It’s a hard life being a dog sometimes… so often left in kennels when owners go away, left outside pubs and restaurants whilst their humans eat their meals in the warm and dry, left in cars to overheat… left, left, left. Well let’s put it right for our pooches.
And now the weather is set to get that much warmer it is especially important we know where our four-legged friends are just as welcome as us, so that we can avoid leaving them outside or in hot cars. With this in mind, The Outdoor Guide and the RSPCA have brought you some great places that you can eat, drink and stay at after your walk!
The New Forest National Park
Walk…
The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive Walk – or for those with little legs like dachshunds and toy breeds, take the short loop Blackwater Arboretum Walk (encompassed by the Rhinefeld route).
With over 140 miles of gorgeous footpaths and tracks great for stretching those legs on, the New Forest is the ultimate paradise for dogs and dog walkers. The New Forest National Park Authority estimates that over 25,000 dog walks take place in the New Forest each day!
Eat at at…
The Bell Inn
Well you certainly can’t go wrong with The Bell Inn, also part of the Stay in a Pub group. Voted the New Forest’s Most Dog Friendly Restaurant in the New Forest, it would actually be rude not to stop by here, at the very least for a bite to eat with your pooch sat at your feet – scooby snacks available. Dogs are welcome in the bar area too, although beverages for anyone on four legs are limited to water only.
Part of the Stay in a Pub collection, we recommend The Bell Inn as a place to stay for your dog walking trip in the New Forest.
Remember!
Take special care when walking in the New Forest – several cases of Alabama Rot, a potentially fatal disease to dogs, were recently reported here. Read everything you need to know about this on the RSPCA website here.
The Cairngorms National Park
Walk…
The Speyside Railway Walk from Julia Bradbury’s Railway Walks
This 12 mile railway walk is a great way for you and your pooch to get your steps in whilst enjoying the pretty scenes at the heart of the Scottish countryside, following part of the River Spey. This route is great for dogs that just can’t resist a dip!
Have a drink at…
The Grant Arms Hotel
Dogs can rest their weary paws whilst you enjoy a wee dram at the nearby Grant Arms Hotel. Apart from the main restaurant, your pet is welcome to join you anywhere in the hotel, including the bar where they can enjoy a strong drink of… water. Owners however, will find themselves spoilt for choice with the Capercaille Bar’s wide selection of Speyside Single Malts and Scottish Gins – a nice way to end a day out walking.
Remember!
It’s important to use a proper collar and lead rather than a slip lead or harness when walking your dog. Slip leads can be dangerous and cause pain when used incorrectly. You can find some super gear for walking your dog in comfort from Cotswold Outdoor.
The South Downs National Park
Walk…
The South Downs and Seven Sisters Walk from Julia Bradbury’s Best Walks with a View
A Julia Bradbury favourite, this 3-mile route encompasses some of the best views Britain can offer, and we’re pretty sure your dog will agree. With miles of space to explore, this walk is great for dogs in need of long stints of exercise and sniffing.
Have a drink at…
The Tiger Inn
Enjoy a pint with your pet by your side (not as your drinking partner) at The Tiger Inn, East Dean, part of the Stay in a Pub group. Dogs are welcome in the main bar area and outside where you can sip a real ale, hopefully in the sun (but make sure your dog has access to the shade if they need to!), after this walk on the South Downs.
Remember!
Towards Birling Gap you will be walking on sensitive land. As you approach the cliff edges, make sure to put your dog back on the lead for its own safety – we don’t want any casualties, thank you very much. Retractable leads are not recommended for this walk and always keep you dog on a lead if you’re not sure they’ll come back when called!
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Walk…
The Aysgarth Falls Accessible Walk
This accessible walk is tried and tested wheelchair friendly from the ‘Miles without Stiles’ series produced by the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This will come as a great relief for dog walkers, especially those with big dogs… it can be quite the challenge manoeuvring a stubborn Great Dane over a stile!
Eat and drink at…
George and Dragon Inn
You and your dog will feel right at home stepping into the George and Dragon Inn. Settle into the cosy bar area for a bottle of red with your pooch at your feet. There is also a lovely outdoor area where you can sit in the fresh air of the Yorkshire Dales after seeing the Aysgarth Falls. With the restaurant’s AA Rosette under its belt, you’re guaranteed a tasty meal – guard your sausages though, someone’s got their eyes on them!
Remember!
Stick to paths when walking in the Yorkshire Dales. The limestone nature of the land presents hazards such as caves, limestone pavement and sink holes that dogs can fall into.
Norfolk
Walk…
The Wells Beach and Pinewood Walk from Britain’s Favourite Walks
So, dogs couldn’t vote apparently but when it comes to the nation’s favourites, this walk makes a strong contender coming in at number 42. We reckon our pets trust us to know a good walk from a bad one, so we’re certain your pooch will just love discovering the sand dunes of the north Norfolk coast. Those in search of a longer route might want to extend this walk to Holkham Gap.
Eat at…
The Crown Hotel from Stay In A Pub
Get yourselves to the Crown Hotel to refuel after your walk. Dogs are welcome in the bar and front restaurant where the full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is available. In good weather, there is outdoor seating both at the front and rear of the hotel where you can enjoy a meal or drink in the company of your pet.
Camp in style with…
Margins Walking and Glamping Holidays
Have all the fun of walking and camping without the hassle of lugging your tent around. With Margins Holidays, you can walk your dog along stretches of the Norfolk Coastal Path only to arrive, as if by magic, to your tent all set up and ready at your next stop. Plus, pooches are supplied with beds, towels, poop bags and treats!
Margins Holidays are better suited to the longer legged breeds out there who love being out and walking all day.
Remember!
Dogs die in hot cars. Over the Easter weekend, the RSPCA saw a huge spike in calls concerning dogs trapped in cars as the temperatures pushed into the mid-20s. As we are in for alarmingly some hot weather, we recommend reading the Summer Dog Care Guide so as to avoid as many situations like this as possible – spread the word!
For advice about travelling with your pooch and keeping them calm and happy on the move, head to the RSPCA website, here.
Have a wonderful time walking the country with man’s best friend this summer, and remember to share your photos by tagging us in your tweets, Instagram and Facebook posts!
