Recommended dog walker in South Ribble

It can be hard to find a good, reliable dog walker. We were lucky almost 10 years ago to find a couple called Chris and Martin who run Home Comfort Pets. They provide a dog walking, pet visiting and small animal boarding service in Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Hutton, Longton and Walton-le-Dale.  

In all that time they have been reliable, trustworthy and most importantly, looked after our dog with all the love and care that we do. He never has a day where he doesn't get a walk at lunchtime, regardless of our own work commitments. 

At the moment they have some vacancies for 1 to 1 walks throughout the day so, if you're in the South Ribble area and looking for a reliable dog walker, give them a call. You will find them on facebook or google 'home comfort pets'. I can't recommend them highly enough!

Alabama Rot in Preston, Lancashire

So, for the last few days Facebook has been suggesting a case of Alabama Rot has been diagnosed in Preston. Tonight the Lancashire Evening Post has reported that a dog has died of the disease, the 65th case in the UK since 2012. The dog is believed to be from the Fulwood Area, although in the past few days I had heard it was from Garstang. Given the report that it was walked in Highgate Woods off Garstang Road it is well worth avoiding walking your dog there for the time being. From what I have read previously your dog seems most at risk in wet, muddy, wooded areas. Certainly that was the case in the New Forest, where the first outbreaks were reported, and I think in the cases reported in Cornwall. It does appear that you can never be totally safe round here. As many will know, there were cases around Bolton and Wigan last year. If your dog does get muddy (when don't they?) the advice seems to be to wash it off. However, if like me you are completed paranoid you'll stick to the paths on open moors and beaches whenever you can. it sounds like the most horrible disease. My heart goes to the owner.

Dining with dogs (Dog friendly pubs in Cornwall)

Finding good places to eat where your dog is welcome can be a challenge in some places, but not in Cornwall. Over the 9 years that we've enjoyed holidays with our dog in this wonderful place we have seen big changes in the number of good quality eating establishments. Where once there were seemly a handful of really good places to eat, you are probably never far from one these days, wherever you choose to stay.

Of course standards go up and down, so all of the places I've listed here are ones we have visited at least once over the past 12 months. We are lucky to have had five weeks away in that time so had plenty of time to enjoy some of the best food we could imagine. I don't claim that these are the best pubs in Cornwall. That depends on what you expect from a pub. I recall visiting the Blisland Inn, a fantastic pub for real ale fans, but not a place where you'd rave about the food. The point of this post is to highlight some of the best dining experiences you can have with your dog in tow, which are not necessarily the best dog friendly pubs. All allow dogs inside, on leads of course, and you will normally be restricted to the bar area. All are well worth a visit though.

Please please though keep your dog under control. We are so lucky to have good places to eat where our dogs can join us. Sadly whilst unruly kids can often run riot, society is less tolerant of unruly dogs. That's life!

St Petrocs Bistro, Padstow

 Part of the Rick Stein empire, St Petrocs Bistro was a surprise find. Diners with dogs are welcome in the small but comfortable bar area. When we visited we were given a warm welcome and the dog given a bowl of water should he decide to awake from his sleep on the stone flagged floor. Of course the food was excellent. Booking advisable if not essential.

https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/st-petrocs-bistro/

The Old School Bar and Kitchen, Mount Hawke

What appears to be an old school has been converted in to a contemporary bar and restaurant. A word of warning here, diners with dogs are welcome in the bar, but it can get busy and noisy. It is after all a bar first and foremost. A great place if you fancy a lively good night out. The food here was great, as are the cocktails. The menu was varied but gastro burgers seemed the way to go on our visit. I was not disappointed.

http://www.osbk.co.uk

The Gurnards Head, Zennor

The Gurnards Head needs no introduction to regular visitors to the far west of Cornwall. Standing yellow and proud on the spectacular coastal road near to St Ives, it is hard to miss. The food here is wonderful, some of the best we have eaten, and beautifully presented. Dogs are very welcome in the bar area. It does get busy so booking recommended.

http://www.gurnardshead.co.uk

The Old Coastguard Hotel, Mousehole

One of our favourites! We first went to the Old Coastguard drenched and cold after watching the storms of February 2014. We, and the dog, were made very welcome despite our appearance. Food here is very good, and similar to the Gurnards Head, part of the same Eat, Drink, Sleep family of pubs. We have returned many times, including a 3 night stay in 2015. Dogs are very welcome in the wooden floored bar area.

http://www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

The Coldstreamer, Gulval

The Coldstreamer was a new find in 2015. A place where you'd be equally at home just having a drink. Dogs are allowed in the faily spacious bar area. This is not a particularly formal place so take it as you find it, and as it finds you. The food was excellent, and different. Check out the menu for this place! 

As I write this post I see the Coldstreamer has new lessees. Happily, it is the Head Chef who in charge when we visited, meaning it's rise to stardom looks set to continue. It will be interesting to see what changes they make, but hope it keeps its rather rustic feel. It's so good I've not put a website link up, you'll have to find it!

The Pandora Inn, Mylor

One of the prettiest spots in Cornwall. Best sitting outside on a sunny day watching the world go by, but dogs are allowed in the pub itself. Although very good I confess we found the menu a bit limited if you want to visit several times on your holiday. Still well worth a visit though. 

http://www.pandorainn.com

St Tudy Inn, St Tudy

Although still a pub, the St Tudy is more of a dining experience. Dogs are welcome in the small but comfortable bar area. When we last visited in February 2016 we were the only diners in the bar, but several locals were enjoying a few drinks. The restaurant looks very civilised! The food here is excellent. Hard to imagine that you'll find much better if you have a dog in tow. 

http://www.sttudyinn.com

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay

The setting is amazing, sitting on the cliff edge looking out towards Fistral Beach. The bar are welcomes dogs and was busy on our visit. We found a table by the window and enjoyed good food and a few drinks. It was lively, with a pool table, comfy sofas and plenty of people just enjoying a drink. don't let that out you off though, there aren't many places where you can enjoy a view like this. The adjacent restaurant seemed very quiet, but imagine it gets busy at weekends and in season.

http://www.lewinnicklodge.co.uk

The battle with allergies

Thought I would do a quick entry on allergies today as its on my mind. 

Our Springer has never had great skin. From a couple of years old he got dandruff a bit but it was generally ok. A couple of years ago though he started to display some real problems, mainly wet dermatitis on his neck and groin areas and small dry scrusty scabs on his chest and back. At times you'd walk in the house and the smell of 'dog' was pretty overpowering. Was time to try to do something about it!  That was back in 2013. 

We had always given good quality fried foods, all hypoallergenic. Amongst those were James Wellbeloved, Franks Pro Gold, Harringtons, Vets Kitchen and others.  He also had Denta Stixs most days and a variety of treats, mainly muesli bones and the odd hide chew. He didn't have many bits of Hunan food, maybe some chicken and rice from time to time and carrots and broccoli. 

We were given Malaceb and a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics worked wonders and within a month or so he was better. The Malaceb shampoo (also Sebomild P) seemed to keep things in check for a while afterwards but over time it got worse again, to the point where he was once again in bad shape by the end of 2014.

We had a second thyroid test done as well as a blood test for allergies. All came back negative other than a slight possible intolerance to weeds. Given his symptoms are not seasonal we pretty much ruled that out. Skin biopsies followed at the start of the year to rule out any parasites (he had a few lumps removed at the same time) but again came back negative. 

So it was then a case of what next? I agreed with the vet that even though nothing had come back in terms of food allergies we would go for a strict diet. He had a long course of antibiotics but we also changed his food to Hills ZD Ultra, rather expensive but was worth a try. 

Once he came off antibiotics a few spots appeared which we treated with a product called Isaderm. They went quickly. From March to June he had nothing but Hills ZD Ultra - nothing means just that, no treads of any kind (other than the odd scavenged crumb off the floor).

His skin has been so much better and his coat now glistens again. It's amazing what an impact the diet has had. On holiday a few weeks ago we lapsed a little with a few small scraps of beef from our pub lunch, a few bits of fish from our fish and chips, and a bit of cake scavenged from under a table!  Some minor symptoms, mainly itching, reappeared within a couple of days.  

Seems to demonstrate that a strict diet means just that so we are back in it, with no exceptions no matter how small. When all symptoms gave gone we might try a carrot!

If you are having problems with skin there is loads of infornation out there. My experience is that you just have to keep trying different things until you find what works. I feel like I have tried every product under the sun, and every diet I could think of. Even boiled chicken and veg didn't do the trick!

I also use an app called 'mysymptons' to keep rack of food, events, symptoms etc. very easy to use and great as a diary. You can even produce little charts like the one below.

If you have similar problems with your dog keep trying. If I'd have started the analysis in December I'd have rated an 8 out of 10. This one started after he came off antibiotics but it's still great to see that downwards trend but spot the holiday blip. 

Beacon Fell and Brock Bottoms

Our trip out on Sunday began with the best intentions, to follow paths round Beacon Fell and then over fields and lanes to Brock Bottoms. Sadly, time got the better of us so we had a major cheat, nipping in the car between the two! 

It was quiet at Beacon Fell when we arrived meaning we had the footpaths largely to ourselves. The dog was largely off lead although I am a little wary of coming across other dogs in such places. Having reached the age of 9 he is now a little less tolerant of younger male dogs, particularly if they are boisterous and disrupt his obsession with his ball.

On reaching the trig point we ourselves disrupted a rather amorous couple who were clearly enjoying the morning air. To be fair they looked very much in love and it was more of a romantic encounter. They quickly moved on and we were left on our own for 15 minutes or so to enjoy the views over the Bowland Fells. 

Having walked round all the usual paths I realised time was ticking away so we headed off to nearby Brock Bottoms for a stroll by the river. It's years since we last visited. Although very busy near the car park it soon quietened down as we passed through bluebell filled woodland and on to open fields. A swim in the river was a must for the dog!

At some point we will connect the two by foot, but maybe one for an early morning visit later in the year. 

Burscough and Martin Mere

Today's walk was inspired by the website www.lancashireatwar.co.uk.   Reading about some of the WW2 history of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal I was fascinated to find that much of its route through West Lancashire formed what was known as Stop Line 14. In the event of invasion from Lancashire's long sandy beaches the canal itself would form a tank trap whilst bridges were defended through a mix of purpose built fortifications as well as many houses and barns, such as the building below on the right. 

Happily of course they were not needed, but still provide some added canalside interest once you start looking out for them. 

Our route began at Burscough Bridge Interchange, where there is loads of parking adjacent to Tesco. We followed the canal towpath for a few miles until we reached the bridge and road towards Smithy Lane Ends. The towpath walking was good underfoot although there were plenty of fishermen out, with each havibg to move their poles out of the way to allow us to pass. 

After a short walk on the road we forked right by a farm shop and headed past nursery yards before picking up a well signposted path across arable farmland towards the railway line and Martin Mere. The flat landscape was rather dull for me, and crops on either side meant the dog was on the lead throughout.  However, the walk soon became a little more interesting as we followed a concessionary footpath behind Martin Mere. There were several hides giving views over the wetlands. At this time of year there wasn't too much to see though other than a few uncomfortable looking geese. 

We continued to follow signs back to Burscough, across fields and quiet lanes. 

Not the most interesting walk we have ever done but maybe one to keep in reserve for a crisp winters day when perhaps there would be more to see in the reserve. The highlights were definitely looking for the odd relic of the the Stop Line. A read of the Lancashire at War website is a must before you visit. 

Easedale, Castle How and Silver How

Last time I ventured up Easedale and Castle How I came as close as I ever have to understanding the dangers of even relatively low lying fells. Having set off up Easedale in the most picturesque snowy conditions I endured a complete white out, winds so strong they ripped my waterproofs apart and hit the potentially fatal point where I contemplated lying down in a sheltered spot to 'rest my eyes'. Fortunately I didn't, and eventually glimpsed stickle tarn through the blizzard, before descending to Langsale for a most welcome pint. The point of this introduction is to make it clear that even the gentlest of mountain walks present dangers. 

With that in mind, on a gorgeous sunny winters day, I needed to find a walk giving amazing views, no scrambles to speak of, and which would keep me pretty much below the snowline. 

Our route took us up an icy Easedale, beside the spectacular falls, to the tarn. We stopped for a quick play with the ball before heading up steeply to Castle Crag. This time the weather was perfect, with Crincle Crags and Bowfell glistening in the snow. 

We then enjoyed an excellent walk along the wide ridge to Silver show, with stunning views over a fogbound Windermere. 

The path down to Grasmere was a delight, with great views over Rydal before finally returning to the car. 

I have to say this was as far away from the horrendous walk of 25 years ago as it could be. A perfect day. 

Skiddaw

It's a long time since we visited the Lakes so a day off yesterday was a good opportunity to reacquaint ourselves.  Having never been up Skiddaw in reasonable weather, and so never having seen the view from the summit, we took a chance that the day would improve and decided to take the easy way up, from Ormathwaite car park.

The path must be one of the easiest to follow of any high peak in England. Great underfoot and in the main bordered by crag free slopes, it is only time I have felt comfortable on the fells letting the dog off lead for much of the route. There are sheep around in places though, so take care. 

The day was pretty much rain free but the wind was incredibly strong so we made the most of the chance to give his ears a blow dry.

All in all, a relatively short but good walk but of course it is one of the highest summits in England, so go prepared. Even yesterday there were a few walkers with young kids that decided (wisely) to turn back just before the summit,defeated by the wind.

A walk up Ingleborough

I can't remember if I've ever been up to the top of Ingleborough before. I think I have, over 30 years ago walking the Pennine Way, but can't be sure. I do remember walking up to Gaping Ghyll once, and it must have been Spring Bank Holiday weekend as we watched a few people being winched in to the chasm. 

So, today it was that we decided to climb up from Clapham and return via Long Scar.  We parked up at the Dales car park in Clapham (£4.50 for the day) and after crossing the river found the entrance to the nature trail that leads up to Ingleborough Show Caves.  Having bought our ticket for the trail (65p) we wandered up the path high above Clapham Beck.  It was nice enough, but don't expect many views of stunning falls, most of the time the beck was well hidden by trees at this time of year. 

Once we reached the Caves the path continued through a limestone gorge before giving way to open fellside and the path to Gaping Ghyll.  For us it was on lead all the way, giving the number if potholes with sheer drops around, but not everyone seemed bothered.

Gaping Ghyll itself was a huge disappointment, with queues of people waiting to descend and 50 or so tents pitched around.  You couldn't really see much. Upwards it was then to the top of Ingleborough, climbing on well made paths and steps laid with rock slaps. 

The views from the top were pretty stunning so we stopped for a while for lunch before descending along the side of Simon a Fell to Long Scar.  There was a fell race on so it was busy!  Eventually we reached the Pennine Bridleway which followed a good track, albeit a never ending one, down to Clapham. Again, it was on lead all the way largely to avoid the numerous mountain bikers.

All in all a good walk. Not good for off lead walking in my view but that's where the flexi lead comes in handy!

A Circuit of Stocks Reservoir

In the days before we had a dog I used to visit Stocks Reservoir to fish. These days my fishing trips are rare, I'd rather be out with my four legged friend and I've never thought that dogs and fishing are a good mix. 

Yesterday was only my second visit Stocks in the last 7 years. As with our walk round Gisburn Forest (a long long time ago) we parked at the School Lane Car Park (£3.00 a day charge) to start our route. 

There are plenty of downloadable PDF guides showing the route and in the main it was well signposted. My only blip was near to New House Farm where I can only think my enthusiasm for a photo opportunity with a tree meant I failed to spot the path leading to what is apparently a new footbridge over the Hodder.  Our slightly extended route was a pleasure though, providing some easy walking before we hit what seemed to be endless muddy tracks around the reservoir itself. The mud made it tough going, even the dog appeared relieved when we hit the odd dry patch. It was thoroughly rewarding though, with great views, and one to return to in summer for me. 

Much of the route is through farmland and sheep were grazing for about 2/3 of the way. There were opportunities for off lead walking though and happily, given the state of the dog, there were no stiles to lift over. 

For a download of the route (minus our extension) visit

http://www.visitribblevalley.co.uk/download/20/stocks_reservoir_circular_walk