Do you have views on where dogs should be required to be on leads, whether dogs should be banned for certain areas and whether fines should be introduced for those owners who fail to pick up after their dogs? If so, please complete Preston City Council's consultation which will help to determine the Council's approach to the development of Dog Control Orders.
Click here for survey
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, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thinking of buying a puppy or dog?
When we blogged "How Could You?" a few weeks ago we didn't provide any suggestions on where you could go to get advice on buying a puppy or dog. The following might be helpful but the best bet is to talk to lots of people about their experiences of getting and owning a dog.
Read the short essay "How Could You?"and think seriously about whether dog ownership is really for you. (get a tissue and prepare to cry first)
The Dogs Trust has a great website which provides lots of good advice on buying a puppy or dog as well as downloadable factsheets. The Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog down so they promote rehoming dogs rather than buying from a breeder. With a database of thousands of dogs who are looking for a new home it certainly gives food for thought!
The Kennel Club has a good section which provides advice on buying a puppy or dog. The site includes information on finding the right breed, finding a rescue dog and finding a breeder. Bear in mind that the fact that a breeder is registered with the Kennel Club doesn't in itself mean they are reputable. Always try to find one that comes recommended.
Surprisingly, the RSPCA website doesn't contain much advice on buying a puppy or dog, but does provide a pet finder search from which you can see details of dogs that need a good home in your area. The site does though provide some hard hitting information on puppy trafficking, where puppies are bred in large numbers of profit, often with little regard for animal welfare. You can of course expect to receive plenty of advice before you adopt one of their rescued pets.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue is one of many charities which is dedicated to the welfare of specific breeds. The site does though provide some good general information on what to think about before you buy a dog or puppy.
The English Springer Spaniel Club website is a great resource for anyone thinking about buying an English Springer Spaniel. Take some time to read about the breed as there are two distinct types: "Working" and "Show". Your first decision will be which you would like - ours is the "Show" type. The site also provides a "puppy register" and you can register your details if you want to go on a list which will allow breeders to contact you.
Last but not least, our great Springer came from Melverly Springer Spaniels - Thank you Ray Smith for giving us the best dog we could wish for!
Ultimately, all the web sites in the world are not going to make the decision as to what is right for you. Use some common sense when you are looking for a breeder. Don't buy from a website without seeing a puppy. Always go and visit the breeder - they should be as interested in you as you are in the dog. Be pleased not defensive if they ask you questions about your lifestyle and what you can offer thier dog - they want the dog to go to a good home!
Read the short essay "How Could You?"and think seriously about whether dog ownership is really for you. (get a tissue and prepare to cry first)
The Dogs Trust has a great website which provides lots of good advice on buying a puppy or dog as well as downloadable factsheets. The Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog down so they promote rehoming dogs rather than buying from a breeder. With a database of thousands of dogs who are looking for a new home it certainly gives food for thought!
The Kennel Club has a good section which provides advice on buying a puppy or dog. The site includes information on finding the right breed, finding a rescue dog and finding a breeder. Bear in mind that the fact that a breeder is registered with the Kennel Club doesn't in itself mean they are reputable. Always try to find one that comes recommended.
Surprisingly, the RSPCA website doesn't contain much advice on buying a puppy or dog, but does provide a pet finder search from which you can see details of dogs that need a good home in your area. The site does though provide some hard hitting information on puppy trafficking, where puppies are bred in large numbers of profit, often with little regard for animal welfare. You can of course expect to receive plenty of advice before you adopt one of their rescued pets.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue is one of many charities which is dedicated to the welfare of specific breeds. The site does though provide some good general information on what to think about before you buy a dog or puppy.
The English Springer Spaniel Club website is a great resource for anyone thinking about buying an English Springer Spaniel. Take some time to read about the breed as there are two distinct types: "Working" and "Show". Your first decision will be which you would like - ours is the "Show" type. The site also provides a "puppy register" and you can register your details if you want to go on a list which will allow breeders to contact you.
Last but not least, our great Springer came from Melverly Springer Spaniels - Thank you Ray Smith for giving us the best dog we could wish for!
Ultimately, all the web sites in the world are not going to make the decision as to what is right for you. Use some common sense when you are looking for a breeder. Don't buy from a website without seeing a puppy. Always go and visit the breeder - they should be as interested in you as you are in the dog. Be pleased not defensive if they ask you questions about your lifestyle and what you can offer thier dog - they want the dog to go to a good home!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Snow, snow and more snow
Mud seems a distant memory given we've now had three weeks or so of lying snow and temperatures that have rarely risen above freezing. Our normal pattern of walks has certainly been disrupted as only the brave (or foolhardy) would venture down some of our local narrow lanes. We're lucky though to have Preston's Tram Road close by as well as being able to hop in to the car to get to local parks for a good run around. In a relative lull between Christmas and New Year we even made it out to Roddlesworth and Tockholes, although we began our walk at Abbey Village as the road over the tops was closed due to black ice.
We don't normally add many pictures to our blog entries but I'm pretty sure we'll soon be looking back on the last few weeks and finding hard to imagine the winter wonderland we've experienced.
Early morning on Leyland Road. Welcome to Penwortham!
Loving the snow at Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham
Preston skyline from the fields near Factory Lane
A secret hideaway
The reservoirs near Abbey Village
Preston Junction Nature Reserve
Chasing balls at Worden Park, Leyland
A new vantage point at Worden Park ,Leyland
We don't normally add many pictures to our blog entries but I'm pretty sure we'll soon be looking back on the last few weeks and finding hard to imagine the winter wonderland we've experienced.
Early morning on Leyland Road. Welcome to Penwortham!
Loving the snow at Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham
Preston skyline from the fields near Factory Lane
A secret hideaway
The reservoirs near Abbey Village
Preston Junction Nature Reserve
Chasing balls at Worden Park, Leyland
A new vantage point at Worden Park ,Leyland
Sunday, December 20, 2009
How could you?
If you're thinking of getting a dog you could do worse than read this. It's a sad sad tale so grab a box of tissues and brace yourself.....
Copyright Jim Willis, 2001
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.
Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.
At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.
She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
A Note from the Author:
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.
Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.
Jim Willis
Copyright Jim Willis, 2001
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.
Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.
At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.
She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
A Note from the Author:
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.
Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.
Jim Willis
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Dunham Massey (Cheshire)
Another hard choice this afternoon...Trafford Centre or walk the dog? Obviously at this time of year walk the dog won the day so after dropping off the brave shoppers the dog and I headed for the relative peace of Dunham Massey near Altrincham.
Dunham Massey has 250 acres of parkland, much of which offers sanctuary to over 100 fallow deer, as well as a historic mansion and winter gardens. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust and unsurprisingly has a dogs on leads policy throughout the parkland.
Our visit began at the visitors car park (£4 per car or free for NT members) from which we took a route of about 4 or 5 miles along the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, Dunham Forest Golf and Country Club and returning through the woodland deerpark. The towpath offered some off lead walking but it was on the lead for most of our route. The dog didn't seem to mind though. He was happy to sniff trees and bushes at every opportunity before eying up the hoards of visitors eating icecreams (yes, icecream in December)and, more aptly, soup and rolls at the Pavillion. Santa was paying an early visit to the park so he was equally happy to be admired by the many young visitors waiting their turn to pass on their christmas wish lists.
There are loads of footpaths and bridleways round here so you should be able to find a walk to suit all abilities. Well worth a visit!
Click here for the National Trust site
Doggy rating 7/10
Dunham Massey has 250 acres of parkland, much of which offers sanctuary to over 100 fallow deer, as well as a historic mansion and winter gardens. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust and unsurprisingly has a dogs on leads policy throughout the parkland.
Our visit began at the visitors car park (£4 per car or free for NT members) from which we took a route of about 4 or 5 miles along the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, Dunham Forest Golf and Country Club and returning through the woodland deerpark. The towpath offered some off lead walking but it was on the lead for most of our route. The dog didn't seem to mind though. He was happy to sniff trees and bushes at every opportunity before eying up the hoards of visitors eating icecreams (yes, icecream in December)and, more aptly, soup and rolls at the Pavillion. Santa was paying an early visit to the park so he was equally happy to be admired by the many young visitors waiting their turn to pass on their christmas wish lists.
There are loads of footpaths and bridleways round here so you should be able to find a walk to suit all abilities. Well worth a visit!
Click here for the National Trust site
Doggy rating 7/10
Monday, November 30, 2009
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...
Dogs are not permitted on this beach between 1st May and 31st October.....Ive no problem at all with that in most cases but love it when the dog bans are lifted and we can avoid the worst of the mud associated with our normal walks.
This weekend has seen us make two trips to the Lancashire coast. On Saturday we returned to the wonderful Formby Point. Parking at the Nation Trust Car Park we followed the well marked path through the woods and dunes to Life Boat Road and returned along the beach. My mum, who had joined us for the weekend, commented that the woods and dunes have a continental feel to them, reminiscent of the South of France. Although the weather wasn't up to Mediterranean standards, I have to agree that the landscape is totally unlike anywhere else in the North West. As always, the dog loved the trip. Unfortunately the Red Squirrels seem a rare sight these days but nonetheless please observe the dogs on leads policy through the woodlands.
A day off today, and some more sunny weather, resulted in a trip to Cleveleys. Parking up at the 5 bar gate car park, north of the town centre, we were straight on to the beach and enjoyed a brisk cold walk towards Bispham. After a mile or so we retraced our steps and had a wander through Cleveleys before buying a sandwich which was saved for the relative warmth of the car. As always the views across the bay were great, with the snow capped Coniston fells gleaming in the sunlight. The sea defence works are progressing well and the Royal Hotel to Cleveleys stretch is complete. I can envisage hundreds of people sitting on the wall enjoying fish and chips on the sea wall in summer - no wonder there's a dogs on leads policy on the prom. We uploaded a picture to Facebook here
Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow, otherwise a trip to Silverdale and Arnside would have rounded things off nicely!
This weekend has seen us make two trips to the Lancashire coast. On Saturday we returned to the wonderful Formby Point. Parking at the Nation Trust Car Park we followed the well marked path through the woods and dunes to Life Boat Road and returned along the beach. My mum, who had joined us for the weekend, commented that the woods and dunes have a continental feel to them, reminiscent of the South of France. Although the weather wasn't up to Mediterranean standards, I have to agree that the landscape is totally unlike anywhere else in the North West. As always, the dog loved the trip. Unfortunately the Red Squirrels seem a rare sight these days but nonetheless please observe the dogs on leads policy through the woodlands.
A day off today, and some more sunny weather, resulted in a trip to Cleveleys. Parking up at the 5 bar gate car park, north of the town centre, we were straight on to the beach and enjoyed a brisk cold walk towards Bispham. After a mile or so we retraced our steps and had a wander through Cleveleys before buying a sandwich which was saved for the relative warmth of the car. As always the views across the bay were great, with the snow capped Coniston fells gleaming in the sunlight. The sea defence works are progressing well and the Royal Hotel to Cleveleys stretch is complete. I can envisage hundreds of people sitting on the wall enjoying fish and chips on the sea wall in summer - no wonder there's a dogs on leads policy on the prom. We uploaded a picture to Facebook here
Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow, otherwise a trip to Silverdale and Arnside would have rounded things off nicely!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Crosby and Anthony Gormley's Another Place
It was raining (again) in Preston this morning. The thought of Worden Park with it's great dog wash was tempting but heading towards Leyland we spotted what appeared to be a break in the dark clouds in the skies to the south. Excited by the prospect of not getting wet we joined the M6 and were soon speeding southwards towards rays of sunshine, deciding whether to take a visit to Pennington Flash or "somewhere else".
As we reached the M58 "somewhere else" won the day and we headed off towards Liverpool, still not quite sure where we'd end up, but with the thought of a trip to Crosby and a look at Anthony Gormley's Another Place seeming attractive.
Om entering Crosby the car park was well signposted and we were pleased to find masses of open grassland adjacent to the Marine Lake where we enjoyed a good game of fetch before heading over the dunes to the beach.
The beach itself is vast and, with the tide retreating, we wandered out to some of the many figures gazing out to sea. The dog wasn't too sure what to make of them at first, but was soon interested in nothing other than his ball, as is usual. Even the passing ships leaving the Mersey on their way to yet another place were no distraction.
We spent an hour or so on the beach before returning to the fields for more ball games. Best of all, the sun shone pretty much throughout!
Click here for Google map
As we reached the M58 "somewhere else" won the day and we headed off towards Liverpool, still not quite sure where we'd end up, but with the thought of a trip to Crosby and a look at Anthony Gormley's Another Place seeming attractive.
Om entering Crosby the car park was well signposted and we were pleased to find masses of open grassland adjacent to the Marine Lake where we enjoyed a good game of fetch before heading over the dunes to the beach.
 |
| From Preston Walkies |
The beach itself is vast and, with the tide retreating, we wandered out to some of the many figures gazing out to sea. The dog wasn't too sure what to make of them at first, but was soon interested in nothing other than his ball, as is usual. Even the passing ships leaving the Mersey on their way to yet another place were no distraction.
We spent an hour or so on the beach before returning to the fields for more ball games. Best of all, the sun shone pretty much throughout!
Click here for Google map
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Rufford to Mawdsley
It feels like we've had more than our fair share of rain over the past few weeks but inbetween downpours we have managed to venture out on a few new walks, finding new paths around the lovely Beacon Fell (nice and quiet again after a busy summer) and exploring the vast network of footpaths around Rufford.
Navigating some of our walks is complicated and, given this blog never really attempts to be a step by step guide, it sometimes doesn't seem worth blogging our visits. Sometimes though, just giving a feel for the route and the general area might give others some inspiration to find their own way through new territory.
The walk from Rufford to Mawdelsey, returning along the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is one such route. The walk takes in plenty of open farmland, some country lanes and, best of a all, a few miles of towpath walking before ending up near the marina at Rufford, where you can reward yourself with coffee and cake.
Our route began at the station car park at Rufford. We turned right from the car park and endured a rather risky 100 yards or so of walking along Meadow Lane before crossing and taking the public footpath through the fields. We were soon on more open ground, high on the one of the paths that run adjacent to the drains, where the dog enjoyed a brief spell off the lead. Reaching Gales Lane we made our way, taking a complicated network of footpaths, towards Church Farm Stables and Cedar Farm Gallery before heading towards the Rufford Canal via Sandy Lane and Daub Lane before crossing more fields and crossing the river Douglas.
A mile or two of towpath walking led us back to the car, rather tired by happy. Two word of advice if you walk round here: Take a good map or download one of the excellent route planners from walkingworld
Click here for a Google map of the area
Navigating some of our walks is complicated and, given this blog never really attempts to be a step by step guide, it sometimes doesn't seem worth blogging our visits. Sometimes though, just giving a feel for the route and the general area might give others some inspiration to find their own way through new territory.
The walk from Rufford to Mawdelsey, returning along the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is one such route. The walk takes in plenty of open farmland, some country lanes and, best of a all, a few miles of towpath walking before ending up near the marina at Rufford, where you can reward yourself with coffee and cake.
Our route began at the station car park at Rufford. We turned right from the car park and endured a rather risky 100 yards or so of walking along Meadow Lane before crossing and taking the public footpath through the fields. We were soon on more open ground, high on the one of the paths that run adjacent to the drains, where the dog enjoyed a brief spell off the lead. Reaching Gales Lane we made our way, taking a complicated network of footpaths, towards Church Farm Stables and Cedar Farm Gallery before heading towards the Rufford Canal via Sandy Lane and Daub Lane before crossing more fields and crossing the river Douglas.
A mile or two of towpath walking led us back to the car, rather tired by happy. Two word of advice if you walk round here: Take a good map or download one of the excellent route planners from walkingworld
Click here for a Google map of the area
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Ruffwear dog boots
Seems like an eternity since we were descending Scafell Pike and the poor dog cut his paw whilst paddling in angle tarn. I learnt a few things that day:
- don't throw things for the dog in to lakeland tarns without checking the shallows first
- human first aid kits come in handy for dogs
- you need high strength self adhesive tape to stand any chance of keeping a bandage on a dog
- dogs don't like walking on cut paws
- 4 miles is too far to carry a dog off a mountain
- I wished I'd had a set of dog boots in my rucksack for such events
I subsequently learnt that:
- cheap dog boots from places like Pets at Home are useless
- you can get quality dog boots with Vibram soles (cool)
- not only mad people buy dog boots (possibly)
....so, after some searching of the net I purchased a nice set of Vibram soled Ruffwear dog boots (and socks of course)which I can now take out with me on our longer walks and if I ever enter a riot situation (unlikely) I know that my dog's paws will be safe.
The video was taken over the course of about 5 minutes....didn't take long to get reasonably used to them....enjoy!
- don't throw things for the dog in to lakeland tarns without checking the shallows first
- human first aid kits come in handy for dogs
- you need high strength self adhesive tape to stand any chance of keeping a bandage on a dog
- dogs don't like walking on cut paws
- 4 miles is too far to carry a dog off a mountain
- I wished I'd had a set of dog boots in my rucksack for such events
I subsequently learnt that:
- cheap dog boots from places like Pets at Home are useless
- you can get quality dog boots with Vibram soles (cool)
- not only mad people buy dog boots (possibly)
....so, after some searching of the net I purchased a nice set of Vibram soled Ruffwear dog boots (and socks of course)which I can now take out with me on our longer walks and if I ever enter a riot situation (unlikely) I know that my dog's paws will be safe.
The video was taken over the course of about 5 minutes....didn't take long to get reasonably used to them....enjoy!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
An autumn stroll at Roddlesworth
Summer seems a long time ago now, even though last month we were enjoying sun, sea and sand in Cornwall. Autumn's a great time of year to be out and about with the dog though. The cooler weather is perfect for dog walks and and if you choose a woodland walk you can't fail to be impressed with the amazing autumn colours in the landscape.
Today saw us make a welcome return to Roddlesworth woods near Tockholes Village, where we were not dissapointed. Parking at our usual spot near the visitors centre we took the Woods and Water Trail and followed the woodland paths down to the reservoirs where we sat and watched the fly fisherman delicately casting their lines in search of seemingly elusive trout. The leaves haven't yet reached the peak of bronze and gold brilliance but are wel on the way. I expect that by next weekend they'll be stunning. In any event, the woods make a great backdrop to the views over the reservoirs.
The dog was on form today, obediently returning when we caught sight of the occasional mountain biker and horse riders who were also making the most of the morning. He was though seemingly frustrated that he had to make do with a walk along the shores rather than be allowed a swim and on a number of occasions chose to voice his annoyance by barking loudly. I suspect the fishermen were less than impressed.
As always, Roddlesworth was a great place to visit. Now summer is behind us I've no doubt it will once again become a regular weekend haunt.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 9/10
Today saw us make a welcome return to Roddlesworth woods near Tockholes Village, where we were not dissapointed. Parking at our usual spot near the visitors centre we took the Woods and Water Trail and followed the woodland paths down to the reservoirs where we sat and watched the fly fisherman delicately casting their lines in search of seemingly elusive trout. The leaves haven't yet reached the peak of bronze and gold brilliance but are wel on the way. I expect that by next weekend they'll be stunning. In any event, the woods make a great backdrop to the views over the reservoirs.
The dog was on form today, obediently returning when we caught sight of the occasional mountain biker and horse riders who were also making the most of the morning. He was though seemingly frustrated that he had to make do with a walk along the shores rather than be allowed a swim and on a number of occasions chose to voice his annoyance by barking loudly. I suspect the fishermen were less than impressed.
As always, Roddlesworth was a great place to visit. Now summer is behind us I've no doubt it will once again become a regular weekend haunt.
Click here for Google map
Doggy rating 9/10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
