Like many people we go to work on most weekdays so it was really important for us to find someone completely trustworthy and reliable to take our dog out for walks at lunchtime. Of course if you only want someone to drop in occasionally you could ask a neighbour or friend but we needed more than that. We needed to know that whoever was entrusted with visiting and walking the dog was not only 100% reliable, but also that that they cared about what they were doing and were completely trustworthy.
Since our dog was about 12 weeks old, a local family business called Home Comfort Pets Visiting Service, owned and run by husband and wife team Chis and Martin, have provided just such a service. Chris, Martin, or one of their small number of carefully selected staff have never let us, or more importantly our dog, down. Whether we've needed them for one or five days a week, they've come whatever the weather and given the dog a good walk or, if requested, some playful fun.
If you're looking for someone reliable to walk your dog in the Preston area you don't need to look further than Home Comfort Pets Visting Service. We're happy to recommend them to anyone and judging by the dog's reaction when they call, he is too!
www.homecomfortpets.co.uk
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.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The 2007 Favourite Walks Poll Winner - Cuerden Valley Park
Cuerden Valley Park was voted by vistors to Preston Walkies as the best dog walk in Lancashire. Although the poll was small, Cuerden was a clear favourite for walkers and their dogs.
Cuerden is a lovely site and easily accessible, being close to the junctions of the M6, M65 and M61. The park provides loads of opportunities for off-lead walking through grass meadows and woodland as well as a wonderful stream for paddling, which acts as a magnet for dogs for miles around.
I think it's our dog's favourite spot too and all to often he's stubbornly refused to leave his four legged friends by the stream and join us in the walk back to the car.
The Cuerden Valley Park Trust is a registered charity, run by local people, and does not receive any monies or grants from the two local Councils or the County Council. The Trust was set up in 1986 to manage the park for the benefit of all. The park is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and welcomes everyone; there is no charge - not even for car parking.
You can help by making a donation (large or small), either as a ‘one-off’ or on an annual basis. Without it, the Park may well have to cut back on maintenance or close facilities altogether.
Click here to find out how to make a donation
Well done Cuerden and thank you for providing such a great facility! Runners up were the lovely Roddlesworth Woods and St Annes Beach. Both are well worth a visit and high up on our list of favourites.
Cuerden is a lovely site and easily accessible, being close to the junctions of the M6, M65 and M61. The park provides loads of opportunities for off-lead walking through grass meadows and woodland as well as a wonderful stream for paddling, which acts as a magnet for dogs for miles around.
I think it's our dog's favourite spot too and all to often he's stubbornly refused to leave his four legged friends by the stream and join us in the walk back to the car.
The Cuerden Valley Park Trust is a registered charity, run by local people, and does not receive any monies or grants from the two local Councils or the County Council. The Trust was set up in 1986 to manage the park for the benefit of all. The park is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and welcomes everyone; there is no charge - not even for car parking.
You can help by making a donation (large or small), either as a ‘one-off’ or on an annual basis. Without it, the Park may well have to cut back on maintenance or close facilities altogether.
Click here to find out how to make a donation
Well done Cuerden and thank you for providing such a great facility! Runners up were the lovely Roddlesworth Woods and St Annes Beach. Both are well worth a visit and high up on our list of favourites.
A stroll around Spring Wood
Having kept the dog "on lead" during our trip to Dunsop Bridge we decided to stop off at the Spring Wood picnic site, just off the A671 near Whalley, for a quick run around on our return.
Although the site is small the woodland paths are plesant and we managed to find a couple of spots for a game of fetch. It took us around 20 minutes to do a circuit of the permiter path. The lower end of the site runs very close to the A671 so it's not particularly tranquil, especially after a day in the wilds near Dunsop Bridge.
The woods themselves are an example of Lancashire's "historic" woodland so it's sensible to keep to the paths and not let your dog rampage through the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic that develops every sring. Judging by the foliage already deveoping it's going to be an impressive display of colour this year so a visit in April or May would be well worthwhile.
Doggy rating 6/10
Although the site is small the woodland paths are plesant and we managed to find a couple of spots for a game of fetch. It took us around 20 minutes to do a circuit of the permiter path. The lower end of the site runs very close to the A671 so it's not particularly tranquil, especially after a day in the wilds near Dunsop Bridge.
The woods themselves are an example of Lancashire's "historic" woodland so it's sensible to keep to the paths and not let your dog rampage through the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic that develops every sring. Judging by the foliage already deveoping it's going to be an impressive display of colour this year so a visit in April or May would be well worthwhile.
Doggy rating 6/10
Dunsop Bridge and Middle Knoll
A day off work yesterday, and the absence of any sign of rain for what must be the 7th day running, gave us a chance to take a trip out to Bowland and try out a walk from Dunsop Bridge. The spot always seems to be the subject to "sunday stroll" write-ups, but it's not a place we've visted before.
Our route took us from the small car park in the centre of the village, past the post office and right up the tarmacked track on the east side of the river. The route ran through fields full of sheep, so it was leads all the way and a chance to put recent heelwork training in to practice.
After half a mile or so we reached a small bridge across the river, and joined the road leading past various water treatment works to the foot of Middle Knoll. Here, we turned left and followed a footpath round the base of the Knoll and down to Whitendale. The route was boggy at times and more than once the dog found himself being dragged out of belly deep smelly black mud before being allowed to paddle in the ice cold Whitendale River in a vain effort to clean him up again.
After some lunch we followed the river back to the water treatment works and returned by the same route back to Dunsop bridge. The fact that that the dog was on the flexi-lead all the way did give us the chance to perfect his "downs" from a distance and by the time we reached the end of the road I could almost get him to drop when carrying his ball - no mean feat!
All in all, this was a nice walk albeit without any off-lead opportunities because of the many sheep and upland birds nesting. I'm sure the dog didn't begrudge the lack of total freedom and we did stop off at Spring Woods (see next post) for a good run on the way back.
Doggy rating 6/10
Our route took us from the small car park in the centre of the village, past the post office and right up the tarmacked track on the east side of the river. The route ran through fields full of sheep, so it was leads all the way and a chance to put recent heelwork training in to practice.
After half a mile or so we reached a small bridge across the river, and joined the road leading past various water treatment works to the foot of Middle Knoll. Here, we turned left and followed a footpath round the base of the Knoll and down to Whitendale. The route was boggy at times and more than once the dog found himself being dragged out of belly deep smelly black mud before being allowed to paddle in the ice cold Whitendale River in a vain effort to clean him up again.
After some lunch we followed the river back to the water treatment works and returned by the same route back to Dunsop bridge. The fact that that the dog was on the flexi-lead all the way did give us the chance to perfect his "downs" from a distance and by the time we reached the end of the road I could almost get him to drop when carrying his ball - no mean feat!
All in all, this was a nice walk albeit without any off-lead opportunities because of the many sheep and upland birds nesting. I'm sure the dog didn't begrudge the lack of total freedom and we did stop off at Spring Woods (see next post) for a good run on the way back.
Doggy rating 6/10
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Haigh Hall and the Plantations
Finally the rain has stopped, at least temporarily, and we enjoyed the first decent sunshine of 2008. Today's trip took us to Haigh Hall County Park, near Wigan.
We parked at the main car park, and got a slight shock to find it was a pay and display. At £1.50 for the day it's not bad but we had to copper up for the parking meter.
Having gained a map of the park from the helpful information centre and shop, our route took us past the cafe and childrens play area towards the walled garden and onwards to the woodland trails. Once the dog was safely away from the play area it was pure off-lead doggy heaven with over 2 hours of "fetch", "find the ball" and "catch me if you want the ball back!". We followed several tracks down the hill, traversing the paved "road" that runs through the park and ultimately over the Leeds Liverpool canal and disused railway line before following the road down to the bridge over the river Douglas. Here, we turned right and followed its banks for a short way before our path led us back up the hill, to the top of Hall Lane, and to the bridge over the old railway. Once again, we took a series of tracks through the woods and back to the Hall.
View Larger Map
The park was busy, with plenty of other dogs to play with. Our only word of caution would be to watch for the many cyclists who also enjoy the park as well as the hoards of ramblers eating sandwiches, which you know your dog would just love to steal. If you stay of the paved road as much as possible you should be fine.
Well worth a vist! Doggy rating 8/10
We parked at the main car park, and got a slight shock to find it was a pay and display. At £1.50 for the day it's not bad but we had to copper up for the parking meter.
Having gained a map of the park from the helpful information centre and shop, our route took us past the cafe and childrens play area towards the walled garden and onwards to the woodland trails. Once the dog was safely away from the play area it was pure off-lead doggy heaven with over 2 hours of "fetch", "find the ball" and "catch me if you want the ball back!". We followed several tracks down the hill, traversing the paved "road" that runs through the park and ultimately over the Leeds Liverpool canal and disused railway line before following the road down to the bridge over the river Douglas. Here, we turned right and followed its banks for a short way before our path led us back up the hill, to the top of Hall Lane, and to the bridge over the old railway. Once again, we took a series of tracks through the woods and back to the Hall.
View Larger Map
The park was busy, with plenty of other dogs to play with. Our only word of caution would be to watch for the many cyclists who also enjoy the park as well as the hoards of ramblers eating sandwiches, which you know your dog would just love to steal. If you stay of the paved road as much as possible you should be fine.
Well worth a vist! Doggy rating 8/10
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Gisburn Forest
Gisburn Forest is the largest area of forest in Lancashire. Whether you want a long trek through the woodland and waterside paths or a quick amble and a picnic you'll find something to suit you and your dog here. Happily, we managed to find a couple of hours of dry weather on today's visit!
Our route started at the Stocks Reservoir car park on School Lane. We headed from the car park back towards the road and took the roadside footpath a short distance before crossing the road and heading up a wide forest path through fir and birch woodland.
After half a mile or so, where the track turns sharply to the left, a narrower footpath, marked by a red marker, led us down a steep hillside to Bottoms Beck below. A lovely open riverside stretch provided plenty of opportunities for fetch in open grassland and playing hunt the ball in the marshy land adjoining the path, although the beck was too high for paddling with all the rain lately.
When we reached forest trees another waymarked footpath on the left led us back up the hill, crossing a wide forest track en-route. The path eventually led us to the Swinshaw Top car park where we crossed the road with care before continuing along a very very muddy track which descended to more open ground near the reservoir.
At the junction with the the reservoir circular walk we turned left and returned back to our starting point.
The dog decided he's not had enough fun for the morning so we ended our trip with a further game of fetch near to the picnic area before washing off the worst of the mud from the dog in one of the many streams which feed the reservoir.
Gisburn forest is a wonderful place to visit with your dog. It may seem like a bit of a trek to get there but it's well worth the effort. It was very quiet today but I'd imagine it gets busy on a summers day. On the main tracks you also need to be alert to mountain bikers making the most of the designated cycle routes that cross the forest.
Click here for a Forestry Commission leaflet highlighting some of the waymarked routes. Our route followed the Red route and took us around 2 hours of brisk walking, with several stops for playing along the way.
Doggy rating 9/10
Our route started at the Stocks Reservoir car park on School Lane. We headed from the car park back towards the road and took the roadside footpath a short distance before crossing the road and heading up a wide forest path through fir and birch woodland.
After half a mile or so, where the track turns sharply to the left, a narrower footpath, marked by a red marker, led us down a steep hillside to Bottoms Beck below. A lovely open riverside stretch provided plenty of opportunities for fetch in open grassland and playing hunt the ball in the marshy land adjoining the path, although the beck was too high for paddling with all the rain lately.
When we reached forest trees another waymarked footpath on the left led us back up the hill, crossing a wide forest track en-route. The path eventually led us to the Swinshaw Top car park where we crossed the road with care before continuing along a very very muddy track which descended to more open ground near the reservoir.
At the junction with the the reservoir circular walk we turned left and returned back to our starting point.
The dog decided he's not had enough fun for the morning so we ended our trip with a further game of fetch near to the picnic area before washing off the worst of the mud from the dog in one of the many streams which feed the reservoir.
Gisburn forest is a wonderful place to visit with your dog. It may seem like a bit of a trek to get there but it's well worth the effort. It was very quiet today but I'd imagine it gets busy on a summers day. On the main tracks you also need to be alert to mountain bikers making the most of the designated cycle routes that cross the forest.
Click here for a Forestry Commission leaflet highlighting some of the waymarked routes. Our route followed the Red route and took us around 2 hours of brisk walking, with several stops for playing along the way.
Doggy rating 9/10
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Beacon Country Park, Up Holland
There's an area to the south of Parbold that's been completely unknown to me. Driving along the M6 I've often looked towards the big wooded hill which hides Skelmersdale and wondered whether it held and treasures. A little research revealed that it does indeed, with Beacon Country Park gaining the Green Flag award for 2007/8.
We decided to pay a quick visit this morning, parking at the Carr Lane Car Park, off Mill Lane. Our route led us along a well marked footpath leading right from the car car, and meandering through woods and fields to the visitor centre.
From the visitor centre we headed south, following the "nature trail" signs, and through woods to huge open fields looking down over Skelmersdale. Strange as it might sounds if you've not visited the Beacon or Skelmersdale, it's a lovely spot.
We continued south, crossing the "green" Harts Lane, and then turned North, through more fields and woods, towards Harts Lane car park. A few ponds en route tempted the dog but fortunately he decided not to risk hypothermia and remained dry!
We ended with a good run around with the many other dogs playing in the fields between Harts Lane and the Carr Lane car park.
This is another great place for dogs. West Lancashire District Council should be rightly pleased with their award. It took us about an hour to walk the circuit, all off lead.
There's a map of the park available here
Doggy rating 8/10
We decided to pay a quick visit this morning, parking at the Carr Lane Car Park, off Mill Lane. Our route led us along a well marked footpath leading right from the car car, and meandering through woods and fields to the visitor centre.
From the visitor centre we headed south, following the "nature trail" signs, and through woods to huge open fields looking down over Skelmersdale. Strange as it might sounds if you've not visited the Beacon or Skelmersdale, it's a lovely spot.
We continued south, crossing the "green" Harts Lane, and then turned North, through more fields and woods, towards Harts Lane car park. A few ponds en route tempted the dog but fortunately he decided not to risk hypothermia and remained dry!
We ended with a good run around with the many other dogs playing in the fields between Harts Lane and the Carr Lane car park.
This is another great place for dogs. West Lancashire District Council should be rightly pleased with their award. It took us about an hour to walk the circuit, all off lead.
There's a map of the park available here
Doggy rating 8/10
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Longridge Fell Forest
The forest on Longridge Fell provided a good few hours of off lead walking today. Fortunately for me the ground was still frozen despite the winter sunshine, so I avoided bringing home a filthy dirty dog!
We parked at the small forest car park on Birdy Brow and headed up the steep forest road to the right. A large area has recently been cleared here giving it a nice open feel as we walked through the sunshine.
We continued along the forest road for about a mile before turning right at the first major junction. The road is slightly narrower here and soon reaches a "t" junction where we turned left, and continued through a lovely stretch of woods where the dog really enjoyed running through the soft mossy grass between the trees. The forest road soon descended left, giving wonderful views over the Ribble Valley. At the junction we turned left, and headed back towards are starting point.
As we neared the junction where we initially turned, the dog was clearly not in the mood to return to the car, so we once again headed up through the trees but rather than turn left at the "t" junction, we took the footpath on the right. It proved to be an excellent decision as we reached a great viewpoint looking over the Hodder valley towards Fairsnape and Birkett Fell.
The path continued through the woods, eventually rejoining the forest road and the descent to the car park.
This was a great walk. We could have extended it a little to reach the top of Spire Hill by taking a small footpath through the woods just before the forest road began it's descent, after the spot where the dog enjoyed running through the trees. Having said that, it looked very muddy!
Doggy rating 8/10
We parked at the small forest car park on Birdy Brow and headed up the steep forest road to the right. A large area has recently been cleared here giving it a nice open feel as we walked through the sunshine.
We continued along the forest road for about a mile before turning right at the first major junction. The road is slightly narrower here and soon reaches a "t" junction where we turned left, and continued through a lovely stretch of woods where the dog really enjoyed running through the soft mossy grass between the trees. The forest road soon descended left, giving wonderful views over the Ribble Valley. At the junction we turned left, and headed back towards are starting point.
As we neared the junction where we initially turned, the dog was clearly not in the mood to return to the car, so we once again headed up through the trees but rather than turn left at the "t" junction, we took the footpath on the right. It proved to be an excellent decision as we reached a great viewpoint looking over the Hodder valley towards Fairsnape and Birkett Fell.
The path continued through the woods, eventually rejoining the forest road and the descent to the car park.
This was a great walk. We could have extended it a little to reach the top of Spire Hill by taking a small footpath through the woods just before the forest road began it's descent, after the spot where the dog enjoyed running through the trees. Having said that, it looked very muddy!
Doggy rating 8/10
Sunday, December 09, 2007
The Velvet Trail, Birkdale
A few people have commented that the dunes to the South of Southport provide a great environment for dog walking. Today we were relieved to find the torrential rains of the past days had ceased so decided to find a mud free option. The dune of Birkdale beckoned.
We parked up at the large car park at Weld road and headed off through the dunes immediately to the south of the car park. White marker posts dotted within the dunes pointed our way, following a once famous and popular victorian walk called the Velvet Trail. The dog loved running free through the dunes and, fortunately, completely failed to spot any of the hundreds of rabbits that hopped away as he chased his ball up and down the sandy slopes.
We made our way towards what seemed to be the highest dune, with wonderful views of the "green" beach and golf course, and spent a good half an hour playing fetch in a sandy amphitheatre.
The markers led us towards the "green" beach and back along a slightly muddy but good path to the car park.
Whilst the walk was a bit grubby in places, the dog loved it and we'll be back again.
Doggy rating 7/10 (would have been 8/10 with a little less litter)
We parked up at the large car park at Weld road and headed off through the dunes immediately to the south of the car park. White marker posts dotted within the dunes pointed our way, following a once famous and popular victorian walk called the Velvet Trail. The dog loved running free through the dunes and, fortunately, completely failed to spot any of the hundreds of rabbits that hopped away as he chased his ball up and down the sandy slopes.
We made our way towards what seemed to be the highest dune, with wonderful views of the "green" beach and golf course, and spent a good half an hour playing fetch in a sandy amphitheatre.
The markers led us towards the "green" beach and back along a slightly muddy but good path to the car park.
Whilst the walk was a bit grubby in places, the dog loved it and we'll be back again.
Doggy rating 7/10 (would have been 8/10 with a little less litter)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Gregson Lane Dog Training Club and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme
Every Tuesday night for the past 18 months or so we've made our way to the community centre at Gregson Lane, to give our dog a good education. Last night, along with our school chums, we were rewarded with a Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Gold Award.
Although we were obviously pleased that we have brought up a well mannered dog, and have taken our "parental" responsibilities seriously, it was with a touch of sadness that we left the club, knowing that the trainers and all the other volunteers who keep the club going, have done their part, and that we will soon have to find some alternative Tuesday night entertainment.
We'd certainly recommend the Good Citizen scheme, and Gregson Lane Dog Training Club in particular, to anyone. The dog has had a great time socialising with his mates, and so have we. Our trainers, Denise and Arthur, have given great advice and are clearly committed to helping ensure that every dog gets the best start in life!
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme was established to promote socially acceptable dogs and to teach owners how to train their dogs. After all, dogs are not born with the fountain of all knowledge. Just like humans dogs need to be educated so that they can live in harmony with society.
The Scheme is open to all dogs regardless of age or breed. The aim of the Scheme is to promote responsible dog ownership and in turn, enhance our relations with our canines, and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with owning dogs.
We obtained a list of local training groups and contact numbers from the Riverside Vets.
Have fun!
PLEASE SEE THE LINK ON THE HOME PAGE FOR MORE RECENT INFORMATION ON GREGSON LANE DOG TRAINING CLUB
Although we were obviously pleased that we have brought up a well mannered dog, and have taken our "parental" responsibilities seriously, it was with a touch of sadness that we left the club, knowing that the trainers and all the other volunteers who keep the club going, have done their part, and that we will soon have to find some alternative Tuesday night entertainment.
We'd certainly recommend the Good Citizen scheme, and Gregson Lane Dog Training Club in particular, to anyone. The dog has had a great time socialising with his mates, and so have we. Our trainers, Denise and Arthur, have given great advice and are clearly committed to helping ensure that every dog gets the best start in life!
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme was established to promote socially acceptable dogs and to teach owners how to train their dogs. After all, dogs are not born with the fountain of all knowledge. Just like humans dogs need to be educated so that they can live in harmony with society.
The Scheme is open to all dogs regardless of age or breed. The aim of the Scheme is to promote responsible dog ownership and in turn, enhance our relations with our canines, and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with owning dogs.
We obtained a list of local training groups and contact numbers from the Riverside Vets.
Have fun!
PLEASE SEE THE LINK ON THE HOME PAGE FOR MORE RECENT INFORMATION ON GREGSON LANE DOG TRAINING CLUB
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