A dog-friendly walk from Padstow to Harlyn Bay in Cornwall has been voted the best in the west in the third annual Top dog walk competition run by the South West Coast Path.
Dogs are permitted on the entire length of this 630-mile National Trail, and welcomed by many places to stay, eat and drink along the way. This is why every year, thousands of people who visit the region bring their pet pooches with them.
Local dog walkers also benefit from the scenic routes available on their doorstep via the South West Coast Path.
The 7-mile circular walk on Cornwall’s north coast beat a selection of walks from across the region to the top spot with the highest majority of votes. The lucky winning voter receives a complimentary stay at one of Toad Hall Cottages 300 dog friendly places to stay in the region.
Paul Baxter of Lowestoft, Suffolk was selected at random from all those who voted for this walk. It was his favourite because, he says:
“I remembered going on holiday there as a child with my parents and I thought it would be nice to go again and see the sun set for a change. I regularly visit the most easterly point of the UK coast at Ness Point, Lowestoft and see the sun rise while out walking my Golden Retriever Bilbo. Bilbo is now 8 months old and full of fun and mischief – he just loves his early morning walks along the beach.”
Kate Mault of Toad Hall Cottages said:
“The dramatic North Coast of Cornwall with its wide sandy beaches is always popular with Toad Hall Cottages’ four legged guests. With a choice of cosy dog friendly cottages to stay in and spectacular walking on the South West Coast Path, both dogs and owners can relax and enjoy this beautiful area”.
Spring is a great time of year for dog walks and while the Coast Path always welcomes dogs and their owners, many of the beaches that have seasonal bans are still open to dogs too. However, it is also lambing season and dog owners are reminded to take care when approaching fields with livestock. Every year, farmers report a number of incidents of dogs running loose and worrying sheep, especially smaller dogs getting under gates and fences.
To get the most out of dog walking on the UK’s best and most loved National Trail, the South West Coast Path has produced a great short video with top dog walking tips from the Kennel Club’s Access Advisor Stephen Jenkinson to advise them.
Stephen’s top three tips are to always keep your dog in sight; use a lead if you don’t have a reliable recall. Carry water for your dog – they can easily get dehydrated in summer. Collapsible travel bowls are available, but he uses a clean poo bag! And finally, keep your dog away from cliff edges – they are often loose and home to rabbits, which dogs love to chase! Visit http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/faq/dogs-coastpath/
Picture: Top dog walk on the South West Coast Path at Trevone, north Cornwall by Victor Osborne.
