Fistral Beach is a dog friendly beach all year round , There are various parking places and one is directly behind Fistral. The parking machines are card only , there is a parking app – Just park http://www.justpark.com/
The Fish House is right on Fistral beach and I would recommend booking as it gets busy , Dogs are only allowed in up to 4.30pm . I booked a month in advance
Our table was lovely overlooking the sea -It is table service and our experience was perfect , No rushing , lots of time to enjoy the space. Our dogs were offered a bowl of fresh water to the table , they were very glad of this after being in the sea. We put drying coats on our dogs out of respect for the restaurant , nobody wants a wet dog shaking on them while spending a small fortune on lunch !www.thefishhousefistral.com
The Menu , Specials also available
I don’t like to name every dish we had as I always feel it spoils it for the reader .. But I cannot fault any of the food we had or the wine selection .. It was a wonderful way to while away some time in Fistral Beach .. The dogs were perfectly behaved and we will certainly return …
TIPS
Book Ahead
Inform you have dogs and how many , to get you the best space for your doggy gang
Relax and enjoy your time at The Fish House
Last of all Savour the food and atmosphere …..
£££ – Is it worth it – YES … It was a very relaxed afternoon where the dogs were welcomed and the food was super duper …. wonderful …
Fistral Beach is a dog friendly beach all year round , There are various parking places and one is directly behind Fistral. The parking machines are card only , there is a parking app – Just park http://www.justpark.com/
The Fish House is right on Fistral beach and I would recommend booking as it gets busy , Dogs are only allowed in up to 4.30pm . I booked a month in advance
Our table was lovely overlooking the sea -It is table service and our experience was perfect , No rushing , lots of time to enjoy the space. Our dogs were offered a bowl of fresh water to the table , they were very glad of this after being in the sea. We put drying coats on our dogs out of respect for the restaurant , nobody wants a wet dog shaking on them while spending a small fortune on lunch !www.thefishhousefistral.com
The Menu , Specials also available
I don’t like to name every dish we had as I always feel it spoils it for the reader .. But I cannot fault any of the food we had or the wine selection .. It was a wonderful way to while away some time in Fistral Beach .. The dogs were perfectly behaved and we will certainly return …
TIPS
Book Ahead
Inform you have dogs and how many , to get you the best space for your doggy gang
Relax and enjoy your time at The Fish House
Last of all Savour the food and atmosphere …..
£££ – Is it worth it – YES … It was a very relaxed afternoon where the dogs were welcomed and the food was super duper …. wonderful …
We walked to Crantock from Travella Caravan Park ,approx 1.5 miles across a rough (ish) terrain – along the edge of a ploughed field and then some hilly narrow public footpaths – certainly not for anybody that is not able bodied or using motorized aids
The drive is a short 10 minutes from Travella and there is a car park for customers and a public car park just up the road approx 400 metre walk – Pay by phone app . This will be busy in High Season
I would recommend booking A table at busy times and also to let the pub know you are taking a dog – We had a great table with plenty of space for our 3 dogs and there is lots of outside space too – The food was good but the menu very small ( approx 5 items plus pizza ) and they had run out of a few things at 6.30pm – This did not bother me but it does restrict choice for others
Food and drinks are ordered at the bar – ok if 2 people – one to order one to hold the dogs but if you were dining alone you would probably need to order more than one drink at once to save getting up and down during your meal ..
The highlight of this particular walk to The Cornishman is the beautiful walk along the beach 🏖️ stunning properties flank the edges and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time watching families and dogs alike enjoying a late afternoon sunset
Beadnell Bay , Craster , Lower Newton and Dunstanburgh Castle, Coastal walks ,Dog Friendly places to Eat & Drink
Due to Covid restrictions we could not use our booked accommodation in France ! And so received a partial refund from Airbnb and decided to use it for a trip back to a part of the uk we love – Northumberland!
This time we opted for Beadnell as a base due to its position close to the beach with coastal walks on the doorstep. We Booked a cottage tucked just behind the church and 1 minute from The Craster Arms who serve the most amazing mussels and good wine ! What more can you need after a long days beach walking !
The cottage itself was quirky , dated and homely – we mostly loved it ,However the bed was needing a bit of an overhaul .. ! If you are looking for something with a few more clean lines and minimalist type of cottage this is not for you ! On the plus side it is like stepping back to my holidays as a child cluttered in all the right places – no wifi -Tv or any type of tech – Forced to spend time doing the things holidays should be about – spending time together and chatting – reminiscing and enjoying being together – There are lots of cottages available on http://coastalretreats.co.uk
What’s in it for the humans
Where to start ! Walks , food, beaches , castles , ruins , history bursting out of every nook – I shall do my best not to write War and Peace at this point ! And narrow it down a bit …
My previous blog includes parts of this holiday and so I won’t repeat Seahouses – only to include a link to the boat tours – we chose the Puffins trip on this occasion as we were late in the season last time and boy did we see puffins !!
Walking the coastal areas is the best way to get around , The driven coastal route is the least coastal “coastal” route ! And so if you can get out on foot you get the most stunning rewards , The walk from Craster to Low Newton and visit The Shipp Inn http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk is fabulous with a stop off at Dunstanburgh Castle – to see the sea birds in the cliff from the castle wall was mesmerising
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Craster to Low Newton
Park at Craster – Car park is £7 for 24 hours – There is a cash pay and display and a contactless ,
Follow track at the tourist hut – through gate towards the village – – the “cut through “ walk down from the track to the village is steep as the steps have eroded , TIP – there is a slightly longer route that will take the road and avoids the steep part – follow with the harbour to your left – you can see the smoke coming out of the top of the smoke house – the smell is amazing , you can buy fish direct from the little hut
Kipper Shop
Harbour
Car parking
Castle Walk
Beaches beyond
Whats Not to Like
The track will take you along the headland – and towards the castle – approx 1.5 miles
National Trust members go free – there are some interesting rooms left inside the ruin of the castle and walking up the spiral staircase is worth it if feeling brave ! I stayed low with Foxy Roxy and the Pointer Dog while Mr C took the stairs for the view –
If you want to buy a drink from the small shop make sure you have cash ! They do have a card machine but it is intermittent due to the wonderful location .
Take in the largest nesting point for Kittiwakes , Razor Bill and Fulmar on the edge of the castle – walk around the curtain wall and there is a wire fence – over the fence you will the birds in flight and also nesting or just taking in the sunshine – stunning – take care of you chose to go through a gap in the wall at the headland as it is a sheer drop ! Certainly not safe for adventurous dogs !
If you want to walk to The Ship at low Newton – carry on around the outer path of the castle towards the beach – take your shoes off ( there is a burn ) and walk along the entire beach and you will find the pub just around the headland – If high tide there is a path over the dunes – some high parts but doable for an average fitness level- The walk from end to end is 4 miles on the outside – Our walk back was stunning with only 10 people on the beach and not a single person on the grass headland walk back to the car ! TIP – leave a little later to miss the crowds – it is worth it for the stunning sunset walk back ! Oystercatchers and Tiny Terns aplenty – enjoying the evening – Take note of the info on food orders below – if relying on being fed after your walk .
I booked a few weeks in advance for the evening meal as I had been tipped off by a friend that it was a limited seating for evenings – The wine choice was small and perfect – We opted for The Borolo and it was amazing – I won’t mention our food choices as it would spoil the pleasure of choosing from such a fabulous small menu with such wonderful seasonal produce options , but needless to say it was the best meal we have had all week so far ! TIP – if you want to eat in the evening make sure you book ! You would be very disappointed ( and hungry ) if you had walked there and not be able to eat !
Drinks are served throughout dinner service for people not eating but all tables were booked during our visit – (5pm on a Wednesday in May ) – tables are available outside for drinks – Lunchtimes they have a superb sandwich menu to include crab sandwich and toasties – yum 😋 and these are available upon arrival – We visited twice – walking from Craster on one day and from Beadnell on the other . If I had planned the day better ! I would have caught the bus from Beadnell to Craster – walked to the pub and on from there back to Beadnell . maybe next time .
The walk from Beadnell to The Ship Inn at Lower Newton is approx 4 miles – follow the beach and over the headland – it is shorter than following google that takes you over the England coastal route – be aware there is a Burn that runs into the sea and you need to either paddle though ! Or go slightly into the headland and take the bridge – we did both ! Dry way on way to the pub ! Waded through freezing water on the way back !
miles of empty beaches
Holy Island is a sight to behold – The Priory is stunning and the museum is informative and worth a wander – dog friendly but is busy at times and a very small space –http://holyisland.co.uk
Foxy Roxy and The Pointer dog enjoyed themselves spotting grey seals and many sea birds . The island was very busy on the day we went – TIP – either take a small picnic or eat before you go ! Everywhere was packed – food service ended at 2pm in the Ship Inn and The Crown & Anchor that served food all day had one person behind the bar and a line out the door for orders . Some of the cafes were less busy but limited in space indoors for dogs – hospitality has been hit hard during Covid and maybe this was the reason , but not great when there are gourdes of people descending onto the island 🏝
Holy Island on a Sunny May Day
Food in Beadnell …
The Craster Arms is a great place to start – it is so dog friendly we felt that had we not got the dog with us we wouldn’t be allowed in ! You can sit anywhere in the pub with your dog and there is also a beer garden – with fresh mussels in cider on offer I could not stay away for 3 days !
The Beadnell Towers hotel is a special place – taken over in 2020 the makeover is chic ,sexy and very grown up – the bar area is Uber cool and hitching up at the bar for a cocktail is a must – dog friendly in half of the area with the rest being the restaurant- the menu is lovely – we chose turbot ! It was amazing – it is pricey £££££ but definitely worth it –
Salt Water Cafe is super duper too ! Best breakfast I have had in years and we booked a table for a Saturday evening and enjoyed oysters and champagne – only 10 tables and a small perfect menu – yum – dog friendly
Everything ! Long runs on the beach , swimming , every food place allows dogs in and are very positive in their attitude to your pooch … Our cottage was dog friendly and Beadnell Towers is also dog friendly – check their website for rooms
Our dogs were worn out by the end of a busy walking day and we left them in the cottage on most evenings as they were happy to snooze away while we had some human time .
££££ ?
Expect to pay at least £100 per night in low season for a cottage – some beach houses on the main road opposite the coastal path – sleep up to 14 and cost up to 7K per week ! One of the local people told us that during the summer everywhere is really busy , Our break was in mid May and we managed to get a table in every place we went to – summer months would be more difficult and it may be too crowded for your dog too ..
Would we Return ?…
Of course – it is a superb spot for a walking, eating, relaxing holiday – A stones throw from the beach and perfect in every way for our dogs to enjoy swimming , running and chilling in the pub … We would find a better place to stay next time to ensure we got a decent nights sleep ..and so we would plan carefully and expect to pay a little more.
We booked this holiday very last minute due to Covid 19 scuppering our plans to go to France – as such we were left with only one choice of accommodation. This was the first time we had stayed in a static caravan together , with or without dogs ! .
Which type of accommodation ? Due to the last minute nature of our trip there was only one choice available to us , this was a Deluxe caravan , it had 2 bedrooms , one double and one twin room , the double was large and had an en suite which was more than adequate. The caravan was large ( approx 12ft wide ) and had a great kitchen and shower … All bedding was spotless and the caravan had all we needed , A huge wrap around sofa and a lovely little dining area with a picnic table outside the door. Some of the other caravans had a balcony and there are also lodges on the site.
We mainly used the park as a base to explore elsewhere in the surrounding Beauty of Durham and Northumberland .
Access all Areas ? Yes – The caravan and park was fully dog friendly and welcomed throughout , Dogs need to be kept on leads in the park , however there is plenty of places for them to explore off lead within a 2 minute walk from the park , there is a large playing field just outside the entrance ( out of the park , turn left to bottom of path , take the path to left – follow , this will follow the track of the river and you will find a large playing field – TIP – the footpath shows the route which goes through a Cow field , however if you take the small track slightly to the left side it follows the river and avoids the cows 😉
One thing to make note of and I will repeat myself again later is there are a LOT of rabbits – Foxy Roxy being the terrier hunting dog and also the Pointer dog were ready at all times if they had a chance to go off lead – we did not allow them to be off lead here as it would not have ended well for the bunny rabbits !! If you have a dog not interested in rabbits , you would be fine off lead – through the trees you can also get into the river Wear – If the river is low it would be safe for your dog , if the river was high I would stay away as it is quite fast flowing ..
SEAHAM
Out and About – ( This is going to be a long one 😉 Seaham – We spent the first day at Seaham , wandered along the beach and took in the promenade visiting the Terrace Green and rather emotive Tommy statue -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_(statue).
We found a dog friendly pub for lunch – The Crows Nest – walking away from the town centre you will find it approx half a mile down the front, set to the left on the roundabout , we did not need to book and sat outside , again due to Covid 19 it was best to order drinks and food together at the bar to reduce the amount of times for contact , The food was good and the dogs were very welcome. There is some dog friendly seating indoors , we were blessed with good weather and sat outside, water bowls were provided for the animals and good beer for the humans.
Seaham Beach
A trip onto the beach was a must – No dog restrictions , it is a shingle beach on the whole near the town , However further down ( near the pub ) there is a sand beach and above this a lovely long Promenade to walk along
Bamburgh Castle and Beach
Next day was Bamburgh – Where to start – what a beautiful part of the world , I literally could live there.. The castle allows dogs , they can go anywhere apart from the staterooms and the Clock Tower cafe , there are other places to sit outside to eat with your dog and a little stables area indoors if the weather is not good , we didn’t buy food there , however what was on offer looked delicious and the coffee was superb , We spent a good hour and a half there and then onto the beach – We had parked at the castle itself , however there are various car parks surrounding the area , Parking at the castle was cheap at £3.00 for half a day – TIP if you go later in the day it is not as busy , apparently at 10AM there were 50 cars waiting to queue , we went at 2.30PM and there was plenty of spaces , They close the gates at 4pm – Last entrance to the castle is 5pm.
From the castle walk down through the sand dunes and all I can say is WOW – It is stunning, perfect sand and lovely clear water – The dogs loved it , there are no dog restrictions here , So just turn up and enjoy .. walking away from the beach through the dunes is a village green , stunning .. lots of ball games going on here , Croquet was in full swing and families were enjoying football and cricket amongst other things – Dogs are allowed to play here too .. Lots of bins for poo bags .. Across from here there are a couple of lovely pubs ( mentioned in the human section).
Loving The Beach
Next day was High Force and Low Force https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/ We arrived on a very wet day , However the beauty of this area is worth getting drenched for – We started off from Low force at the Bowlees visitor centre car Park , it is a donate and display car park , I hadn’t seen one of these before , so we paid £3.00 which seems to be the going rate – DL12 0XE – Please do support them , walk through the car park and past the visitor centre and cross the road and follow the track – it took us approx 1.5 hours to reach High Force as we were taking photos and generally astonished at how pretty it was , parts reminded me of a miniature Nova Scotia .The walk to High force will lead you to many stone steps when you get close to the waterfall itself , I counted approx 60 on the first section and then 110 one the part back through Raby itself once you have been to view the falls from the bottom – It is in no way non able bodied friendly due to the nature of the rugged land. The walk is beautiful if a little hard going in parts, but nothing too pressing for normal level of fitness. Personally I preferred the Low Force area -We ate at The High Force Hotel ( more of that in the human section) before making our way back to the car. A great day had by all.
Low Force to High Force
A very stunning part of this area – Not to be missed – Great walks for the dogs , they went off lead but please do be aware there are deer in the surrounding fields and lots of rabbit warrens in the adjacent fields .
Seahouses
Serenity Farne Island Trip
We chose this day to take the dog friendly boat trip around the Farne Islands , our dogs and 2 others were perfectly behaved and enjoyed seeing different wildlife around them, TIP – however if your dog is reactive ( barking) it may be wise to leave them with someone and enjoy the trip without them , it is not fair on the non dog owners who are also on the trip to have a barking dog for the whole of the trip. This is a trip of utter beauty so don’t spoil it for others .
Masks to be worn while boarding and alighting
We chose Serenity Boat tours , however there are others available – I booked over the phone to ensure we got the time slot we wanted , with Covid 19 there is a reduced passenger availability. I would love to return and go on the sunset trip. We did see a few puffins but they were departing for their next adventure at this time of year ( August).
Foxy Roxy Bucket and Spade Days
There is a beach at Seahouses and it certainly has a family bucket and spade feel about it , we preferred Bamburgh so headed back to the sand dunes following our boat trip and had another great walk down the beautiful beach . A perfect place to be on a sunny day. One thing of note for dog owners is that if your dog fouls the marina at Seahouses you will be banned from the area – so be vigilant and pack those poo bags 😉
Whats in it for the Humans ? – Stunning scenery , good food and the joy of being able to take your dog to gallop along the beach and watch the pure pleasure on their furry faces. It has a very romantic feel about it , paddling through the waves and generally enjoying being together with nothing else to think about for the day – Places we ate were The Crows nest at Seaham, https://www.lord-crewe.co.uk The Lord Crewe in Bamburgh was a lovely spot for a drink or lunch , we did both twice ! .. Good food and well kept wines and beers , great staff service and dogs welcome… . All places we ate at were taking part in The ‘Eat out to help out scheme “
Of special note is The High Force Hotel in The Forest in Teesdale https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel/ dog friendly , great food , Le Pie has to get a special mention , I could have stayed there all day and night … We then had the 1 hour walk back to the car – not sure it walked off my wonderful food ,,however it may have made a dent in it . The High Force Hotel has 2 Dog Friendly rooms that start at £110.00 per night low season. For food you need to book a table, especially during Covid 19 , you can do this by telephone or pop in before you walk the waterfall in readiness for when you return – The walk is approx half an hour on the outside ( depends how good you are at there 110 steps back up ;-)).
The Bistro on Heather View Leisure Park is a good place to pop for a beer , have food and sit by the river , Dog Friendly areas are outdoors overlooking The River Wear – A limited menu was on offer due to Covid 19 , however it was good basic pub fair , We also had a takeaway one night which was hot and freshly made , a welcome teat after a long day touring about and beach walking. Be aware in August the midges come out at dusk ..
Packing List ? Well it is England after all , so pretty much everything you can think of for all weathers ! we had rain , wind, sunshine and everything in-between , but we had such a great holiday it really didn’t depend on the weather .. Foxy Roxy gets cold quite easily when wet , so a raincoat was essential for her to keep her warm once we stopped for food or a drink … Dog collar with tag is essential , there is plenty of wildlife around and all dogs can be liable to chasing after something exciting, so best to be safe and it is illegal to have your dog out without a tag . https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/information-for-dog-owners/dog-identification-tags/
Budget £££££ – Our caravan was £900.00 for 7 days in August 2020. There are lodges too which would be more expensive . Contact Verdant Leisure to enquire.
Would we return ? It is a beautiful place , however we would prefer to go further up into Northumberland if we were to return to this part of Britain. The Park itself was lovely and a great base for our time in Durham.
Accommodation – The rooms are lovely , well furnished , modern, large and very clean , NaturalTreats are left for your dog which is a nice touch, Our room was a large double on the first floor, accessed by the sweeping staircase ,The Pointer Dog looked very much the smart traveller waltzing up such a grand staircase .. Check in staff were very attentive to our dogs.
Access all Areas – Dogs are welcome in the bar next door which serves as a gastro pub – food is very good and the area has a good atmosphere, The Pointer Dog had many admirers and we stayed there all afternoon watching the rugby and eating delicious pub grub. Lots of choice of good wines and beers and a varied menu which made it tricky to decide what to order in the best possible way .
Out and About – The grounds of this hotel are superb , They have a lovely summer house that we spent an hour or so in , We visited in spring and it was carpeted with daffodils , there are oriental gardens which are very pretty , There are also local walks straight from the door and the hotel holds leaflets with easy to follow maps on reception http://walksfromthedoor.co.uk/i/walks/Cheshire/Pulford/GrosvenorPulford.pdf
Further Afield – The beautiful city of Chester is a 10 minute drive away and the nearest beach is Thurstaston, 35 minutes drive , dog friendly all year but best at higher tide if wet as it can be muddy. https://beachguide.wales/northwales/thurstaston.php
Watching the World Go By
Human Food – The food here is good , the breakfast is great , lots of choice and beautifully presented , Dogs are not allowed in the dining room, only in the Nelsons bar that is attached to the hotel, if given prior notice you can have breakfast in Nelsons with your dog.
Budget – £££ – You can book a room here for £150 per night for a basic double , They have a large choice of different room types .
Beautiful Rooms
Would we Return – Yes – I would like to go again in the warmer months and make use of the Spa too , we didn’t have time on the last occasion.. It is a lovely hotel with a great vibe about it , your dog is welcomed and you have all the options of dining with or without your dog ….
We stayed here in May , we were lucky with the weather and enjoyed breezy beach walks with The Pointer Dog. This is a Beach Hut and tho small it is perfectly formed. Very romantic and a wonderful place to get away from it all and enjoy stunning views and sunsets while swimming in the hot tub.
Accommodation – Seaglass is managed by Uniquehomestays.com They specialise in unique and top notch properties. Seaglass is one of their smaller properties that is perfectly set up for 2 people, it has everything you need and even I managed to cook a romantic meal for two in the teeny kitchen , Waking up to the outstanding views of the ocean was the best part of the Beach Hut , it is in a perfect location for relaxation, with the outdoor hot tub overlooking the Bay it was difficult to leave. The Pointer Dog would just sit and watch the ocean all day.
Access all Areas – Dogs are allowed in the property but not on any furniture , it is a beautiful little place and you would never know a dog had been in it. The company clearly takes great pride in their properties. The property was spotlessly clean. We took our own dog bed and The Pointer Dog enjoyed sitting by the window listening to the sea.
Out and About – Seaglass sits right on the coastal path and you can wind your way down to the beach from the front door , it is a very steep incline and so a certain level of fitness would be required to get back up ! It is vertical in places, The cove also gets cut off by the tide , so take heed of tide times if you plan a walk down. There is a walk along the road and down another coastal path to a lovely cafe Cliff Top Cafe, The views are stunning and the food is good .. Great coffee and breakfast can be enjoyed here, they serve cakes , ice cream and everything in-between .. A fabulous little spot . Dogs are allowed inside if they are well behaved.
Further Afield – There are many areas of the coastal path that can be accessed in this area and you can go for as long or short a walk as you like , The good news is the beach has access to dogs all year round. Tregantle Fort is on the coastal path only a 15 minute walk along the road, it is closed to the public , however you can get a good view of it from the path. The Fort is still used by all of the armed services to this day and firing times can be found on the government website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tregantle-firing-notice.
Also in this area is Polhawn Fort , this is a wedding venue primarily and sits nestled into the cliff. Whitsands Bay Fort Holiday park is an award winning resort if you fancied something a bit different .
Human Food – There is a restaurant which is a mere stroll up the road http://www.theview-restaurant.co.uk. We did make a booking , however when the time came we decided to stay put in the Beach Hut and cook and watch the sunset from the hot tub instead.
Bliss
We did step out one evening to The Vaults which is on the Whitsands Bay Holiday Park , You can get a good pint of Rattler here ! and enjoy the ambience , They serve good food and a roast dinner carvery on Sundays which is very popular. We left the Pointer Dog at home that evening. Dogs are not allowed in the area where food is served.
Budget – £££££. A short stay here will set you back £1,095 in low season , Rising to over £2,000 in the high season.
Would we return ? – Possibly not , We felt it was slightly too small for 2 adults, however in summer if the weather was good you would be outdoors mainly which would then make the space more tolerable, It is a Beach Hut after all and tho small it is perfectly formed.
Don’t be put off by the fact this is a holiday park , It was a new experience for us , However ! what a place if you want peace and quiet to relax and unwind in the winter months. Visiting mid November it was time for us to take some time out with The Pointer Dog , Foxy Roxy and Mr C and this did not disappoint.
Which Room ? – We chose a Waterside Lomond Lodge with hot tub (No 83 ) . It had 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a 6 seater dining table, wrap around decking which was enclosed and a hot tub you can swim in. The enormous hot tub overlooks the Loch, a perfect way to unwind after walking throughout the day or just enjoying a glass of wine in the evening under the stars.. Bliss. Take note that there are only a few Lodges on the waterside itself , some are set back and you would have close neighbours and Lodges in front of you – so book carefully or call to check https://www.argyllholidays.com
Access all Areas ? – The dogs have the run of the Lodge, We took blankets to cover the furniture just in case . The decking is secure and so they can sit out with you without fear of them disappearing anywhere. Outside dogs need to be on a lead on the park , there is a dog beach where dogs can go and have some fun and a swim with a few little tracks off it to walk along the shore further. It is very dog friendly and the staff were great. Take note that the short dog walk does run alongside the side of the A82 which is a VERY busy road and so keep your dog close if walking the path.
Further out there are many walks through the stunning Scottish scenery, you do need to cross the main road , so do ensure your dog is on a tight collar and lead to make sure there are no risks of slipping the lead. Head to the top of the park , walk to the right for a meter or so and then across and quickly behind the traffic barrier ..It is a 75 strides across the road on a narrow piece of grass, then take the 1st left through a gate and you are away .. It is a very busy road but we crossed it each day with care.
We followed two routes on the Loch Lomond and Cowal way, day one was the walk to Loch Sloy Dam which was Worth the 1400 ft climb to catch the views of the Dam itself and the Loch above, it can be VERY windy at the top, especially as you emerge from the end of the tunnel , so do take care, Foxy Roxy was almost blown away ! We also walked a 10 mile route in the opposite direction to Tarbet and the Goil Sea Loch, a great walk through some stunning countryside, this walk is rocky , icy and hilly and would need a general level of fitness.
There are cows and sheep on the first leg , however after that we saw few animals and so the dogs could have a run around the forest, under control. We dropped into Ben Arthurs Bothy for a quick drink , the view from the restaurant is stunning , however dogs are not allowed in there and only in the bar , the bar has no views and could really be a working mans club anywhere .. so not impressive from that respect but a good spot for a quick drink , in summer you could sit outdoors with your dog overlooking the sea loch and the staff were very dog friendly. We ended up at The Slanj for lunch and a glass of wine. If you don’t wish to walk all the way back you can get a lift from the owner but do check first as this is limited in winter.
Whats in it for the Humans ? – The beauty of the area is enough for me , to sit and watch the Loch and take in the stunning views. If you feel the need to step away from the Lochside there are lots of other places to visit , we went to Luss on our way to Loch Lomond , it is a pretty little village with lots of circular walks , There are deer around and so do be careful if your dog is off the lead. Our Pointer Dog was very happy with himself having a bit of a go at stalking. In summer Luss is packed with tourists , parking is good , however I have been informed that in summer you probably wouldn’t get much of a chance to park after 9.30 am . There is a water bus that runs from here . It was not running during our stay .. also a point to make would be that the pier has no railings and is a drop down approx 20 feet ! so watch your dog at the end of this pier … unless of course they are a champion dock diver !
Food wise , there are no facilities on the park for food , apart from a little shop selling essentials. There is everything you need to rustle up some food if you need to in the very well kitted out kitchen, you can BBQ outdoors too. In the surrounding areas there are pubs and restaurants to eat in with your dog. The Loch Lomond Hotel in Luss was lovely , Open fires and candle lit , beautiful , in summer this would be very busy. Our trip had no such issues and we got a table easily. As mentioned above the Slanj is also on the walking route, it serves decent food and they can bring you back to the park but this is very limited in winter and would be best to check beforehand if you are walking in winter. As a tip they do also sell a very good sustainable wine and the owners are lovely. It is very dog friendly.
We also went to the Drovers Inn , This is further up the A82 and serves super food , is very dog friendly and they have live music on weekends , check their website for details – https://www.droversinn.co.uk It is a fabulous location and there is further walking in the area and a beautiful waterfall in the background. They do also have rooms if you wanted to elongate your stay , it is said to be haunted tho ! so maybe for the brave.
The Drovers Inn
The Packing List ? – Everything but the kitchen sink ! The beauty of going in the car is you can take anything you think you may need, alongside everything that you don’t .. But towels for muddy paws and blankets for the sofa were a must for us. Good walking boots with support, Small rucksack to bring a mini emergency kit , compass, whistle , torch for winter etc .. I also took a small dog coat as they got cold and wet and so it came in handy once we stopped for food etc to stop any chills. Waterproof in case of rain and layers to keep you warm that can be stripped off if you get hot . And water !
Budget ? – ££ – We paid £420 for 4 nights , this was with a discount sue to low season.
££££ – Summer prices booked early will have a discount and be approx £2,098 for a week in the school holidays. I think it may be a different kind of holiday in the summer as it would be much busier and also lots going on on the water in terms of boats and activities.
Would we Return? – Yes , definitely , The dogs and a super time , we loved the walking in the surrounding areas and it was a very relaxed and peaceful holiday.
The fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent, but the hills are eternal. Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is still time will be blessed both in mind and body.”
― Alfred Wainwright
Linthwaite House sits above Lake Windermere and all the tourist attractions ,The town is walkable if you don’t mind a bit of an uphill walk on the way back. I am mid range fitness and huffed and puffed my way back up the hill after a day of exploring. More of that later !
We visited Linthwaite House prior to the renovations that have now been completed, transforming an already beautiful house into a top notch spot if Cumbria is your thing.
Which Room ? – This house has now been refurbished and there are only three pet friendly rooms, All three are deluxe rooms and have an access to outdoors directly from the bedroom for those last minute loo visits and an early morning leg stretch. Book early if you like to take your dog with you as space is limited.
Access all Areas ? – When we stayed here prior to the renovations you could sit in the sun room in the evening and take your dog with you to soak up the views and enjoy a gin or two , Alas this is no longer the case since the refurb. And so something to be aware of. Dogs are not allowed in any areas other than the bedroom and on the patio.. A bit chilly maybe in the winter months , while beautiful in the summer months.
The grounds are stunning , with oriental and manicured gardens , circular walks with beautiful views. The Pointer Dog and Foxy Roxy did have a little gallop around the Croquet lawn at dusk , rabbits all around ! Also just off the drive is lots of walking through rolling fields on public footpaths , however be aware there are sheep in most of the fields and dogs need to be kept on their leads. In some instances there may not be access at lambing time .. something to consider.
Further afield … You can walk down to Lake Windermere easily , it is just a winding road down the steep incline of the hill, approx 1 mile , remember you need to climb back up again later on ! maybe a taxi if you don’t fancy it .. Parking is a nightmare in Windermere so walking is preferable. Once in Windermere you hit the tourist areas , very busy, however you can walk around the lake ( to the left as you look onto it ) and there are some great little beaches where your dog can swim, there is also a little ferry further on around the lake that can take you over to the West Shore. On your return trip it does get busy and you may need to wait for a ferry or two before you get on it , the ferry also takes horses ! I have attached the link – https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/highways-pavements/windermereferry.asp. It is well worth a trip , in all the years I had been to Windermere prior to taking the dogs , we had not been to this part , it was a lovely little gem of a surprise . We had a super day. Be aware there are free ranging cows here .
It is a great little trip and the other side of the lake could not be more different than the bustle of the Windermere side . Lots of little beaches for your dog to swim in and large areas of ground to picnic , play ball or just sit and watch the ferry crossing all day long .
Lets Swim
There is also a viewing point at Claife , I have attached the link ..
Well worth the walk up , it is beautiful , there is a little cafe at the bottom , it was a bit grubby when we went but the food was good . The viewing point is stunning. We had good weather to start but the rain poured a little later and so we got drenched , it remained beautiful in either setting, However Foxy Roxy got very cold and was shaking .. so pack for all eventualities ! Another MUST if in this area is to go to BOOT – Via the Wrynose and Harknott pass – it is one of THE most amazing drives you will ever do , not for the faint hearted but worth every moment … more of that in another blog …
Whats in it for the Humans ? – The food in the restaurant is out of this world , more recently Simon Rogan has taken over the food and beverage section and is the mentor to the Head Chef Brian .. It is a very romantic setting with fabulous and enthusiastic staff to cater for your every need . Dogs can be left in the room ( if they are happy to be left ) while you while away an afternoon for late lunch or a romantic dinner or indeed a leisurely breakfast with superb service with local produce being served up to the table.
In warm weather you can sit with your dog on the terrace and enjoy lunch while soaking up the views of the lake. Please note this hotel is on a hill above Windermere and so if you are planning walking a lot into town this may need to be considered.
Packing List ? – Walking clothes, good walking shoes or trainers if you want to venture out , otherwise cosy clothes to relax and unwind at the House , play croquet or something a little more fancy for evening dinner , It is not formal but smart Casual would go down very well in this setting.
Budget £££ – Currently they have an offer on ( November) that is £340.00 per night to include £45 towards dinner PP – rooms without dinner are £240.00 today.
Would we return again ? – I am not so sure since the changes in the dog access , As much as we certainly do not expect our dog to eat in any restaurant ( apart from when in France ;-)) in any way , we do like them to come to the bar so we don’t have to worry about them being left for long periods of time. Plus the Pointer Dog is like a magnet to people , everyone stops to talk when he is around and we have met many interesting people since we have taken him away with us. Maybe we will visit again when we have a dog free weekend, just to enjoy the food and the new refurb elements.
We have stayed here with our dog on 2 occasions and once without dare I say ! . A beautiful hotel and spa with swimming pool and Spa with wooden hot tub. It is in a beautiful market town in North Yorkshire. A super drive through the Yorkshire moors..
Which room ? – They have 29 rooms , most dog friendly , we chose no 2 and no 26 both rooms are mini suites with log burner and beautiful furniture , huge beds and luxurious cushions , throws and curtains, Our Pointer Dog loved it . The rooms overlook the outdoor pool . The Pointer Dog would have loved a dip so we kept him on his lead to prevent incident ! He was very content to lie by the sun loungers when the weather allowed. I went for a massage in the spa which was fabulous while Mr C sat and read and enjoyed the peace of the place while remaining in charge of the pooch. treatments are wonderful in a lovely spa space, very relaxing after a busy few weeks.
We spent one evening in our suite watching DVD’s ( selection supplied ) and lit the fire with a bottle of Champagne on ice – Bliss
Just Let Me Go In
Access all Areas ? – Dogs are allowed in the very cosy bar ,which has large sofas and newspapers to while away an afternoon. they have THE best Gin Collection too .. waiter service and great attention to detail . They are also allowed around the pool area to sit by your sun lounger should you wish to relax outdoors.
Outside the boundaries of the hotel there are many places in the area to eat , from bakeries to restaurants and everything in between , The Cleveland Way starts right in Helmsley, It is 109 miles long , so do take care to plan when to make the return to The Hotel. There is everything from Castles to Rivers .. I have attached the Link. https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cleveland-way
Just around the corner,( less than 5 minutes walk) from the hotel is a market square with some lovely little shops selling quirky items and there is a fabulous dress shop in the square that sells some amazing items of clothing . There are other pubs and places to eat too. I have attached the link https://www.visithelmsley.co.uk. Helmsley is a place of natural beauty and has shooting grounds nearby , The hotel can organise shooting trips and can store your gun in their secure gun cabinet.
Whats in it for the Humans ? – Well where to start ? the food at The Feversham is fabulous , the restaurant is beautiful and if your dog is happy to stay in the room , (quietly ! ) you can go and enjoy a long lunch or romantic dinner while your dog sleeps off his long walks and adventures of the day. Breakfast is also fabulous . You certainly will never go hungry in this part of the world ! Spa treatments and the outdoor pool , what’s not to like ..
Packing List ? – The hotel provides robes and slippers if using the Spa , If walking in winter or rain pack light clothes to peel off along the way if you get hot , good walking boots for you and and dog towels for your pooch to dry them off after long muddy and wet walks or swimming in order to respect the hotel. Dinner is informal but possibly smart casual .. Field Coat for those off on a shooting trip .
Budget – ££££
Would we go again ???? _ yep – We have already been 3 times , once minus The Pointer Dog.
Dog Friendly Places to Eat , Sleep and Stay 