best human's friend nr 34 2016

DOGFRIENDLYOUT & ABOUT WITH YOUR DOG TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS & ADVENTURE

NUMBER 34 £3.99

DOGEXERCISE

APPPage 61

The Scottish Highlands TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDEPULL- OUT GUIDE

COUNTY DONEGAL, IRELAND

Dusty’s PlaceGLOUCESTERSHIRE

Winchcombe THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

Excelsior Palace

PUBLISHED BY

CONWY, NORTH WALES

Erw Lechi BachTHE HOME COUNTIES

RedcoatsCOLDSTREAM

West Lodge

Editor’s letter

Some people are nervous around dogs so consider their feelings. Be aware of the effect your dog may have on the people around you. Always pick up after your dog and make sure you dispose of the waste properly. Keep your dog under control in a public place.Never let your dog climb on the furniture unless the owner

has agreed this is acceptable. Don't leave your dog alone in a property unless you have the owner's agreement. Check your dog has been immunised and treat him against ticks, fleas and worms.

WelcomeCONTACTDogFriendly Limited PMA HouseFree Church Passage St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5AYTel 01480 570009

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Unsolicited materialAlthough we take care of material submitted, Dog Friendly can't be held responsible for its safety. Contributors should retain a copy of what they send, and it’s advisable not to send precious originals. We regret that, due to the volume of mail received, not all correspondence can be acknowledged or answered personally. All rights reserved by DogFriendly Ltd. Reproduction in partor whole is forbidden without the consent of the publishers.

Personal views expressed in articles and letters are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the publishers. We reserve the right to delete from any article, material which we consider could lead to any breach of the law of libel. Whilst we never knowingly include erroneous information, the responsibility for accuracy lies with those who submitted the material.

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Co-founders Steve Bennett with his dogs, Daisy and Billy, and Sanjay Parmar, who works his magic on the website

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I HOPE YOU ENJOY READING THIS EDITION OF MAGAZINE and that it gives you a few dog-friendly holiday ideas. There’s quite a mix of reviews with destinations including Bovey Tracey in Devon, the Norfolk Broads, Conwy in Wales, Redcoats Green near Hitchin and County Donegal in Ireland – where three DogFriendly members explain why they've returned so many times to a particular guesthouse. And, if you think we’re lacking glamour, there’s also a review of The Excelsior Palace on the Italian Riviera. The pull-out guide in this edition is about the Scottish Highlands which is somewhere I visited during my childhood but still remember with great affection. The blue sky, golden sand

and turquoise sea of Gairloch have lingered long in my memory. Researching the guide was not without its problems, of which the most important was identifying exactly where the Highlands are. They're in the north of Scotland, I hear you cry but the boundary's rather vague and deciding what should and shouldn't be included depends, obviously, on whether it’s actually in the Highlands. It's an extremely large area so I couldn't include everything but some attractions, like John O'Groats, are already well known so these are only mentioned when describing suitable walking routes nearby. I’ve turned my regular article request into an actual article on p19 so there’s even less chance of you ignoring my request that you write an article about your holiday – let's see if subtlety works! You may have realised by now that we love hearing from you so here’s a picture of one of your dogs, Berkeley. I can't think of a more enjoyable way of escaping the winter than cuddling up with your dog.Gareth Salter, Editor [email protected]

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contents

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TRIED & TESTED6 GLOUCESTERSHIRE5 VINEYARD STREETTracey Radnall and her dog, Bertie, explore Winchcombe in the heart of the Cotswolds

12 WALESERW LECHI BACH Laura Logan and her family are inspired by the spectacular scenery around Conwy

15 THE HOME COUNTIESREDCOATS FARMHOUSE HOTELJeremy and Sally-Anne Caddick enjoy a gourmet treat at a prestigious restaurant near Hitchin

WHY VISIT THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS17 - PAGE GUIDE

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20 DEVONTHE CROMWELL ARMS Caroline and Richard Hodson and their dogs explore the wilds of Dartmoor from Bovey Tracey

45 COUNTY DONEGAL, IRELANDDUSTY'S PLACEYvonne, Grace and Alison explain why they adore this guesthouse so much

50 NORFOLKROSEMARY COTTAGEMel Baldwin and her partner, Justin, enjoy a short holiday near the coast at Cromer

52 THE SCOTTISH BORDERSWEST LODGEGilly Brown and her dog, Winnie, live it up on the Milne Graden estate near Kelso

REGULARS18 WRITE A REVIEW Share your holiday experiences and see them published in the next edition of the magazine

61 CANINE PRODUCT TRIALDogFriendly tests the Tractive Motion Pet Activity Tracker

62 PROPERTY ROUND-UPThe National Trust has a wide range of dog-friendly cottages DOGGY DAY OUT23 LONDON'S SEVEN DIALS Alix Frith and her dog, find a surprisingly warm welcome in the heart of our capital city

28 PEACE... Reigns supreme but the Highlands' castles are a strong reminder of a turbulent past

31 CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE... Whatever your ability, there's a mountain in the Highlands you can climb with your dog

32 ALL THAT GLISTENS...May not be gold but the Highlands' lochs are just as precious as you'll discover

35 TEN BEST GLENS Explore the Highlands' most awe-inspiring glens and create magical memories

38 WILD TIMES! The Highlands of Scotland boast a spectacular coastline and a wide variety of beaches

43 A HIGHLAND ESCAPE Specialist holiday company, Cottages & Castles, has a variety of dog-friendly properties

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Tried & tested Gloucestershire

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Tracey Radnall and her partner, Maggie, explore the Cotswolds with Bertie

Words & pictures ©Tracey Radnall

5 Vineyard Street

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T hink of the Cotswolds and Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Bourton-in-the-Water

and Moreton-in-Marsh come instantly to mind. All much more well-known than Winchcombe which lies to the west, ten miles north of Cheltenham. The area features many ancient routes and has a rich heritage that includes Bronze Age remains

and Roman roads. These no-doubt exist due to the importance of the seam of honey-coloured Oolitic limestone that extends diagonally across England between Stamford and Bath. The Romans were a canny bunch and recognised the richness of the area – the incredible Fosse Way bisects an incredibly direct line between Lincoln in the north and Exeter in the south – still used to this day, albeit no longer paved with limestone.

One of the prettiest streets through Winchcombe, Vineyard Street (once called Duck Street after the ducking stool near the river) has a rather important role because it leads to Sudeley Castle, about half a mile away, which is where Henry VIII’s sixth wife is buried. Katherine Parr may have out-lived him but she died shortly after giving her next husband, Sir Thomas Seymour, a still-born daughter and they lie as a family in the grounds of the chapel. A few blocks away and not to be missed are Dent Street Almshouses.


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A spectacular view of the church

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A MAGICAL SIGHTWe arrived as the light was beginning to fade, around 3.30pm. It was early December and Winchcombe had a festive atmosphere with little Christmas trees creating a twinkling armed-guard along the streets. Wonderful. 5 Vineyard Street, a charmingly traditional terraced cottage, lies in the centre of Winchcombe on The Cotswolds Way. It retains many of its original features including flagstone floors, alcoves and beamed ceilings. Upstairs, there's a couple of double bedrooms and a shower room – downstairs, a modern kitchen, lounge and a sun room that leads onto a secure garden.

Tired and hungry after a long drive from Edinburgh, we headed to the White Hart, an attractive inn in the heart of the village. Bertie our Working Cocker Spaniel was made welcome and we were soon tucking into a hearty bowl of venison stew and dumplings. Jim and Emma who own 5 Vineyard Street explained that all Winchcombe's pubs

welcome dogs. Indeed, it has a very dog-friendly vibe and we found water bowls outside many of the shops.

We found walking guides and a wide variety of reading material at the cottage. Catching my eye was a book describing itself as a guide ‘to reclaiming life’s simple pleasures’ – listing one hundred ways to ‘avoid TV and shopping’. Sounded quite promising. Incredibly diverse in subject-matter, there were sections on ‘how to play the ukulele’ and ‘having sex’. The latter, though failed to fill half a page with tips on how to ‘spice up your love life’ which – and I quote – ‘won’t scare the horses’. With a copy of Cotswold Homes that included a feature by local farmer and Countryfile star, Adam Henson, Tupping – A Beginners' Guide, where I learnt that ewes in particular get ‘a bit of a treat’ before the main event. I felt suitably informed about life in rural England and, armed with these earthy directives the next morning, we hit the trail with Bertie.


The area features many ancient routes and has a rich heritage that includes Bronze Age remains

Winchcombe

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A RELIC OF ROMAN TIMES We thought we’d investigate the local heritage and headed to Belas Knap, a Neolithic long barrow. It’s within easy reach of Winchcombe and getting there involved little more than crossing the River Isbourne and joining the Cotswold Way. We paused a while beside an old oak tree so we could enjoy picturesque views of Winchcombe and St Peters Church with, in the distance, Cleeve Hill which, at 1,083ft above sea level, is the highest point in the Cotswolds. After several short hill climbs, we found Belas Knap standing proudly on the. It’s extremely well-preserved and probably the finest of its kind that I’ve seen. We had a cereal bar and a cup of tea then walked back down the lane past Wadfield Farm, where we picked ripe sloe berries from the hedgerow. The light was fading fast as we descended into Winchcombe but we were guided by a floodlit golden cockerel above the church, a shining beacon in the gathering dusk that helps weary walkers find their way home. After a lazy start the next morning, we thought we’d check out a Roman mosaic at Spoonley Wood. We crossed the river

and, bearing right at Sudeley Castle, headed towards Beesmoor Brook. It was as we were approaching a field parallel to Sudeley Lodge that we became aware of several bullocks and a fully grown Chevrolet bull. Although slightly more attractive (and considerably bigger) than it’s vehicular cousin, we decided to turn back. Especially as we had a lively spaniel with us. Reaching the brook once again, we tried the road option instead and headed towards Newmeadow Farm. It was a good choice in such muddy conditions because it’s a no-through road with just a clutch of houses at its destination. We particularly enjoyed views of the Malverns from Cole’s Hill.

The going gets a bit tricky at times so it’s worth taking a map so you can find the ruins amongst the trees. The mosaic is covered by a tarpaulin and, removing it carefully, we revealed a surprisingly large mosaic. Even under an overcast sky, the tiny red, black and white mosaic tiles shone out, the intricate patterns they create clearly visible. We recovered the mosaic gently, leaving it exactly as we’d found it, then headed home in the dark. Although it’s a little hard to find,


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ADDRESS 5 Vineyard Street, Winchcombe Gloucestershire GL54 5LPPRICE A week costs between £500 and £650 depending on season CONTACT Tel 07825 013 305, visit www.independentcottages.co.uk or email [email protected]

CHECK THESE WEBSITESwww.cotswolds.infowww.winchcombe.co.ukwww.sudeleycastle.co.uk

FACT FILE

I would say it’s definitely worth taking the trouble. As we walked back down towards Winchcombe, we pondered why such a precious artefact isn’t as well protected as nearby Belas Knap. Apparently the site was excavated around 1900 and numerous items were recovered, including a silver-plated bowl, 3rd-century coins and pottery that can now be viewed at Sudeley Castle. WITHIN EASY REACH Winchcombe is a walkers’ paradise and has everything you need whilst on holiday including a wonderful delicatessen, bakery and greengrocer, a small supermarket and a choice of dog-friendly pubs. Although it’s quieter during the winter, it’s drier and leafier

in summer with a myriad of pathways you can explore. There are several other ancient sites nearby of which the most intriguing is probably Chedworth Roman Villa. I’d also recommend you visit Cirencester if you can because it boasts the best lido I’ve ever seen, and if you’re feeling hungry, the Inn at Fossebridge Inn on the Fosse Way has an extensive menu, a choice of holiday properties and a dog-friendly bar. THE WAY AHEAD Winchcombe has no less than six main walking routes you can enjoy. These include The Gloucestershire Way, The Cotswold Way, The Windrush Way, The Winchcombe Way, The Warden’s Way and The Salt Way. It was the first place in the Cotswolds to gain Walkers are Welcome status and holds a walking festival every spring that includes many guided walks (20-22 May 2016). • www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/_documents/spoonley_villa_walk.pdf • www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/_documents/belas_knap_walk.pdf • www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/walks/self-guided_walks.asp


• www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walk/walk_b/3065 • www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-way/route/cotswold-way-circular-walk-winchcombe-and -belas-knap

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Tried & tested North Wales

Laura Logan and her family enjoy a wonderful week in Conwy

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We’ve always fancied exploring Wales with our kids but, living in Scotland, hadn’t managed it

until recently because it’s such a long drive. Last year we thought we’d take the plunge and searched ‘dog-friendly cottages’ online, choosing North Wales as it would mean less time on the road. We found Erw Lechi Bach and were drawn immediately by the pictures, especially of the open-plan living space. We booked and certainly weren’t disappointed when we arrived. It really is out of this world! And, despite our worries, we found it quite

easily, less than a five-minute drive from the centre of Conwy. I even walked there a few times during our holiday it was so close.

Erw Lechi Bach started life as a stable and retains many original features. The owners have furnished it sympathetically, choosing

pieces that complement the surroundings and made us feel extremely welcome. We were greeted by a bowl of fresh fruit, a bottle of wine and a vase of flowers in every room. Wonderful.

SUITS A FAMILYThe property sleeps six people in three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a wet-room-style shower room and its own television so I can imagine staying there when it’s raining outside. There’s also a family bathroom so there aren’t any queues

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in the morning. The kitchen has everything you’d expect plus a microwave, freezer and dishwasher. There’s a large lounge-diner and we spent many evenings relaxing beside the multi-fuel stove. It's a lovely focal point that, with the underfloor heating, meant it was always cosy inside. Doors lead on to a terrace and fully enclosed garden (vital with sheep in the fields nearby) with views of the countryside.

What really made Erw Lechi Bach special though was that it welcomes four dogs. It almost seemed a shame we only had one. And, if I’m honest, you’d never have known because it was extremely clean inside.

It enjoys a picturesque rural location and is surrounded by gardens and several acres of farmland that merge seamlessly with the fields beyond. Pathways lead up Tal y Fan, Sychnant and Conwy Mountain but you can also head along the river or explore the wide sandy beaches of Penmaenmawr.

It was the first time I’ve visited Conwy and we thought it was wonderful. We particularly enjoyed walking around the town's walls. Although dogs aren’t allowed in the castle itself, we split up and explored the ruins in turn, climbing one of the towers so we could enjoy the views properly. We also investigated the Great Orme, a prominent headland near Llandudno that’s now a nature reserve and boasts a herd of Kashmir goats. There are several pathways around it and we could have walked the whole way because it’s a gentle climb but the kids fancied the vintage tram and since it was dog-friendly, we chose the easy option.

Snowdon is undoubtedly the region’s most popular attraction but it’s quite a challenging climb and, although the train’s an option, it isn’t dog-friendly and neither is the café on the summit. However, it was my son’s 13th birthday so we left Mr Murphles with friends we’d made during the holiday and caught the train. It was a clear day and the views from the summit were amazing. Indeed, the weather during our holiday was lovely and we spent many hours on the beach – with miles of golden sand, it’s a popular

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destination. And, with so many sheep in Wales, we made the most of it letting Mr Murphles run off-lead while he had the chance.

We also visited Sygun Copper Mine near Beddgelert and found it was dog-friendly. Mr Murphles coped well with the open-tread steps and joined us in the mine and the café afterwards. Then, thinking he needed a run, we walked around Llyn Dinas nearby. Heading back to Ewr Lechi Bach, we paused a while in Betws-y-coed, drawn by the shopping opportunities. There’s a delightful walk by the waterfall but we ran out of time and have made a note so we can do it the next time we visit.


ADDRESS Erw Lechi Bach, Henryd, Conwy LL32 8PJPRICE A week costs between £490 and £1,155 depending on seasonCONTACT Tel 01492 582 492 or visit www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk

FACT FILE

Tried & tested The Home Counties

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Jeremy Caddick and his wife Sally-Anne enjoy a luxurious night away with their

dog near Hitchin

Redcoats Farmhouse

Hotel

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S ituated between Stevenage and Hitchin near the village of Great Wymondley, Redcoats is an astonishingly peaceful

converted farmhouse hotel which feels as if it is miles from anywhere, while only being minutes from the A1. We visited with Florence, our energetic one-year-old Cavachon puppy, in early September. She enjoyed the autumnal smells of the well-kept garden and had to be restrained from getting carried away exploring the paths and outhouses that go with a traditional farmhouse. The humans enjoyed the

attentive, welcoming and personal service, the delightful seasonal cooking and the extensive wine list. All three of us enjoyed the luxurious surroundings of our suite that gave onto the main courtyard, although Flossie didn’t really get the hang of the house rule about not having dogs on the bed and had to be reminded on several occasions!

WORTH EVERY ACCOLADERedcoats has been owned by the same family for 100 years. They brought portraits, furniture and heirlooms dating from the 19th century with them and these really help set the scene. The property was converted during the 1970s but many of the features of a working farmhouse have been retained. The present timber-framed building dates from the 15th century with mullioned windows and irregular ceilings. Redcoats feels anything but corporate and we found the staff hospitable, friendly and attentive, efficient yet relaxed.

We stayed in one of the newer ensuite rooms. The bed was extremely comfy, the shower luxurious and the wi-fi coverage excellent – none of the fluctuations in service

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you often get in a hotel. We started with a bottle of prosecco, relaxing outside in the garden, whilst Flossie had a lovely time exploring amongst the trees. We ate dinner in the bar area which, with the Old Kitchen restaurant, is where you can eat with your dog. Flossie observed the comings and goings from under the table and appreciated being fussed by the other guests.

I ordered a main course of calves liver – one of those dishes I would hesitate to attempt at home because it's easily over-cooked. Mine was amazing, succulent and delicious. Sally-Anne enjoyed seafood chowder as a starter, then had pan-fried bream with seasonal vegetables – superb! This was all accompanied by a refreshing bottle of Sancerre rosé, which is unusual to see on an English wine-list. We were spoilt at breakfast the next morning with eggs benedict, croissants and coffee, which carried us off on a cushion of contented positive feeling and benevolence in general towards the world outside.

We found our stay at Redcoats relaxing, peaceful and restorative. Flossie thought the interesting smells, treats and friendly people

ADDRESS Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel, Redcoats Green, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, Herts HG4 7JRPRICE Starts around £70 per personCONTACT Tel 01438 729 500 or visit www.redcoats.co.uk

FACT FILE

had been laid on purely for her benefit and would clearly enjoy a return visit. We made the most of Redcoats’ hospitable surroundings and its extensive wine list, by relaxing over a delicious meal safe in the knowledge that Flossie was more than welcome. If you’re in the area or passing through, we suggest you and your pooch take the opportunity to visit Redcoats – you’ll have a lovely time.

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Share your experiences

and see your holiday in the magazine

Write a review... The magazine relies on reviews by its

readers. Without these contributions, it wouldn't exist so please consider sharing

your experiences. It’s the best way of spreading the dog-friendly message. If you’re interested in writing about your holiday, use the guidelines below – about 1,700 words is ideal because this will make a three-page article. Simply email [email protected]

PERSONAL DETAILS● Names● Address● Postcode● Email● Dog’s name ● Age● Breed

ABOUT THE HOLIDAY ● Destination● Name● Address● Type of accommodation ● Telephone● Email ● Website● Name of owners ● Name of dog if they have one

THE ARTICLE GUIDELINES Introduction Explain why you chose this holiday destination, how you found the property and whether it’s somewhere you’ve visited previously.Property Provide a description of the property and its surroundings – these are often available on the website.Location A few words about the region.

Share your experiences

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DOG FRIENDLY WELCOME● Are dogs welcome everywhere or are they prohibited from certain areas – are there any other rules? ● Were any treats or accessories such as poo bags, bowls and blankets included? ● Is the garden completely secure?

THE PRICE OF THE HOLIDAY● Quote the price per person per night if you stayed at a hotel, guesthouse or a b&b● Quote a price per week if you rented a holiday property● Include a price range if the charge varies during the season ● Check if any specials deals are available ● Quote the price per dog

THE NEARBY ATTRACTIONSWalks – include several you would recommend plus one route that’s available in a guide, leaflet or via a website Heritage – castles, abbeys, monasteries, churches, houses and similar that are worth visiting with a dog Beaches – include summer restrictions Parks – include gardens and nature reserves Local days out – any other places that are dog-friendly.

THE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCEPlease write at least 300 words about your holiday, what you enjoyed and why you would recommend others visit the region.

TAKING A PICTUREPlease email any pictures that you think are suitable including – ● A picture of the reviewer ● One of the exterior of the building

● One of the property’s garden ● A few of the interior ● Ask the owners if they can provide any of the hi-res originals taken when creating their company's website ● At least one close-up of your dog ● Include several pictures of the different places you visited or suggest who we should contact so we can source them

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Tried & tested Devon

Caroline and Richard Hodson and their dogs extend their holiday with a night in Bovey Tracey

The Cromwell Arms


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We decided to tag a weekend in Devon on to the end of our Cornish holiday so that I could

finally visit the Eden Project (which now admits dogs), and we ended up selecting Bovey Tracey because the name holds memories of childhood holidays in Paignton and day trips on Dartmoor. So, my husband Richard and I, with our Miniature Schnauzers, Daisy and May booked a night at the dog-friendly Cromwell Arms. May is a sprightly seven-year-old, and although Daisy is now eleven, she still has plenty of stamina as long as it isn’t raining, so we knew they would enjoy the terrain.

My childhood memories of Devon pubs are of little more than ‘Chicken in a basket’, which somewhat dates me but the Cromwell Arms has, despite being around since the 17th century, moved on substantially since the 1970s and taken its menu with it.

The Cromwell Arms, which is run by Gary and Julie Roberts, lies in the centre of town, and we found it easily. There’s also a large car park at the rear – a blessing when you’re trying to get your dogs and all their paraphernalia, and several bags of luggage, into the room. We were given a large room on the first floor, with an en-suite shower room.

It’s an extremely old building that has undergone many changes over the years and our irregularly shaped room reflected this but that merely increased its character and the bed was comfy, the white bed linen beautifully clean and the décor simple. And, the cast iron fireplace made a wonderful focal point.

The pub was named after an incident during the Civil War when Cromwell’s men attacked Royalist troops nearby and may explain why, when I opened the wardrobe door, there was a

large framed picture of Oliver Cromwell staring out at me from behind the coat hangers!

That aside, the room contained all the usual amenities – a small kettle and tea-making facilities, a flat-screen TV and a wall-mounted hair dryer. Our room faced the front so we were glad it has secondary glazing which meant it was quiet, even when we retired at a ridiculously early hour.

MEETING THE LOCALSWe ate dinner in the bar downstairs on both nights. Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant so we reserved a table in the bar when we checked in. We sat down that evening at 7pm and the bar was buzzing with conversation – filled with locals and a rather varied selection of dogs, all behaving impeccably.

We started chatting with a couple at the next table, who were dining there with their wonderfully trained Belgian Shepherd cross, and they suggested the best walks. They also advised us that it was the only dog-friendly pub in the area so we booked a table there the next night which saved us a bit of legwork.

The portions were pretty substantial – and our favourite starter was, without any doubt, the mushrooms in wine sauce, served with aromatic garlic bread that tantalised the diners at nearby tables. I also enjoyed one of the specials, a burger with the rather grandiose name, The Worx. Consisting of a steak burger, with pulled pork, bacon, onion rings and melted cheese, with a stack of skinny chips (!) on the side, it was a case of having eyes bigger than my stomach and I couldn’t manage dessert. On the plus side, the dogs enjoyed the odd chip that made its way in their direction. The puddings were all homemade and sounded very tempting. The rump steak, which we both tried on Saturday evening, was also very good and was served with delicious thick-cut chips, thoroughly crispy outside and hot and fluffy inside.

We both like a bit of character, be it people, places or buildings – and our breakfast experience on Saturday didn't let us down. Turning up with Daisy and May, we asked where we could sit, knowing that the dining room was out of bounds. The man on duty said they were missing a member of staff, mentioned Basil Fawlty, then strode around the room, asking if anyone minded if we brought the dogs in. No–one did, so we ate a fine cooked breakfast with the other guests. Once again, the mushrooms didn’t disappoint – freshly cooked large flat mushroom,s rather than the watery mess you often receive.

The following day, with the right number of staff, normal service was resumed and we happily ate breakfast in the bar, which is where guests with dogs normally sit.

Only a few minutes’ walk from the Cromwell Arms, we found that Mill Marsh Park was the easiest place to walk the dogs locally, with

The Eden Project

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solid paths that run along the river. The council produces a useful leaflet of walks around Bovey Tracey and we picked one up on our travels.

Whilst in Bovey Tracey, we also enjoyed visiting the Devon Guild of craftsmen, opposite the park’s main entrance. Although dogs are only allowed in the courtyard, there are seats where you can enjoy a snack ordered from the café upstairs. It gave us the chance to browse the high-quality products that included jewellery, ceramics and clothing. Our other plans, apart from visiting the Eden Project, were fairly fluid, and depended rather on the weather. We’d visited the Eden Project on our way from Cornwall and found that, although dogs are permitted, it was a slight anti-climax, probably because I had such high expectations. I can’t deny it's very good, but it’s expensive and with only limited dog access, I’d describe it as dog-tolerant, rather than dog-friendly. Entry costs £25 per person unless you can claim one of the discounts available, which is a great deal of money when one person has to sit outside with the dog, albeit in a covered seating area, whilst the other visits the biomes.

On the contrary, until I’d picked up a brochure, I’d never heard of The Stone Lane Sculpture Gardens. They hold the National Collection of birch and alder trees, and these are complemented by a wide variety of sculptures. We found it a delightful, quirky and slightly eccentric experience and, with a ticket only

costing £6 (via honesty box), we wandered around happily with our dogs, but kept them on leads. It was only after our visit that we heard that a Miniature Schnauzer, Bailey gardens here – it’s a real shame we missed him on our visit – but you can see his blog at baileysblogadevondog.blogspot.co.uk

Bovey Tracey describes itself as the gateway to the moor – and Dartmoor itself is unmissable, a wild and beautiful place. Thankfully, although many of the roads are single track, there was little traffic and driving was a pleasure. I insisted on a nostalgic trip to Dartmeet – and sure enough, the tea room at Badgers Holt was still there with a sign saying it had been running more than fifty years.

Cattle, ponies and sheep roam freely across the heath so it's important you never let your dog off-lead unless you’re certain there are no animals grazing nearby – check the Dartmoor Dog Code and observe it at all times.

We also visited Princetown, realising as we arrived that the large grey institutional building that looks like a Victorian prison is just that. Don’t let that put you off though because there are several good walks nearby and the National Park Visitor Centre is worth investigating. We found a wonderful exhibition of woodland photography and a display about the moor. And the dogs were welcome inside.

Our next adventure involved climbing North Hessary Tor, where we enjoyed spectacular

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ADDRESS The Cromwell Arms, Bovey Tracey, Nr Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9AE PRICE A night with bed & breakfast costs from £79 with dogs an extra £5 CONTACT Tel 01626 833 473 or visit www.thecromwellarms.co.uk

CHECK THESE WEBSITESwww.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-enjoyingdartmoor/vi-walkingforall/dartmoor-with-your-dogwww.crafts.org.uk www.stonelanegardens.com

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views from the summit and were able to let our dogs have a proper run, having checked there were no animals within reach.

The National Trust manages several sites on Dartmoor. The Parke Estate was recommended as a great place if you have a dog, and the grounds at Castle Drogo are also dog-friendly. Wheal Betsy, the remains of an old engine house, evoke memories of harder times when mining was one of the main occupations.


Doggy day out London's Seven Dials

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London’s Seven Dials

Alex Frith and her dog, Basil, sniff around London’s Seven Dials

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W hen you think of a day out with your dog – walking, shopping and even dining, central London isn’t

your first choice. Packed tube trains, crowded streets and no dog policies – need I continue? However, tucked between Covent Garden and Soho, there’s a real hidden gem. Seven Dials, home of Bow Wow London, a doggy boutique that was recently named London’s Best Loved Shop in Time Out magazine's annual Love London Awards.

ON THE MAPSeven Dials is ideally located because it’s near the tube stations of both Leicester Square and Covent Garden. We travelled in via Holborn though, using the Central & Piccadilly lines, which is a short walk away. Quite a few places in Seven Dials don’t open until either 10 or 11am so it’s perfect if you fancy avoiding peak commuter hours. The only downside is that Holborn station doesn’t have a lift so, unless your dog can cope with moving stairs, you may have to carry him on the escalator. You can plan your journey by visiting Tfl.gov.uk and Walkit.com.

GETTING YOUR BEARINGSNavigating the area is easy. Once you’ve found the Seven Dials sundial pillar, which dates from the 1690s, you can simply work your way around it. Although the area hasn’t been pedestrianised, it isn’t overly busy with traffic or crowds and the pavements are wide, which makes meandering along with your dog much more enjoyable – just watch out because some cabs use it as a rat run to Soho.

BOW WOW LONDON Upon arriving in Seven Dials, we headed straight to Bow Wow London which, despite being Chihuahua-like in stature, is a whopping Great Dane in terms of trendy doggy products. The shops' owners, Jason and Taro, pride themselves on their extensive range and there’s certainly plenty of choice. Cool rain jackets, stylish winter coats and Union Jack sweaters, in a large number of sizes, compete with an extensive selection of collars, leads, beds, toys, grooming products and, undoubtedly the most popular purchase, treats. And only treats containing high quality, natural, human-grade ingredients


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are available. Alongside all the shop's other canine visitors, Basil was rewarded by a member of staff with a Chicken & Pollock Sandwich treat whilst I bought him a rather brightly coloured rucksack harness (the Extra Small, which costs £38) so that he’s ready for his next adventure.Bow Wow London, 50A Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LAwww.bowwowlondon.org

NEAL’S YARD DAIRIES Had we left Basil to his own devices, we’re confident he would have sniffed this one out anyway. The original location of London’s most famous cheese shop, Neal’s Yard Dairy boasts cheese from around seventy British and Irish cheesemakers. Although dogs aren’t permitted inside, there’s no doubt that if you stick your head through the door after a particular cheese (and ask nicely), the dog-loving shop manager Rick will step outside with a dog-sized morsel!Neal’s Yard Dairies, 17 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9ATNealsyarddairy.co.uk

THE RIGHT CHOICE We needed a few items of make-up and the beauty specialist Space NK is super dog-friendly, providing water bowls outside all its outlets. If you fancy pampering yourself, you’ll find an extensive range of innovative skincare brands. Also, if your pooch deserves the best, you’ll find Malin + Goetz Dog Shampoo, a natural botanical product that suits those with a sensitive skin.Space NK, 32 Shelton Street, WC2H 9JEwww.uk.spacenk.com

A LITTLE STIMULATION We were delighted to discover that another one of Seven Dials’ famous gourmet offerings is also dog-friendly. Dogs can accompany you inside while you order a takeaway or relax with you in the seating area at the back. Alternatively, you can do as we did on this occasion and sit on the bench outside and savour one of the their delicious premium brews.Monmouth Coffee Company, 27 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9EUwww.monmouthcoffee.co.uk

HAIR-RAISING IDEASWho said hounds and hairdressers don’t mix? From blow dries to an all over dye, Sassoon lets dogs into the salon, while the owner has their tresses tended. We popped in to get a quick colour consultation (free of charge) and an appointment. The staff were welcoming and we sat in a bright corner by the window so Basil could stretch out properly and have a snooze. Obviously if your dog flips at the sound of the hairdryer, I’d sit this one out. Sassoon, 45A Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DGwww.sassoon-salon.com

TATTY DEVINE GIFTS If there’s a crazy dog-lady in your life, Tatty Divine is well worth a visit. The brand is famed for its original, playful and handmade jewellery. Dogs are welcome while you browse their wares. I recommend you check their Dogs on Wheels range and, if there’s also a cat living at home, you'll find several feline-themed designs.Tatty Devine, 44 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9EPwww.tattydevine.com

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TASTY TAPAS AT PIX PINTXOSI adore tapas and found a wide variety of 'pinxtos', which is wahat they call these Basque-country snacks at this charming establishment – the Manchego cheese was a real hit with Basil! Diners grab whatever they fancy from the constant stream available then hand the cocktail sticks in when they leave so the waiter can calculate what they owe. Pix Pintxos, 63 Neal St, WC2H 9PJ www.pix-bar.com

POLPO AT APE & BIRD A posh pub with Venetian-style dishes and a well-stocked bar, Polpo is extremely popular and, attracted by the obvious buzz, we popped in and toasted our dog-friendly success with a cheeky glass of Prosecco (expect London prices). We'd already eaten but that didn't prevent us from admiring the food. We were welcomed warmly and Basil was given some water. Reservations are taken several weeks in advance so I recommend booking ahead.Polpo at Ape & Bird, 142 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8HJ. www.apeandbird.com

A SURPRISING MIXWhat we loved so much about Seven Dials is finding something lovely at every turn – not only are the independent boutiques, shops and restaurants great, but the cobbled streets are pretty and the whole area exudes an air of relaxation. There are benches outside many of the shops so even if you’re visiting one that prohibits dogs, your partner can sit and wait. The area has a rich heritage but there are also a few modern nuggets including the studios that Monty Python used in Neal’s Yard or 13 Monmouth Street where the Beatles’ manager Brian Esptein ran his management company NEMS – just look out for the Blue Plaques.

I also learned that the area hosts shopping parties, exhibitions and cultural events several times a year, during the spring and summer and also at Christmas. The roads are closed so you can really enjoy the entertainment and street food provided, whilst taking advantage of discounts in many of the shops. If you’d like more details, simply subscribe to the newsletter at

● Alex and Basil’s pictures were taken by Rachel of Rachel Oates Pet Photography – Rachel creates a friendly, fun and relaxing environment at your home or an outdoor area of your choice so she can capture your dog’s unique character. Although commissions are mainly based in London, Rachel will travel further afield upon request. If you’d like more details, please visit Racheloatespetphotography.com

www.sevendials.co.uk. Should you fancy venturing further, Soho’s within easy reach or you could explore one of capital’s most famous department stores, Liberty London, because it also welcomes dogs.

I had a wonderful day out with Basil and heartily recommend you give Seven Dials a try, especially if you enjoy shopping. Just remember to give your dog their retail fix at Bow Wow London and tell them Alex of Barkarama sends her best wishes!

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17-PAGE GUIDE

Why visit theSCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

INSIDE THIS EDITION28 PEACE... Reigns supreme but the area's castles are a strong reminder of its tragic past

31 CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE...Whatever your ability, there's a mountain you can climb

32 ALL THAT GLISTENS... May not be gold but the region's many lochs are just as precious

35 TEN BEST GLENS Explore the Highlands' most awe-inspiring glens

38 WILD TIMES! Enjoy the Highlands' amazing coast

43 A HIGHLAND ESCAPE Specialist holiday company, Cottages & Castles, leads the way with a wide variety of dog-friendly properties

Why visit The Scottish Highlands

Reigns supreme but the Highlands' castles are a strong reminder of its troubled past

Peace…

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Few places in the British Isles have such a turbulent past as the Highlands and its varied landscape is littered with remains. If the clans weren’t fighting

each other (which they did almost continuously) they were defending themselves against the Viking and the English, boasts many ancient remains including a rich variety of strongholds, castles and defensive structures.

EILEAN DONAN CASTLEOne of the most recognised sights in Scotland, Eilean Dornie Castle, which lies on a small tidal island where three lochs meet, dates from the 13th century, when it was a stronghold of Clan Mackenzie. It was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellions but rebuilt in the 1900s and a bridge added linking it with the mainland. Unlike many attractions, the castle exceeds expectations because it’s larger than the images suggest with a complex courtyard and numerous rooms that include the vaulted Billeting Room, the Great Hall and numerous bedrooms. Sadly, although dogs are welcome in the grounds around the visitor centre, they aren’t allowed across the bridge and on the island itself. It’s open daily but times vary so check the website. Adult, £7. Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Kyle of Lochalshwww.eileandonancastle.comWALK Head along the water’s edge until you reach the village of Dornie STAY There’s a holiday cottage within the estateEAT There are seats outside the café

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INVERLOCHY CASTLEOccupying a defensive position at the end of the Great Glen, Inverlochy Castle was one of Scotland’s most important strongholds. It's had a chequered past particularly during the Civil War when the royalist Earl of Montrose routed the Duke of Argyll. The castle was abandoned a few years later and replaced by a timber fort and then a stone one. This was named after King William III as was the town nearby.Inverlochy Castle, Highlands PH33 6TFWALK Try this walk – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/inverlochy-castle.shtmlSTAY Thistle Cottage, Happy Valley, Torlundy Highlands PH33 6SPwww.thistlescotland.co.ukEAT Café Beag, Glen Nevis, Fort William,Highlands PH33 6SX

STROME CASTLEAlthough little of the original structure now remains, Strome Castle is worth a visit because it boasts wonderful views across Loch Carron. In its prime, it enjoyed a commanding position on the north shore, from where it guarded the mouth of the loch, which was once the site of a ferry crossing.Strome Castle, Strathcannon, Highland IV54 8YJWALK Drive back around the loch and explore one of the trails through Strome Woods on the opposite shore near the Loch Carron Viewpoint off the A890STAY The Sithean, West Lochcarron IV54 8YHwww.thesithean.co.ukEAT The Waterside Café, Ailsa House, Main Street, Lochcarron, Ross-shire IV54 8YD – there are picnic tables outside.

CAWDOR CASTLE Legend has it that Cawdor Castle was built around an old holly tree in the 15th century. It was extended several times by the Campbells and boasts a stylish interior. The grounds are a highlight but, although dogs are prohibited from the gardens, there’s an exercise area they can use. There's a gift shop, bookshop and wool shop, restaurant and snack bar. Adult, £10Cawdor Castle, Nairn IV12 5RDwww.cawdorcastle.comWALK There are several nature trails through Big Wood – these vary in length with the longest being five miles, dogs on leads. STAY Banchor Cottage, Cawdor Castle, Nairn IV12 5RQEAT There are seats outside the Courtyard Café.

DUNVEGAN CASTLE Perched on a rocky outcrop above the loch, Dunvegan Castle is the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan. It boasts an interesting mix of antiques, paintings and heirlooms. The gardens are a veritable oasis in Skye’s moorland and are sheltered by several acres of native trees. Dogs are welcome in the gardens but should be on leads. Open daily 1 April – 15 Oct, 10am-5pm and by appointment during winter. Adult, £11. Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye IV55 8WFwww.dunvegancastle.comWALK A popular walk – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/dunvegan.shtmlSTAY Greshornish House, Edinbane, Isle of Skye IV51 9PNwww.greshornishhouse.comEAT There are seats outside the café.

DUNROBIN CASTLEResembling a stylish French chateau, Dunrobin Castle lies at the heart of Scotland’s most northerly estates. It dates from the early 1300s, making it one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses and, standing on the east coast overlooking the Moray Firth, looks rather like a castle from a fairytale.Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6SF

www.dunrobincastle.co.ukWALK Enjoy amazing views from the summit of Ben Bhraggie, the site of the Sutherland MonumentSTAY Golspie Inn Hotel, Old Bank Rd, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6RSwww.golspieinn.comEAT The Trawler, Main Street, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6TGwww.trawlerfishandchips.co.uk


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FORT GEORGEOne of the best examples of 18th-century military engineering in Britain, Fort George enjoys a strategic position overlooking the Moray Firth. It was intended as an impregnable army base and designed on a monumental scale, using sophisticated defence standards, with heavy guns covering every angle. It's a popular attraction particularly with children with a magazine, chapel, museum, barracks and a governor’s house. Adult, £8.50Fort George, Inverness IV2 7TEWALK Leave the car in Ardersier and head there along the shoreSTAY Dolphin View Cottage, 30 Stuart Street, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7RSwww.dolphinviewcottage.comEAT The Cawdor Tavern, Nairn IV2 5XP

CASTLE OF MEYLying just a few miles west of John O'Groats, The Castle of Mey remains much as HRH The Queen Mother left it. Dogs are prohibited from the castle, walled garden and animal park but are welcome on leads in the grounds – these are open daily from 10am (castle slightly later) between mid May and 30 September and are closed. Castle of Mey, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8XH www.castleofmey.org.ukWALK Explore the most northerly point of the mainland – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/dunnet-head.shtmlSTAY There’s a holiday property on the estate, The Captain’s House.EAT There are seats outside the café, plus water bowls and a dog-parking area in the woods.

CASTLE OF OLD WICKRecords suggest that Harald Maddadson, Earl of Orkney and Caithness built the castle around 1160 when the kings of Norway held sway over large parts of Scotland. It’s the best-preserved Norse castle in the country and enjoys a wonderful position on a rocky outcrop above the sea. It's well-signed from the A99 in Wick but lies within an MOD firing range so avoid the site if the red flag is flying.Castle of Old Wick, Highland KW1WALK Enjoy this walk around the harbour www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/caithness.shtmlSTAY Wick Caravan and Camping Site, Riverside Drive, Wick, Caithness KW1 5SPwww.wickcaravansite.co.ukEAT Take a picnic and enjoy the views.

STALKER CASTLE Now owned by the Allward family, records suggest the present castle was built by Sir John Stewart in the 15th century, replacing an earlier structure of Clan MacDougall. It stands on a tidal islet on Loch Laich an inlet off Loch Linnhe and is one of the best-preserved keeps of its type in western Scotland. Although guided tours are available, these must be pre-booked and you can only reach the castle Castle Stalker, Appin, Argyll & Bute www.castlestalker.comWALK www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/castlestalker.shtmlSTAY The Hillview Cottage, Oban PA37 1SYEAT Castle Stalker View, Appin, Portnacroish, Argyllwww.castlestalkerview.co.uk

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Whatever your ability, there’s a mountain you can climb with your dog

Choose your route The most mountainous

part of the United Kingdom, the Highlands

has thousands of peaks you can climb. They are categorised by height and listed as either a Graham, Corbett or Munro. Many people worry that their dog may struggle with such an arduous climb and, yes, fitness is important, but so are experience and preparation. Please read the advice given at www.walkinghighlands.co.uk/safety

Check the weather, plan the route and make sure you have a compass, map or GPS. Wear suitable clothing, include a range of high-energy snacks and pack basic first aid equipment. Let someone know where you are going.

It’s worth noting that several dogs have climbed all the Munros and the author of Hamish’s Mountain Walk, Hamish Brown managed it in the early 70s and others have since – and Hamish managed them in a single trip using only a bicycle and ferry as transport.

GRAHAMSGrahams are between 2,000 and 2,499ft in height with at least a 150ft drop between peaks.Stac Pollaidh is probably the most famous and, although the summit requires some scrambling, most can tackle the ridge quite easily.www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/stacpollaidh.shtml

CORBETTSCorbetts are between 2,500ft and 3,000ft with a drop of at least 500ft between each summit. Although they're smaller in stature, many of them have just as much character as the greatest Munros. ● Three of the easiest Corbetts are Ben Rinnes, Ben Ledi and the Cobblerwww.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/ben-ledi.shtmlwww.walkhighlands.co.uk/moray/ben-rinnes.shtmlwww.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/the-cobbler.shtml

MUNROSMunros, which are mountains that measure more than 3,000ft in height, were named after Sir Hugh T Munro who created the first Munro Tables in 1891. ● Schiehallion – one of the easiest routes www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/schiehallion.shtml● Three Munros in one go – Carn Ghluasaid, Sail Chaorainn and Sgurr nan Conbhairean www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/sgurrnanconbhairean.shtml● Ben Lomond – one of the most popular Munros www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/bem-lomond/shtml● Ben Lawers – although it's the tenth-highest Munro, it's more easily achievable because there’s a high-level car parkwww.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/ben-lawers.shtml● Ben Nevis – it's the highest

mountain in Britain, but even quite inexperienced walkers can manage the easiest route, the Mountain Track www.mountainwalk.co.uk/benneviswalk.htmlOthers worth considering are Ben Vorlich, The Cairnwell, Carn Liath, Ben Wyvis, Ben Hope, Beinn na Lap, Geal-charn.

RESPECT THE COUNTRY-SIDE● Never let your dog worry livestock and don’t enter fields containing young farm animals.● When walking in such fields, keep your dog on a short lead or under close control.● If cattle ever react aggressively, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest route out of the field.● Don’t take your dog through crops unless there's a clear path.● During the breeding season (usually April-July) keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel around ground-nesting birds.● Avoid letting your dog upset other people by walking them at heel or on a short lead.● Always remove your dog’s faeces in public places.

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May not be gold but the Highland’s lochs are just as precious

All that glistens...

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Scotland’s lochs are the shining jewels in its crown but there are more than 31,000 overall so how do you choose which you should visit? Well, there are

some, like Loch Ness which are a ‘must’, even if you doubt the presence of a monster – the others listed below have featured highly in other holiday-makers recommendations. These include a number of magnificent sea lochs, several old favourites and a few secret delights.

LOCH NESS Everyone’s heard of Loch Ness – it’s the one with the monster! And, with a depth of 755ft, it's an ideal place to hide. Loch Ness is popular with holiday-makers but it’s 23 miles long, so you can easily escape the crowds. One of the best ways of exploring the loch is by water and you’ll find Jacobite Cruises are dog-friendly. There are many woodland walks around the shore start at the visitor centre in Drumnadrochit if you want details. ● There's a choice of routes at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness

LOCH FYNEThe longest of Scotland’s sea lochs, Loch Fyne extends 39 miles inland from the Sound of Bute and has long been associated with oysters (you may also see basking sharks, seals and dolphins). Indeed, most people are familiar with the chain of fish restaurants bearing its name. Inveraray, on the western shore of the loch is well worth a visit because it has a wide variety of independent shops.● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/ardcastle.shtml

LOCH LOMONDThe largest freshwater loch in Great Britain, Loch Lomond crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. It’s part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and attracts thousands of holiday-makers every year. There are several visitor centres along its length, with the most popular being Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch which has a dog-friendly café. You’ll find more details at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org● There are numerous routes you can try –www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond

LOCH AWEYou’ve probably seen Loch Awe without realising it because Kilchurn Castle, an atmospheric ruin on its north-eastern shore, is one of the most popular images of the Scotish Highlands. ● You'll find nine easy walks at www.loch-awe.com, a longer route that takes in Kilchurn Castle at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/kilchurn-castle.shtml and a wilder challenge around the Duncan Ban Monument at www.obanargyll.com/walk-dalmally.html

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LOCH KATRINEA holiday destination since the 19th century, when the steamship Sir Walter Scott was first launched on its waters, Loch Katrine has inspired many writers over the centuries. It still ferries passengers between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar – dogs are welcome with a ticket costing £1.● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/loch-katrine.shtml

LOCH VENACHAR Lying near Callander, Loch Venachar may only be three miles long but it makes a wonderful introduction to the Highlands. Its wooded southern shore boasts a multitude of pathways and Ben Ledi, which is a popular hillwalk and one of the largest mountains in the Trossachs is within easy reach.● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomon/lochvenachar.shtml

LOCH ARKAIGLying west of the Great Glen near Spean Bridge, Loch Arkaig is less well known than many of its neighbours. However, it boasts many highlights including the Eas Chia-aig waterfalls at its eastern end, the Allt Mhuic Nature Reserve and several areas of ancient woodland that you can explore. ● There’s a single track road that runs several miles along the northern shore

LOCH LUBNAIGLying within the shadow of Ben Vorlich, Loch Lubnaig makes a wonderful day out – the route of the old Callander & Oban Railway, which runs along the west shore is now the National Cycle Network’s Route 7, and has become popular with walkers and those with dogs.● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/beinn-each.shtml

LAKE OF MENTEITH The picturesque Lake of Menteith, which lies on the Carse of Stirling, contains several islands, one of which boasts Inchmahome Priory, an ancient monastery that was used as a refuge by Mary Queen of Scots. There are many walking routes around the Mentieth Hills.● www.trossachsscotland.co.uk /walks/menteith.htm


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LOCH SUNARTArdnamurchan, a spectacular peninsula that runs along the north shore of Loch Sunart is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets and includes the most westerly tip of the British mainland. There are numerous walks you can enjoy with your dog around Sunart, Ardnamurchan and Moidart.● Routes at www.ardnamurchan.com

LOCH MAREEConsidered one of the Highland’s most beautiful stretches of inland water, Loch Maree is also very remote, its northern tip just a few miles from Gairloch. Slioch and its main peak, Beinn Eighe dominates the scene. The loch and its islands are rich in wildlife and there are large pockets of ancient woodland you can explore. ● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/lochmaree.shtml

LOCH ACHILTYLying within several acres of native woodland near Contin, Loch Achilty contains an artificial island that experts believe may date from the Iron Age. There’s a charming beach at the far end where you can picnic amongst the trees and a large area of oak woodland.● There are several trails from the car park

LOCH LONGStretching inland from the Firth of Clyde, Loch Long is popular with divers who explore the many wrecks. There’s a network of interesting trails around Ardentinny but other highlights include Carrick Castle on Loch Goil and the high level routes that lead from Arrochar at its eastern end.● www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/arrochar.shtml

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Explore the Highlands' awe-inspiring glensBEST GLENS

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Carved by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age, the Highlands’ many glens are spectacular places – atmospheric, magical and completely awe-inspiring, peaceful yet stimulating, there can be fewer more dramatic places in the world. And the Highlands owe their existence to the largest glen of all,

the Great Glen, a giant geological fracture that cuts across Scotland between Inverness on the Moray Firth and Fort William, at the head of Loch Linnhe. Those who are feeling adventurous can walk the whole way along, using the Great Glen Way. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/great-glen-way.shtml

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GLEN LYONSir Walter Scott described Glen Lyon as the ‘longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland’ and many believe it’s on a par with Glen Affric. The River Lyon, which tumbles through corries, gorges and meadows, makes a wonderful focal point. The pools near the Bridge of Balgie are well worth a visit, and there's a café nearby.www.walkhighlands.co.uk/munros/meall-buidhe-glen-lyon


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GLEN ROYNow a national nature reserve, Glen Roy is also a geological puzzle, because clear terraces, created by an ancient ice-dammed lake are easily visible. The Parallel Roads of Glen Roy crash through the landscape like a mad engineering project. www.nnr-scotland.org.uk

GLENCOEOne of the most dramatic glens in the Highlands, Glen Coe has everything you’d expect – awe-inspiring mountains, waterfalls and lochs, and these attract thousands of walkers every year, many tackling one of the eight Munros nearby.www.nts.org.uk/Property/Glencoe-and-Dalness

THE ANGUS GLENS Running in the same direction, The Angus Glens stretch like fingers towards the Cairngorms National Park. Most explore Glen Clova, Glenisla, Glen Doll and Glen Prosen from Kirriemuir, whilst those investigating Glen Lethnot and Glen Esk start at Edzell. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/angus

GLEN MUICK Avoid relative bustle of Balmoral or Braemar, is to visit Glen Muick, south of Ballater. The circuit of Loch Muick, at the top of the glen, just a short walk from the road-end car park, gives a fine and open walk.www.walkhighlands.co.uk/loch-muick.shtml

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GLEN HURICHA deep and thickly wooded glen that winds through the mountains with views across Loch Shiel.www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/carn-na-nathrach.shtml

GLENSHIELMeasuring nine miles in length, Glen Shiel links the picturesque lochs of Cluanie and Duich. The northern side lies within the National Trust for Scotland’s Kintail and Morvich estates. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/Fivesisters.shtml

GLEN NEVISOne of the most picturesque glens, Glen Nevis lies at the end of the West Highland Way, and boasts numerous pathways so walkers can explore the River Nevis, with its gorge and waterfall, the surrounding woodland and even Ben Nevis itself. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/glennevis.shtml

REELIG GLENA spectacularly steep and narrow-sided gorge, Reelig Glen is surrounded by woodland that includes a stand of Douglas Fir trees that are more than 100 years old. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Reeligglen.shtml

GLEN AFFRICWidely considered one of the most picturesque glens, Glen Affric has spectacular lochs, magnificent mountainous scenery and the largest area of ancient Caledonian pine forest in Scotland.www.glenaffric.org

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The Highlands' spectacular coastline boasts a wide variety of beaches

Wild times!

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Measuring more than 8,000 miles in length, Scotland's coastline boasts hundreds of beaches. More than 60 have been recognised officially for high standards

of cleanliness, safety and water quality and of these, eight have been granted Blue Flag status. The east and west coasts differ significantly in character – the west is more rugged with steep cliffs and numerous small coves whilst the east, although considered less spectacular, with miles of undulating moorland as a backdrop, has many long stretches of soft golden sand that tempt walkers all year round.

SCOURIE BEACHPopular with surfers, Scourie Beach is sheltered by rocky headlands on either side. It’s wonderful walking country and the nature reserve of Handa Island with its magnificent sea cliffs and huge seabird colonies is just a boat trip away (dogs are prohibited). WALK Enjoy views from the headland – you can walk there easily from the car park, using one of the many well-signed pathwaysSTAY Scourie Guesthouse, 55 Scourie Village, Scourie, Sutherland IV27 4TEwww.scourieguesthouse.co.ukEAT The Scourie Hotel, Scourie, Sutherland IV27 4SXwww.scouriehotel.co.uk

SANDWOOD BAYOne of Scotland’s most northerly beaches, Sandwood Bay is backed by dunes and a freshwater loch. Although it’s a long walk from the car park at Blairmore, the route is quite easy-going and the views of the beach when it appears make it worthwhile. Am Buachaille, a large sea stack at the northern end dominates the whole scene.WALK Try this walk – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/sandwood-bay.shtmlSTAY Sandwood Way Cottage, Blairmore, Kinlochbervie IV27 4RTEAT The Rhiconich Hotel, Rhiconich, Sutherland IV27 4RNwww.rhiconichhotel.co.uk

CLACHTOLL BEACHA charming crescent-shaped cove, Clachtoll Beach is sheltered by rocky headlands. Quiet and clean, it’s popular with families using the campsite nearby. Clachtoll lies on the B869, a twisting single-track road that runs along the coast between Lochinver and Kylesku. Several miles from any facilities, it's ideal if you fancy getting away from it all.WALK There are many coastal walks nearby – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/clachtoll-beach.shtml. Alternatively, you could explore Culag Woods or tackle the Quinaig RidgeSTAY Stac Fada, 169 Stoer by Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4JE www.stacfada.co.ukEAT There’s a small shop near the beach

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GRUINARD BAYA large L-shaped embayment, Gruinard Bay lies on the Wester Ross Coastal Trail and boasts three spectacular beaches, the sand tinged pink by the local rocks. It's also where several fast-flowing rivers join the sea. There are settlements at Little Gruinard, Laide and Achgarve, a car park on the main road mid-way round the bay, and a campsite that's just a short stroll from the beach.WALK Head along the coast to Mellon Udrigle, explore the waterfall Eas Dubh a Ghlinne Ghaibh or investigate Laide WoodsSTAY Rose Cottage, Laide, Ross-shire IV22 2NB www.rosecottagelaide.co.ukEAT The Aultbea Hotel, Aultbea, Ross-shire IV22 2HX www.aultbeahotel.co.uk

GAIRLOCHNestling within a sheltered bay and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Gairloch Beach is a wonderful choice – safe and sandy, with amazing views of the islands. Whale-watching cruises leave from the harbour at the south end of the village. There’s a large car park at the golf course. WALK Flowerdale Estate, Falls and Arboretum – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridale/Flowerdale.shtmlSTAY Myrtle Bank Hotel, Low Rd, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2BSwww.themyrtle-gairloch.co.ukEAT There's a public café at Gairloch Golf Club with picnic tables outside

ACHNAHAIRD BEACHConsidered one of Scotland’s most spectacular beaches, Achnahaird is just a few miles north of Ullapool and, despite lying at the end of a single-track road, is easily reached from Achiltibuie. It boasts a peaceful crescent of white sand and enjoys lovely views of Stac Polly. Inverpolly Nature Reserve is also worth a visit. There’s a campsite around the headland at Altandhu. WALK Try this five-mile circular route – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/achnahaird-bay.shtmlSTAY Bruaich Rainich, 191A Polbain, Achiltibuie, Ross-shire IV26 2YWwww.bracken-brae.co.ukEAT The Piping School Café, Achiltibuie, Ross-shire IV26 2YL

BIG SAND BEACHA mile north of Gairloch, Big Sand Beach enjoys a south-west-facing position and is relatively sheltered, with Longa Island deflecting the worst of the winds. It’s surrounded by an extensive network of dunes and boasts spectacular views of Skye. There’s a car park and a campsite nearby. WALK There are several other dog-friendly beaches nearby including those at Red Point, Firemore and Camus MorSTAY Raasay, Melvaig, Gairloch, Ross-shirewww.highland-holidays.comEAT There’s a café at Sands Caravan & Camping Site in Gairlochwww.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk

CAMAS A’CHARAIG BEACH Although it's quite a small bay, Camas a’Charaig Beach is popular with families who enjoy the gently shelving sand and, even more importantly, the fact that it's protected from the worst of the westerly winds. It’s considered one the most attractive beaches in Wester Ross and the views, particularly of Suilven, make it well worth the drive. There’s a car park nearby. WALK Try this circular route around the nearby village – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/mellon-udrigle.shtmlSTAY Shore Croft, Mellon Charles, Gairloch, Wester Ross IV22 2JLwww.shorecroft.co.ukEAT The Aroma Café, Mellon Charles, Wester Ross IV22 2JLwww.perfume-studio.com

MORAR BEACHA series of spectacular sandy beaches, the Silver Sands of Morar stretch north from Arisaig. They’re popular with walkers and can be enjoyed individually or as a trail. A particular highlight is Camusdarach Beach which appeared in Local Hero. Worth a visit if you're exploring Mallaig but use the coast road through Traigh if you can.WALK Investigate the cross and viewpoint in Morar then walk around the loch – www.lochmorar.org.uk/walks STAY Glencairn House, Morar, Mallaig, Highlands PH40 4PD www.glencairn-house.comEAT A Thai takeaway – www.sunsetmorar.co.uk – it’s highly recommendedwww.sunsetmorar.co.uk

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ROSEMARKIE BEACHA village on the south coast of the Black Isle peninsula, Rosemarkie enjoys a prominent position at the centre of the bay and boasts a spectacular beach with views across the Moray Firth. A collection of Pictish stones are displayed at Groam House Museum.WALK You can explore Caird’s Cade and Chanonry Point (which lies at the south end of the beach, is popular with dolphin-watchers) or the nature reserve of Fairy Glen – dogs on leadsSTAY Mor-Wil-Ni-Da, Station Rd, Fortrose, Highlands IV10 8SYEAT Rosemarkie Beach Café is within easy reach – there’s a specific dog area outside with bowl, treat and hookswww.rosemarkiebeachcafe.info

Surrounded by water on three sides – the Cromarty Firth, the Moray Firth and the Beauly Firth, The Black Isle is a peninsula rather than an island, and boasts a rich heritage that includes the remains of several castles.

AVOCH BEACHAvoch, which nestles on the south-east coast of the Black Isle, has a wonderfully picturesque harbour, river and beach. A fishing village, though quieter than it once was, there are always boats adding a splash of colour. WALK Explore the old castle mound – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Ormondecastle.htmlSTAY Margaret Street Cottage, Avoch, Highlands IV9 8PXwww.gaelholidayhomes.co.ukEAT Enjoy a traditional fish supper from Avoch Chippy on the High Street.

NAIRN BEACHA fishing village, ancient port and popular holiday resort, Nairn’s main attraction is its extensive sandy beach, which enjoys a prime location on the Moray Firth. It boasts a wide variety of leisure facilities, holds many events throughout the year and has been voted one of the best places to live in Great Britain.WALK You'll find a choice of routes at www.visitnairn.comSTAY Greenlawns, 13 Seafield Street, Nairn Highlands IV12 4HGwww.greenlawns.uk.comEAT Basil Harbour Café welcomes dogs.

CROMARTY BEACHLying at the tip of the Black Isle, Cromarty is one of the Highland’s best preserved settlements and boasts a harbour, a lighthouse and an extensive sand and shingle beach. It isn’t the most exciting beach but the village is worth a visit as it’s architecturally important and has been designated a conservation area. There are several independent shops and a choice of pubs and cafés. WALK Enjoy views across the firth - www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/cromarty.shtml STAY Cromarty Arms Inn, Church Rd, Cromarty IV11 8XAwww.cromartyarms.comEAT Pick up lunch from Cromarty Bakery on the High Street

The Black Isle

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PORTMAHOMACK BEACHThe picturesque village of Portmahomack, which lies on the Tarbat peninsula, boasts a harbour, a castle and several ancient remains including an Iron Age broch, a Pictish monastery, an old church (now the Tarbat Discovery Centre) and a spectacular sandy bay. WALK A three-mile route to the lighthouse – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/tarbat-ness.shtmlSTAY 3 Tarrel Farm Cottages, Portmahomack Highlands IV20 1SLwww.3tarrelfarmcottages.co.ukEAT Fearn Hotel, Hill of Fearn, Tain IV20 1TJwww.fearnhotel.co.uk

CRAKAIG BEACHA lovely swathe of golden sand, Crakaig Beach lies between Brora and Helmsdale and enjoys wonderful views along the coast. There’s a campsite nearby but the facilities are quite basic. WALK Lothbeg Point is within easy reachSTAY The Royal Marine Hotel, Golf Rd, Brora, Sutherland KW9 6QSwww.royalmarinebrora.comEAT Linda’s Café, Rosslyn Street, Brora Sutherland KW9 6NY

SHANDWICK BAYShandwick Bay, a magnificent stretch of sand with dunes behind and rocks either side, is one of Scotland’s best beaches and is within easy reach of the Seaboard Villages of Balintore, (with its harbour), Shandwick and Hilton. There’s plenty of parking nearby. WALK There are extensive pathways along the coast – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/tobar-na-slainte.shtmlSTAY Shandwick Cottage, Shore Street, Tain Highlands IV20 1UT www.cottages.comEAT The Shandwick Inn, Kildary, Invergordon IV18 0NZwww.shadwickinn-invergordon.co.uk

EMBO BEACHStretching between the village and the River Fleet, Embo Beach was recognised nationally in the Keep Scotland Beautiful awards last year – it's long and sandy and sheltered by dunes with a car park nearby.WALK There's a pathway along the coast.STAY Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park, Embo, Dornoch IV25 3QDwww.parkdeanholidays.co.ukEAT There's a small shop in Embo but most holiday-makers use the facilities at the park, which also welcomes non-residents.

DORNOCH BEACHEasily reached on the A9 from Inverness, Dornoch is a popular holiday resort, boasting a cathedral, a wide variety of independent shops and a picturesque beach. Miles of golden sand stretch between Dornoch Point and the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. WALK This circular route starts on Bridge Street – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/dornoch-embo.shtmlSTAY Glenuig, Evelix Rd, Dornoch IV25 3LPwww.visitdornoch.comEAT Pick up a sandwich from Dornoch Patisserie & Cafe on the High Street and explore the village

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SINCLAIRS BAYJust eight miles south of John O’Groats, Sinclairs Bay lies on the east coast and boasts a sweeping curve of white sand. It's backed by cliffs and dunes that shelter its southern end and is within easy reach of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, now a ruin, and Noss Head with its lighthouse.WALK A varied circular route that includes the castle – www.walkinghighlands.co.uk/sutherland/castle-sinclair-girnigoe.shtmlSTAY Loch Watten House, Watten, Wick, Caithness KW1 5UGwww.lochwattenhouse.comEAT Bencorragh House, Upper Gills, John O’Groats, Caithness KW1 4YDwww.bencorraghhouse.com

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BALNAKIEL BEACH Anyone visiting Durness should explore Balnakiel Bay, a magnificent curve of white sand below Faraid Head. It’s on a par with Sandwood Bay but much more accessible. Although the beach is quite exposed, the northern end’s south-westerly aspect means it enjoys more sunshine. Highlights include Balnakiel House, the ruins of Durness Old Church and the craft village.WALK Explore the dunes behind the beachSTAY Balnakeil Beach Bothy, Durness, Lairg Highlands IV21 4PX www.elliothouses.co.ukEAT Cocoa Mountain, 8 Balnakiel, Durness, Lairg IV27 4PT www.cocoamountain.co.uk

STRATHY BEACHLying on the north Sutherland coast, Strathy, is a scattered community several miles west of Thurso. Its wide sandy beach is bounded by cliffs on one side and a river on the other side and enjoys magnificent views. The beach is signed Strathy East off the A836 and there are facilities at a log cabin in the car park.WALK Climb White Hill and enjoy the views STAY The Bettyhill Hotel, Nr Thurso, Caithness KW14 7SPwww.bettyhillhotel.comEAT The Strathy Inn, Sutherland KW14 7RYwww.strathyinn.com

SANGO BAYWith acres of golden sand, sheltered rocky outcrops and picturesque views of North Minch, Sango Bay is a spectacular place. There aren't any facilities on the beach you'll find several car parks off the A838 and both the village of Sangomore and Durness Visitor Centre are nearby.WALK Smoo Cave, the largest in Scotland is within easy reach – there's a boat trip during summer if you fancy exploring the third chamber. www.smooocave.orgSTAY Sango Sands Oasis, Durness, Sutherland IV27 4PZwww.sangosands.comEAT There’s a café at the campsite.

FARR BAY A sheltered and gently sloping beach, Farr Bay lies near Bettyhill, a village created by the Duke of Sutherland during the Highland Clearances (you can learn more at the museum) when thousands of people were removed from the Strathnaver valley. It has acres of white sand you can enjoy and is also popular with watersports enthusiasts. The beach is signed from the A836 and is just a short walk from the car park. WALK A challenging route takes in the peninsula Ard Mor – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/bettyhill.shtmlSTAY The Farr Bay Inn, Clachan, Bettyhill Caithness KW14 7SZwww.farrbayinn.co.ukEAT The Café at Bettyhill, Thurso KW14 7SZ

CEANNABEINNE BEACH Situated within the shadow of Beinn Ceannabeinne, this picturesque stretch of white sand may be remote, but it’s only a short walk from the A838 and can be reached easily down a grassy slope. The small island, Eilean Hoan, was inhabited until the Clearances and is now a National Nature Reserve. Small car park. WALK Explore the abandonded village at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/ceannabeinne.shtmlSTAY Norsehaven Cottages, Ceannabeinne, Durness IV27 4PNwww.norsehaven.co.ukEAT It's isolated so pack a picnic.

THURSO BAY Enjoying picturesque views of Orkney, Thurso Bay nestles between Clairdon Head and Holborn Head. There’s a sandy beach at the southern end near Thurso and, at the other, you'll find the deep waters of Scrabster harbour, where a ferry links the mainland with Stromness. WALK This route includes the ruins of Thurso Castle – www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/thurso-bay.shtmlSTAY Thurso Bay Holidays, 36 Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XBwww.thursobayholidays.co.ukEAT There are tables outside Café Tempest in Thurso harbour.

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Specialist holiday company, Cottages & Castles, boasts a wide variety of dog-friendly properties

A Highland escapeSUE BOURNE, MANAGER OF COTTAGES & CASTLES-‘We’ve witnessed a real trend in dog-friendly bookings and understand that most owners enjoy taking their well-behaved pooch with them! Choosing Scotland as your holiday destination is a wonderful decision and the Highlands boast spectacular scenery, a rich heritage and a fascinating culture – you'll find a wide range of attractions, an eclectic mix of local traders and a tempting selection of locally sourced products wherever you go.

Obviously, a major part of any holiday involves getting out and exploring the countryside with your dog so you'll want somewhere with a choice of walking routes nearby, whether they involve climbing mountains, investigating river valleys or simply strolling along the coast.

And the joy of renting a self-catering property is that you can create your own schedule. You can treat the property like your own home without worrying that you're disturbing anyone else.

www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk

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TIGH NA ALLT

LOCATION Letters, GarvePRICE A week costs from £395SLEEPS Seven people

Amazing views over Loch Broom

BOTHAN BUIE

LOCATION Strath, GairlochPRICE A week costs from £345SLEEPS Two people

A choice of picturesque beaches

THE MANSE

LOCATION Achnasheen, PoolewePRICE A week costs from £1,000SLEEPS Nine people

Tempting river walks

MINGULAY

LOCATION Badachro PRICE A week costs from £700SLEEPS Eight people

Within easy reach of the west coast

DUNGLASS FARMHOUSE

LOCATION DingwallPRICE A week costs from £850SLEEPS Twelve people

Gardens, lochs and woodland paths

MEALL MO CHRIDHE

LOCATION StrathcarronPRICE A week costs from £1,400SLEEPS Ten people

Near Applecross Bay

THE BOATHOUSE

LOCATION Rosehaugh, Avoch PRICE A week costs from £630SLEEPS Four people

Nestles at the water's edge

LEDGOWAN STALKER’S LODGE

LOCATION Achnasheen PRICE A week costs from £800SLEEPS Eight people

Situated within a traditional estate

44 DogFriendly

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Subscribeto DogFriendly magazinePacked with doggy holiday reviews, DogFriendly magazine is invaluable when deciding where to go with your dog. The articles are all written by members and reflect their personal experiences because we believe there’s nothing better than word-of-mouth recommendations. The reviews cover a range of holidays around the UK and on the continent, now that taking your dog abroad is easier.

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DogFriendly 45

Tried & tested County Donegal, Ireland

Three readers explain why they and their dogs love Dusty’s Place

Dusty’s Place

N estling on the picturesque Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, Dusty’s Place must be one of the

most dog-friendly holiday properties in Ireland. Indeed, it was created with dogs in mind. The house lies on a quiet lane (no through traffic) just a short walk from the village of Gleneely and is only a five-minute drive from the nearest beach. It’s also within easy reach of the Wild Atlantic Way, a spectacular coastal route that runs 1,500 miles along the country’s west coast.

The house sleeps eight people in four

bedrooms – three doubles and a twin (one with ensuite), a family bathroom and a separate WC. There’s a fully equipped

kitchen-diner and a charming lounge with wood-burner downstairs and upstairs a large open-plan living space. Dogs are allowed everywhere downstairs and, with wooden and tiled floors and leather furniture, any mud is easily cleaned up. Outside, through sliding doors, there’s a large enclosed garden and terrace with picnic table, chairs and barbecue. And the lawn’s enormous so there’s plenty of space if your dogs enjoy running around.

A welcome pack is provided and this includes Abernethy fudge, a bottle of wine and a box of Pawfect Doggie Treats.

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The coast near the Giant's Causeway

Sharon and Andy Wilson and their German Shepherd, Clive

Living in Sussex, Ireland’s quite a journey but we had such a wonderful holiday there, we didn’t regret a single minute spent on the road. We chose Ireland because Andy’s dad was born in Connemara and we wanted to see the house and some of his family. A cousin recommended County Donegal so we thought we’d make it a proper holiday. We caught a ferry between Holyhead and Dublin on the way out and Larne and Cairnryan on the return and Clive used a kennel each time. The directions were clear so we found Dusty’s Place easily and a neighbour, Michelle, showed us round, explained how everything worked and checked we had settled in. We thought it was lovely and felt at home straight away – little

things such as doggie treats, rubber mats under the dogs bowls, dog-lead hooks, poo bags and a specific bin, made all the difference. The weather was incredible even though we

were there during October. The sun shined every day but in wet weather the spacious upstairs lounge would have been ideal, with a TV, DVDs and numerous books. It isn’t often that you find a property that ticks all the boxes and we shall definitely return next year.

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Grace and Jason Leigh have three dogs – a Border Collie, Lexi, a retired police German Shepherd, Beau and a Chihuahua X Pomeranian, Izzy

We always take our dogs on holiday and have visited Dusty’s Place several times. Finding somewhere that doesn’t limit the number of dogs is very difficult, especially one of such a high standard. It has everything you need and is clean throughout despite its doggy guests, and most importantly, is ideally placed, surrounded by miles of amazing countryside. In fact I would recommend it even if you don’t have dogs.

Our holidays are based very much around our dogs and we often start at Culdaff Beach because it’s the closest by car. Sometimes, after walking the dogs there, we let them run at Five Fingers Strand then have a well-deserved cup of Bailie’s Coffee at the Seaview Tavern, finishing the day with a stroll along the headland. We’ve visited most of the local

beaches and several further afield, helped by the fact that they’re all pinpointed on a map at the house. One of our favourite places is Banba’s Crown at Malin Head.

Although we haven’t seen the basking sharks that frequent that part of the coast we did catch sight of dolphins at Culdaff Beach one evening.

We’ve visited loads of places in Ireland and have found Inishowen one of the most dog-friendly. There are so many beaches that they’re never crowded and our dogs can always run, play or swim. We plan our days around the dogs, often walking them on the beach until they’re tired so we can browse around the shops and have lunch at Oscar’s in Buncrana without a guilty conscience. After a full day out with

the dogs, we often have dinner at our favourite restaurant, Rosato’s in Moville. It’s quirky and quaint and the food is wonderful and we can relax knowing the dogs are exhausted after all their adventures.

We’ve always thought that ‘tired dogs are happy dogs’ and that’s how they always spend their holiday.

Yvonne Coulter stayed at Dusty’s Place with her husband, Trevor, and his parents, Roy and Esther, plus their dogs – Lucy, Harley, Lexi, Daizy, Max and Murphy

We investigated Dusty’s Place online a few times over the years, but didn’t get the chance to go until last summer. You have to be quick or you’ll miss out because it gets booked up very quickly. I was mainly attracted by the fact that there’s no limit on the number of dogs – we were holidaying as a group

and had six between us. When I asked how many were permitted, Eileen, the owner of the property merely said, ‘it’s very much a case of the more the merrier’. We were delighted. We found it extremely welcoming and our dogs made the most of having free reign downstairs. We always take their beds because this helps them settle and, even though they were allowed on the leather suite, we covered it with throws just in case. The house was more than we needed – with three bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs, we didn’t use the upstairs at all. The trump card though was the garden. It’s enormous so there was plenty of space to play with the dogs. We booked a week in late September and the weather was glorious. Culdaff Beach was our favourite and was where we let our youngest, Daizy, have her first off-lead run.



ON THE BEACH● Culdaff Beach Lying on the north east coast of the Inishowen peninsula, it’s sheltered by rocky outcrops at each end and is less than a ten-minute drive away● Five Fingers Strand Marking the northern entrance to Trawbreaga Bay, this beach is located a mile north of Malin and takes its name from the five sea-stacks that can be seen, particularly at low tide, at the northern end. The wreck of the Twilight, which sank in 1889 can also be seen when the water is low. Strong currents make bathing risky ● Kinnego Bay Take the coast road and you'll enjoy incredible views of Lough Foyle, one of the most northern beaches in Ireland● Pollan Strand A long sandy beach near Ballylifin with views of Glashedy Island ● Benone Strand One of Ireland’s longest beaches, with seven miles of rock-free sand

DOG-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS● Doagh Famine Village Enjoy an interesting morning learning more about Ireland’s history then have tea in village www.doaghfaminevillage.com

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ADDRESS Dusty’s Place, Gleneely, County Donegal, IrelandPRICE A week costs between €350 and €660 depending on seasonCONTACT www.donegalholidayhome.net

GETTING THEREwww.poferries/en/cairnryan-larnewww.stenaline.co.uk/routes/liverpool-belfastwww.irishferries.com/uk-en/routes /dublin-holyhead

FACT FILE

● The Giant’s Causeway www.nationaltrust.org.uk● Old Bushmills Distillery www.bushmills.com● Glenveagh National Park Although it’s an 80-minute drive, the scenery is outstanding ● Grianan Ailigh Sweeping views of the surrounding countryside● The Titanic Museum in Belfast It isn’t dog-friendly and is quite a drive, but there are walks around Ormeau Park nearby

TRY THESE WALKS● Malin Head The Inishowen Peninsula is the most northerly point in Ireland and its tip, which is named Banba’s Crown after a mythical goddess, boasts the remains of a Napoleonic defensive structure built by the British Admiralty in 1805.● Inishowen Head Walk www.visitinishowen.com● The City Walls Derry-Londonderry has a rich heritage which you can enjoy by walking

around the walls● Dunree Fort Walk your dogs

up the hill past the abandoned military accommodation and enjoy

spectacular views of the sea

Dusty’s Place is named after Eileen’s

Golden Labrador who passed away aged 15

on the day she was given the property's

keys.

Tried & tested Norfolk

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Mel Baldwin and her partner, Justin, enjoy a week on the Norfolk coast

Rosemary Cottage

W e visited Norfolk a few years ago with our dogs,

Izzy and Jazz, and loved the area so much, especially the beaches, that we thought we’d visit again. It was all a bit last minute this time but, after a quick search online, we found Grove Farm Barns through Hoseasons, which looked ideal because it was within

easy reach of the Broads, Norwich and the coast.

The complex at Grove Farm comprises 12 holiday properties, all converted from old

cattle buildings, and is surrounded by miles of gently undulating countryside. We were staying in Rosemary Cottage, one of the smallest, with just one double bedroom.

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It was nicely decorated and clean, and everything was in working order. The living space is open-plan and comprises a dining area, lounge and kitchen. Upstairs, there’s a master bedroom and shower room. The kitchen has all the mod cons including an electric oven, fridge, freezer, microwave and washer-dryer. There were dogs in most of the other properties and no list of doggy rules was porvided when we arrived so it was clear the owners love dogs. And, although there’s a small extra charge, I thought the price of a week’s stay was good value. Sadly, the cottages don’t have enclosed gardens, but this wasn’t a problem because we found plenty of places we

could exercise the dogs nearby and, with little traffic, the lanes are very quiet. We visited several beaches and thought Sea Palling was lovely. We enjoyed watching the seals at Horsey and also ventured to Holkham via the harbour at Burnham Overy. We chose a lovely walk in David North’s Wilderness Walks – Twelve Guided Wildlife Walks along the North Norfolk Coast. Starting at Burnham Overy staithe, the route heads along the sea wall until it reaches the beach, the western end of Holkham National Nature Reserve. The tide was out and we enjoyed watching wading birds along the estuary. It's a spectacular beach and there weren't any restrictions but rarely are during September.

We fancied investigating the Broads and Ross Warrell’s wildlife boat trips on Horsey Mere were highly recommended. They run between May and September aboard the Lady Ann and are well worth the £8.50 charge. Reilly, his lovely terrier, also made us feel welcome.

Although we ate in most nights, we did try The Kings Arms in Ludham and found our dogs could join us in the bar, where we really enjoyed the burgers!

Norwich is only a short drive away if you fancy some retail therapy and, alongside all the High Street names like House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer and Gap you’ll find hundreds of independent shops particularly in the Lanes.

Tried & tested Norfolk

ADDRESS Rosemary Cottage, Grove Farm Barns, Sharp Street, Catfield, Norfolk NR29 5AFPRICE A week costs between £281 and £559 depending on seasonCONTACT Tel 01692 670 482 or visit www.grovefarmbarns.com

CHECK THESE WEBSITESwww.melbaldwin.comwww.kingsarmsludham.co.ukwww.wildlife-boat-trips.co.uk

FACT FILE

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Tried & tested The Scottish Borders

Gilly Brown and her dog, Winnie, explore Border Reiver Country

West Lodge A cosy lodge, blissful river walks and the

promise of some much needed peace and quiet sounded like the perfect

excuse to spend a few days in the spectacular setting of Milne Graden in the Scottish Borders. So with Winnie, her tail wagging excitedly at the prospect of so many tempting trails, we arrived at West Lodge in late summer.

A PEACEFUL RETREATPerched high above the River Tweed, Milne Graden is a private country estate near the Border market towns of Coldstream, Kelso and Selkirk. Dating from 1821 when it was bought by Admiral Sir David Milne for the princely sum of £35,000, it now boasts

eight dog-friendly properties ranging from charming cottages to elegant country houses.

Arriving later in the day than we’d anticipated, and with the weather quite blustery, I found opening the door to West Lodge an absolute delight. Having stayed at

countless self-catering properties over the years we always appreciate complimentary treats such as coffee and perhaps the odd pack of biscuits, but the welcome at Milne Graden sits head and shoulders above the rest. The heating and lighting were already on, Classic FM was playing gently in the background and there was a delicious hamper of fresh local produce including lemon drizzle cake, organic milk, dry cured bacon, free range eggs, vine tomatoes, butter and a loaf of fresh baked bread.

With the following day’s breakfast well and truly sorted, we relaxed immediately and Winnie made herself at home, happily preoccupied with her own doggy welcome

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pack – a rather smart new lead and a jumbo biscuit bone which kept her entertained.

Nestling on the edge of the estate, with views across the surrounding fields, West Lodge enjoys an incredibly scenic position and perfectly suits a couple and one small dog. Originally the main entrance to Milne Graden House, its columned portico and impressive cast-iron gates offer a glimpse of its rich past. Inside, the lodge has been refurbished in a sweet country style. Fresh country ginghams are complemented by hand-embroidered textiles and the owners have indulged their love of dogs with a few adorable canine accessories that add the right amount of charm without being overly twee – we particularly loved the cushions from Chelsea Textiles and the cute condiment set! The kitchen is bright and sunny with views across local farmland and has everything you might need whilst on holiday. And a comfy kingsize bed meant we enjoyed a restful night’s sleep.

The following day, it was sunny and clear without a cloud in the sky so we ate breakfast in the lodge's secluded private garden, delighted by the sight of early morning hares running along the field margins and roe deer grazing gently at the woodland boundary.

MORE TALES OF THE RIVERBANKAt Milne Graden, walks begin straight from the door and we set off with Winnie, her nose already twitching in anticipation. We ambled around the perimeter of the estate past Sunnyside Hill which boasts several of the larger holiday homes, then paused a while so we could enjoy views of the River Tweed.

After a quick chat with friendly ghillie Bob, we headed downstream, past the charming fishing shiel until we reached the pretty village of Norham, a hearty six-mile circuit that helped us work off our breakfast.

It’s a picturesque stretch of river with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities and we saw mute swans and a kingfisher but, although we waited patiently we didn’t see any otters even though they’re making a return to the waterways.

A CHEQUERED PASTApproaching the village of Norham, we couldn't help but admire the castle ruins, the scene of so many cross Border conflicts. Thankfully, it's now a peaceful yet bustling little village, and we popped in Dave Foreman’s award-winning butcher shop, leaving with a rucksack of lovely local produce, including a generous slab of rich, buttery Coquetdale Cheese, some homemade chutney, and a heavenly game pie.

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Later, after a five-minute drive from Milne Graden, we investigated Coldstream where we bought a few holiday essentials before visiting the Hirsel Estate. It boasts a gallery and a number of workshops and is a lovely place to while-away a few hours, with a choice of walking routes around the grounds. We wandered leisurely along the trail through Dundock Woods and, despite being a little late in the season to take advantage of the rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, we learned that a late-spring visit is spectacular.

JUST COASTING ALONG Milne Graden is ideally placed if you fancy exploring the coast and, with an energetic Winnie bouncing around, we thought an invigorating beach walk was in order. With a multitude of dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland, there’s plenty of choice. One of the most popular is Bamburgh, which boasts a charming village, a magnificent castle and vast dune-fringed sands that

extend several miles down the coast – with so much space available, it feels peaceful even in summer. Whatever the season, walking here is magical and Winnie clearly thought the same as she romped excitedly over the dunes. We watched enthralled as kitesurfers rode the crashing waves and enjoyed walking along the coast to Seahouses, with its panoramic views of the Farne Islands.

ANOTHER LOCAL DELIGHTIn need of a little refreshment on the way back, we visited the Collingwood Arms at Cornhill-on-Tweed, a lovely pub that's just a few miles from Milne Graden. It has a great reputation, serving high quality locally produced food, and we found it extremely friendly. Dogs are welcome on the ground floor in the non-food serving areas, so Win-nie also received a warm reception from the staff. Outside, the walled garden is a real suntrap so I advise relaxing on the terrace if you get the chance.

ENJOYING THE HERITAGEOn the final day of our holiday, we headed inland to explore the picturesque market towns of Kelso and Melrose, with the mandatory coffee and cake stop in-between. Kelso, just a ten-minute drive from Milne Graden, is a super place to spend an afternoon browsing, its cobbled square, Georgian architecture and riverside walks, ensuring its popularity. It also boasts Scotland’s first micropub. Owned by Simon and Debbie, it’s a tiny gem of a place – somewhere that actively encourages conversation, shuns electronic entertainment and serves fine craft ales, hand-reared pork pies and locally produced cheeses. It takes you back to a by-gone era where just a few simple things create a truly rich experience. We loved the ethos and were loathe to leave its friendly feel-good atmosphere. It was a joy seeing holiday-makers enjoying a good old-fashioned chat with a few of the locals.


ADDRESS West Lodge, Milne Graden, Coldstream, Scottish Borders TD12 4HEPRICE A week costs from £375 CONTACT Tel 01573 226 711 or visit www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com

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A mile outside Kelso is Floors Castle, the spectacular home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and a must-visit destination if you’re in the area. You can explore the grounds, the wider estate and a multitude of riverside trails with your dog between Easter and the end of October, and it was nice to see water bowls outside the courtyard café, which is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a sunny alfresco lunch.

Passing through St. Boswells, Main Street Trading is definitely worth a visit and we could happily have spent several hours browsing the shelves of this award-winning bookshop, coffee house and deli with Winnie by our side. If you crave a good cup of coffee, fine local produce and a great read, I recommend you pop in if you're ever nearby.

We also managed to visit Melrose, a captivating little town with smart boutique-style shops and a wonderful ruined abbey. There’s a wide variety of attractions locally and plenty of great walks. Parking can be tricky in peak season but, after waiting patiently, a space appeared and

we strolled gently along the river and over the suspension bridge until we reached Gattonside, where we enjoyed a tub of Doddington's ice-cream. If you fancy something a little more strenuous, there are numerous scenic routes through the Eildon Hills or you can tackle St. Cuthbert’s Way which links Melrose with the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively, you can walk a stretch of the Four Abbeys Way which take in the very best of the amazing Borders countryside.

A CHARMING HIDEAWAYWe had a superb holiday at Milne Graden. One of many jewels in the Borders' crown, it’s easy to understand why so many people return every year. The owners clearly understand that dogs are very much part of the family and this comes through in all the little touches that make a stay so special. And, lying near the Cheviot there Hills, Northumberland National Park and the coast, you're surrounded by some of the most spectacular countryside in Great

Britain. We reached only one conclusion – we will definitely return because it feels like we've only scratched the surface. Even more importantly, knowing the high standard of the company's properties, even those that welcome dogs, we can book well in advance without worrying about what we find when we arrive.

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MAIN STREET TRADING ST BOSWELLS Converted from an auction house, it's now a dog-friendly bookshop with café and home-wares. Definitely worth a visit if you love reading, freshly made cakes and an espresso.

THE SHIP INN LOW NEWTON BY-THE-SEA Local crab sandwiches, a micro-brewery and regular live music are just three highlights of this charming seaside pub. Dogs are welcome inside and there are fabulous walks on the coast.

THE COLLINGWOOD ARMS CORNHILL-ON-TWEEDSympathetically renovated, this old coaching inn has a bistro and menus that feature a tantalising range of local produce, all complemented by an impressive wine list and a wide range of lagers, ales, spirits and whisky. Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden.

THE TERRACE & COURTYARD CAFES FLOORS CASTLE, KELSO The extensive grounds at Floors Castle are wonderful and you'll find a choice of riverside trails – there are tables outside both the cafés and bowls of water are provided.

THE SHORELINE CAFE CRASTER Enjoy delicious coffee, homemade cakes and sandwiches beside a roaring log fire or on the large outdoor terrace. Dogs are welcome inside at the front of the café or on the decking outside.

WORTH A VISIT EXPLORING THE COAST

HOLY ISLAND A mystical island with a choice of beaches on its north coast, it enjoys spectacular views and is mainly reached via a causeway at low tide – check the times via the Northumberland County Council website.

CHESWICK SANDS Part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, Cheswick Sands is one of Northumberland’s largest beaches and enjoys spectacular views of Holy Island – a perfect choice if avoiding crowds.

SUGAR SANDSA picturesque bay with soft white sand, it lies between Boulmer and Howick and can be reached by walking from the car park at Loughoughton. It's quite a trek but worth every minute.

EMBLETON BAY A sheltered beach, it's overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle – you can walk there along a country lane near the golf club or along the coast from the fishing village of Craster.

BAMBURGH BEACH With miles of golden sand and the imposing silhouette of Bamburgh Castle as a backdrop, this is one of the UK's most iconic strectches of coastline and is magnificent at dusk – a walk to Stag Rocks yields wonderful views of the Farne Islands.

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Tried & tested The Italian Riviera

Chani Scott explores the vibrant Italian Riviera with her parents and

their dog, Barney

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The Italian Riviera, the narrow coastal strip that lies between The Ligurian Sea and the mountains, is one of our

favourite holiday destinations and we’ve visited it several times over the years. It may be small but it has massive appeal and has attracted many travellers over the centuries including literary greats such as Shelley, Petrach and Byron, and has a wonderfully cosmopolitan air. Since my parents enjoy European road trips, Barney already had a passport, so we thought we’d investigate dog-friendly hotels in Italy. After searching a while online, we chose the Excelsior Palace in Rapallo, a 5-star luxury hotel that advertises its dog-friendly credentials

clearly on its website, with a section titled Very Important Pets. We could see it would provide us with the type of holiday we wanted. I flew direct to Italy whilst Barney travelled by car via Eurotunnel. He slept the whole way, which was made easier by the fact that there weren’t any outbound checks at all. They've always found the service really simple – it's when you're returning that the passport

is stamped, and they check your dog has been treated against tapeworm within 120 hours of boarding the train. My parents drove through France until they reached Provence, staying overnight at several hotels on the way.

Our first destination on the Italian Riviera was the Royal Hotel in San Remo. We were upgraded on check-in and given a room with a terrace so Barney could wander round outside. And he was welcome everywhere except the restaurant. Walking was also a pleasure, with a subtropical park right outside the hotel.

Although Rapallo’s quite a traditional resort, it’s very near the elegant, glamorous coastal village of Portofino, where super yachts

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anchor during the summer. The Excelsior has an interesting past. It opened as the Kursaal Rapello on 1 January 1901 and quickly became a popular destination of the beau monde, who flocked to the Riviera from all over Europe, drawn by the legendary climate, the picturesque landscape and the attractions of the casino tables. When more space was required, a new hotel was built nearby, linked by the games room. Renamed the Excelsior Palace Hotel, it became one of the best-loved establishments on the coast.

The hotel’s boast that it welcomes dogs warmly proved correct because, when we arrived, the porters made a real fuss of Barney, and we were given a suite with its own terrace so he had his own outdoor space. I’ve stayed in

many hotels with him but this is the only one that welcomes dogs in the restaurant at every service. There’s only one proviso and that’s that you sit at one of the designated dog-friendly tables at the entrance. And this is a bit of a bonus because it also means you also get a sea view. I must stress this isn’t an absolute rule, just that some guests did voice their disapproval at having dogs in the vicinity!

The hotel has its own beach club – a series of terraces where guests can relax in the sunshine. There’s even a designated dog section, which is laid to grass rather than tiles. In fact there was only one area where dogs were prohibited and that was the spa, and even then there was an apologetic notice explaining why.

There are several routes through the hills you can explore but there’s also a park adjoining the promenade and we often strolled there in the evening exploring the castle at the end. We visited many restuarants during our holiday and Barney always sat with us while we ate. It appeared quite the norm as many of them had water bowls outside.

On the last day of our holiday, we visited Milan and Barney walked happily around the streets, joining us at a café in one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It’s incredibly upmarket and boasts names like Prada, Versace and Swarovski.

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Once again Barney was made welcome and given water. He sat under the table and watched eagerly as we had a wonderful lunch.

After staying in such elegant surrounding, I couldn’t help but think it’s a shame that dogs are prohibited from so many places in the UK. If it didn’t involve travelling through the Channel Tunnel and a 1,000-mile drive, I’d go back in a flash. Having said that, and despite the obvious inconvenience, we’re already planning a return visit because I don’t know of any other hotel that provides such dog-friendly facilities.


ADDRESS The Excelsior Palace, Via San Michele di Pagana 8, 16035 Rapallo, ItalyPRICE A night varies widely depending on the standard of the suite, the season and if any special deals are available – the most basic costs around £70 CONTACT Tel +39 018 5230666 or visit www.excelsiorpalace.it

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Tried & tested Pet activity tracker

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Tracey Radnall and her dog, Bertie, test the Tractive Motion Pet Activity Tracker

Canine productreview

The Tractive Motion is a neat and well-designed piece of kit with a built-in battery that you charge via a USB port.

It’s tiny and fits securely on dog collars of any size and proved completely waterproof even after we’d spent many hours on the beach. It monitors your dog’s activity and relays it via Bluetooth to the Tractive app on your smart phone or tablet.

It categorises the movement into three broad groups – 'lazy', 'active' and 'dynamic'. You can set a daily goal of 'Pet Points' based on the level of activity, collect badges and even get a doggy world ranking.

Although it’s well thought out and the app interface is clear, simple and pleasant to use, I have reservations about how usefulness of the information received. I was told on one occasion that Bertie had been ‘runtastic’ when I’d rather have known how many miles he had walked so I could compare that with my

distance and speed. However, if your dog is prone to wandering

off, I think upgrading to the Tractive GPS system would be worthwhile because this sends real-time information to your device so you can locate him. I would recommend trying the free Dog Walk app as this helps you track the route, take pictures and share these with your family. You can find details of this at dogwalk.tractive.com/en.html

PET ACTIVITY TRACKERWeight 7gSize 15 x 50 x 9mmBattery Lasts seven days between chargesPRICE £59.99VERDICT I think it's an educational piece of equipment that will help children interact with their pet using modern technology.www.tractive.com

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Property Round-up

Worth our trustThe National Trust has many dog-friendly holiday properties

WEST SUSSEXADDRESS Woodlands Cottage, Nymans Garden, Handcross, Nr Haywards Heath RH17 6EBPRICE A week costs from £498

WILTSHIREADDRESS Fishlock’s Cottage, Green Street, Avebury SN8 1REPRICE A week costs from £471

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TYNE & WEARADDRESS Lighthouse

Keeper’s Cottage, Foreland Point, Lynton EX35 6NEPRICE A week costs

from £899

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Property Round-up

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Worth our trust

DORSETADDRESS Vineyard Farm Cottage, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5DRPRICE A week costs from around £500

LINCOLNSHIREADDRESS Whitegates Cottage, Mill Lane, Bratoft, Gunby, Nr Spilsby PE24 5BDPRICE A week costs from £355

HEREFORDSHIREADDRESS Old Mill Cottage, Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty WR6 5UHPRICE A week costs from £411

SOMERSETADDRESS Lower House, Bossington, Minehead TA24 8HQPRICE A week starts at £999

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CHESHIREADDRESS East Lodge, Lyme Park, Disley, Nr Stockport SK12 2NRPRICE A week costs from £670

GLOUCESTERSHIREADDRESS Spring Cottage, Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JUPRICE A week costs from £369

DEVONADDRESS Crockers Cottage, Higher Brownstone Farm,Kingswear, Dartmouth TQ6 0EHPRICE A week costs from £386

DERBYSHIREADDRESS Southwood House Barn, Staunton Lane, Derbyshire LE65 1RGPRICE A week costs from £1,030

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NORTHUMBERLANDADDRESS Risemoor, Newton-by-the-sea, Alnwick NE66 3EPPRICE A week costs from £761

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STAFFORDSHIRE ADDRESS Redhurst, Wetton Mill, Wetton Nr Ashbourne DE6 2AGPRICE A week costs from £717

CUMBRIAADDRESS Watergate Farm, Loweswater, Nr Cockermouth CA13 0RUPRICE A week costs from £1059

NORFOLKADDRESS 3 Cart Lodge Barn, Upper Sheringham NR26 8TBPRICE A week costs from £357

CORNWALLADDRESS Meadow Cottage, Triggabrowne, Lanteglos-by-Fowey PL23 1NPPRICE A week costs from £370

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Property Round-up

YORKSHIREADDRESS Chapel Cottage, Peakside, Ravenscar, Scarborough YO13 0NEPRICE A week costs from £376

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Property Round-up

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SUFFOLKADDRESS Nightjar, Dunwich Heath, Saxmundham IP17 3DJPRICE A week costs from £385

SHROPSHIREADDRESS 1 Sternsmill Cottage, Bridgnorth WV15 6QNPRICE A week costs from £317

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• Your pet stays with you for the speedy 35 minute journey from Folkestone to Calais

• Dedicated pet exercise areas• Trained pet staff

Book nowVisit eurotunnel.com/dogfriendly

Even your pet deserves a holidayOnly £18 each way*

* Applicable per dog, cat or ferret each way. Excludes vehicle fare - Prices correct at time of communication.

best human's friend nr 34 2016

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