Hut bar, which lies underneath and offers the same stunning view over the beach is very welcoming and serves good food and drinks. The terrace decking avoids any worries about taking your damp sandy dog with you for a drinks or more substantial meal and there is a mile or so of sandy beach to enjoy afterwards. Watergate Bay has a dogs on leads policy but out of high season, away from the crowds, you might find a quiet spot for a paddle and game of fetch.

Click here for information on Watergate Bay and the Beach Hut

2. Trebah Gardens

Trebah Gardens is one of the most welcoming dog friendly attractions we have visited. The dog was offered a biscuit on arrival and given the chance to follow a specially designed dog trail through the gardens. The trail has the added bonus of a prize for the dog if you answer some questions using clues hidden on signs dotted beside the paths. The gardens themselves are spectacular, leading down to a small private beach on the Helford River. Although your dog should be kept on the lead you can enjoy a paddle in the crystal clear waters. The cafe terrace also welcomes dogs.

Click here for information about Trebah Gardens

3. River Fal and Helford River Boat Trips

An extensive network of boats operate from Falmouth and all welcome dogs. They may even get a treat if they are particularly well behaved. It is of course important to make sure you're dog is exercised before taking a trip and whilst the larger boats may offer some water you should make sure you have some liquid refreshment and bowl to hand. All the boats we sailed on offered shelter from the sun (or rain) if the need arises!

Click here for River Fal and Helford Boat Trips

4. St Mawes Castle

We've visited St Mawes many times before but had never visited the castle that, together with Pendennis Castle above Falmouth, guards the entrance to the Carrick Roads. On our last visit we were enticed largely by the prospect of some shade and and an ice cream, but were pleasantly surprised to find that much of the site is open to dogs. We had to take it in turns to follow the informative audio guide through the Keep where dogs are prohibited due to the tight spiral staircases. Sitting outside and admiring the view across the Harbour was no hardship though and we were then able to enjoy wandering through the various outside fortifications and gun emplacements with no restrictions.

The Castle is maintained by English Heritage and we learnt that many of their sites, including Pendennis Castle, are open for dogs. St Mawes is best visited by taking the ferry from Falmouth. The beach next to the Castle is a little tricky to get down to (access via the car park) but is dog friendly.

Click here for information about St Mawes Castle

5. St Anthony Head

The Roseland Penninsula is one of the most dog friendly areas of Cornwall, possibly because of it's relative isolation and generally quiet beaches. There are plenty of places to visit including the National Trust site at St Anthony Head, where you can wander through the WWII batteries, down to the lighthouse and adjacent beaches, or just follow the coast path in either direction. Although we visited by car, you can take the small ferry from St Mawes to Place and walk the few miles along the coast to reach the headland. The National Trust Cafe provides plenty of shaded outside space where you can enjoy a cream tea or freshly baked pasty.



Click here for information about St Anthony Head

7. St Just Church

Churchyards and dogs don't generally go together and should you visit the small church in St Just in Roseland please respect the consecrated grounds that you are welcome to walk though with your dog. The small church is one of the most beautiful we have seen, in a stunning setting. Although your dog will of course have to wait outside if you want to visit the church itself, there are several benches where you can sit and enjoy the setting.

Click here for information about St Just Church

8. Carne Beach

Carne Beach on the Roseland is a wonderful place with a mile or two of white sands and gentle sloping beach. Dogs on leads are allowed (flexi leads come in handy). It goes without saying that you must always clean up after your dog to ensure that the beach remains open for dogs during the summer months. Once you've had enough of the beach it's well worth visiting Melinsey Mill near Veryan for one of their fantastic cream teas, served outside overlooking the old mill pond. The Ship Inn at Portloe is also well worth a visit and welcomes dogs inside and out.

Click here for information about Carne Beach (note that the site says dogs are banned during summer months. That is not currently the case. Please help to keep it that way!)

9. Carwinion Gardens

Carwinion Gardens at Mawnan Smith positively welcome dogs and should you have a cream tea on the garden terrace you'll no doubt have the company of the two resident dogs. We didn't have time to walk through the gardens themselves but the adjacent footpath is well worth exploring, leading through the woods for a mile or so before reaching Porth Saxon Beach. Here, you'll find a small stony beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming or a paddle. You can extend your walk by following the coast path around Rosemullion Head to Meanporth (no dogs allowed on beach), passing a few more small beaches on the way, or the other way to Gleebe Beach, Durgan and Trebah. Whichever way you walk you'll not be disappointed.



Click here for information about Carwinion Gardens.

10. The Lizard

Keep your dog on the lead near the high cliffs around the Lizard. There are several reminders of pets who have fallen, don't risk it! The walking around the Lizard is spectacular, whichever way you choose to go. There aren't any great dog friendly beaches although you can paddle on the beach on the Lizard point itself. On our most recent visit the dog was dive bombed by a resident seagull - be warned! Dogs are welcome in the cafe's at the most southerly point as well as in the bar area of the Top House Inn in Lizard Village (if you can find a seat!).

Click here for information about the Lizard

The Cornish Coast website is a useful guide to dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

The visitcornwall website provides a guide for dog owners. You should be able to pick up the leaflet in any tourist information centre.

Bretherton and two rivers

Today's walk took us to the small village of Bretherton where we enjoyed a lovely walk of about 4 miles in the afternoon sunshine. There are though a couple of awkward stiles en-route and, largely due to our poor navigation and route planning, we ended up with half a mile or so of walking along a rather bust road. The sites are unavoidable but with a little care, and a slightly longer route, you can certainly avoid the road section.

We began near the old Corn Mill on Marl Cop, taking a signed footpath leading east between houses. Here, we soon suffered our first error, turning right and skirting the edge of the cricket pitch before emerging back on to South Road. With more care you can carry on along the footpath, extending the route but avoiding any road walking but it wasn't to be for us, and with a cricket match in progress we didn't dare retrace our steps over the beautifully manicured outfield!

We subsequently endured a relatively short stretch of road walking (mainly but not all with pavement) to reach the bridge over the river Lostock at Bretherton Road. Happily, we climbed the stile on the right and then enjoyed a couple of miles of great riverside walking, all off lead, before reaching the "Red Bridge". Past walks have taken us here and yet again we were left wondering why the bridge is painted green.

Turning right on the quiet lane we joined another footpath which led over uncultivated fields, which seem to have been left fallow as a haven for wildlife. Not being a twitcher I couldn't tell you what birds we saw, but there were many, as well as one of the largest hares I've ever seen! There was no obvious path and without some kind of navigation aid (our trusty i8910 didn't let us down here) we'd never have found our way out of the field. We soon found a small footbridge though and headed towards woodlands near Eyes Lane.

The route was completed with a spell of walking along lovely quiet lanes and back through the village. Other than the botched start, a lovely walk and definitely one we'll do again.

Click here for google map

Doggy rating 6/10 (because of the awkward stiles, otherwise good)

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was built to to ferry iron ore from workings near Boot to Ravenglass on the west coast of Cumbria. Having been saved from closure in the 1960s the Railway now carries thousands of passengers each year on the seven mile journey from the village of Ravenglass through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway provides a geat dog friendly day out in Cumbria and welcomes dogs for a fee of £1.50 per journey. After 40 minutes or so with ears flapping in the wind you and your dog will be spoilt for choice in walks, long or short. There is normally a choice of open or closed carriages, hauled by one of the four miniature gauge steam locomotives in regular service or one of the diesel units.

Hiking to the top of one of the surrounding peaks is not everyone's cup of tea and with that in mind our walk took in a couple of miles of some great valley walking and provided lots of opportunities for the the dogs favourite pastimes, swimming and fetch.


Swimming in the Esk

From the station we headed towards the Brook House Inn before turning right along the well signposted track leading to St Catherine's Church. The track passes several cottages before reaching the small church beside the River Esk. Here, you can use stepping stones to cross the river or head upstream for a short way before crossing over a small footbridge and following the path back past Gill Force. There are many deep pools in the river which, provided the flow is light, make for great swimming! Following the river downsteam we found more open woodland and fields for a long game of fetch before winding our way back past Dalegarth Hall to the station at Dalegarth.

The dog was made welcome in the bar area of the Brook House Inn, which also has plenty of outside seating if the sun is shining. All in all a great dog friendly day out!

Click here for information about the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. .

The Ruins of Hollinshead Hall and Great Hill

Our quick jaunt up to Redmonds Edge yesterday left us wanting for more so once again we headed to the Crookfields Road car park, just off the A675 between Abbey Village and Belmont.

Our route to took us through the picnic site adjacent to the car park before cross ing the road to a stile where the road turns sharply left towards Tockholes. We passed through the kissing gate a few yards further on and followed the pleasant path through fields where sheep were grazing, with great views of our intended destination, Great Hill.

After a quarter of a mile or so the path rejoins the road, where we crossed, to follow a narrow footpath leading downwards to the ruins of Hollinshead Hall. A spectacular display of bluebells aligned the path before giving way to the well kept ruins themselves. In the past we've stopped for a quick game of fetch here but in the morning heat it didn't seem like an attractive proposition so we continued onwards, along a pretty tree lined path, to join the A675.

Taking great care when crossing the busy road we joined the obvious path which leads to the summit of Great Hill. To say it was hot seems like an understatement. Even though I always carry water for myself and the dog on our summer walks the dog took every opportunity to paddle in the one or two streams that we crossed en-route. We were soon at the top though and enjoying the breeze. Unfortunately the haze obscured any distant views but it was nice enough to remain cool in the sunshine.

Our descent took us along the well made path towards Redmonds Edge before deciding that the shade of Roddlesworth Woods would be more welcome than open moorland. Following what were little more than sheep tracks along the fence line and a small stream we soon made it back to the path down to Hollinshead Hall.

After a short walk through the woods we returned the to car park, ready for another BBQ!

A short walk along Redmonds Edge

Summer has arrived! Today was the first scorcher of the year and after an early morning trip to Sainsbury's to stock up on drinks for this afternoon's obligatory BBQ there was just time to take a short drive out to the West Pennine Moors.

Wanting to make the most of the now dry moorland we parked up at the car park on Crookfield Road, just off the A675 between Abbey Village and Belmont, with the intention of following a route we have taken before to Redmonds Edge and on to Great Hill.

Crossing (carefully) over the A675 we went through the kissing gate and followed a well defined path beside a small stream up the hillside, turning sharply left uphill towards the top of Redmonds edge rather than traversing towards Great Hill. Normally, this route is incredibly muddy and rough but today was easy going, and within a short time we were high on the ridge with views to Rivington, Preston, Blackburn and beyond. We followed the well made stone path on the ridge towards Hordern Stoops for a while before deciding to sit and admire the view, and share a well earned drink.

We retraced our steps to the car, with me feeling slightly less bothered about the quantity of burgers, sausages and kebabs that I'd be likely to eat later in the day. Of course I can't speak for the dog. As usual he was probably disappointed with the outcome of the BBQ, after all despite following anyone who appears to be a soft touch and lurking under the table, he's a dog and eats dog food! (crumbs and dropped scraps excepted).

Can't wait to do it all again tomorrow!

Click here for Google Map

Sheep do graze the moors and although there's no lead in sight on the pics it was unfortunately lead on all the way whilst walking. Today we saw only one ewe with her lamb. Both were completely nonplussed by the dog and seemed more interested in keeping close to the nice watering hole they'd found. The feeling was mutual!

I nearly forgot, if you're admiring the dog's new haircut, it was done by Dial a Dog Wash. We've not used a mobile before but were not disapointed. The van is well kitted out with all sorts of paraphanalia, the groomer was good and the dog didn't seem bothered by the experience. All they need is to be able to park outside your house so they can plug a power cable in to your mains. If for any reason you need or want a doorstep service they're well worth looking up.

Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team Donation

Advertising on the blog has raised £60 which has been donated to the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue team. Thank you.

You can donate online by visiting the team website http://www.bowlandpenninemrt.org.uk/supportus.htm