Our region offers a wide variety of walks to explore with your four-legged friend. From woodland and fells to coast, meadows, moors and parkland, there is something for everyone, and every dog, to enjoy
FOR THE ENERGETIC DOG
Pendle Hill
Barley village is a popular starting point for the track that leads to the summit of this Lancashire landmark. The walk is well sign posted and initially meanders gently through farmland, so it is essential canine companions are kept on their leads. One for the more energetic dogs as the way to the 557-metre summit then becomes steeper until extensive views of Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales are revealed.
Rich in history and synonymous with the Pendle witches, the hill still has a mysterious aura and the area is frequently visited by supernatural fanatics who believe several other spirits haunt this hillside. On the calm day that I visited a sudden wind flurry came out of nowhere, blowing the tea from my flask cup and snatching a chocolate bar from my hand. A restless spirit or simply a freak of nature? Whichever phenomenon, a Pendle Hill walk is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours with your four-legged friend.
FOR A DOG WHO LOVES THE BEACH
Formby
With wide open stretches of sand, dunes and woodland, Formby is an interesting place for dog walks, although it does get busy in summer. There is a large car park, picnic areas and a variety of way marked paths with plenty of opportunities for dogs to sniff and scamper depending on the season when there may be restrictions. This National Trust site welcomes well behaved dogs and request that dog walkers remain mindful of wildlife in the area. At Lifeboat Road the welcome team usually have a dog bowl and water available. Many of the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and all terrain wheelchairs although at times the boardwalks to the beach can become difficult to navigate because of the build- up of sand. You can hire out a beach wheelchair from Formby Point café, which is free but must be booked in advance.
FOR PARK LOVING POOCHES
Williamson Park
With 54 acres of parkland and woodland, Williamson Park in Lancaster is a great place to take a walk with your dog. Well maintained paths meander through the woodlands where interesting wildlife and plants abound, changing with each season. Nearer to the iconic Ashton Memorial there are plenty of grassy areas for your dog to chase a ball while you enjoy a relaxing break or picnic while taking in the views across Morecambe Bay. On a clear day you can see the Fylde coast and across the bay to Cumbria. The park welcomes well behaved dogs except in the children’s play areas and the Butterfly House and request they respect wildlife and are kept on a lead in and around the Pavilion café, Friends’ Garden and the main driveway.
FOR HIKE-LOVING HOUNDS
Silverdale
For those looking for a varied walk, the loop from the National Trust car park passes through woodland and limestone outcrops before dropping to the coast. Your canine friend will enjoy the well- marked paths that take you through shady trees to the Pepperpot, a monument that was built to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. On a clear day, extensive views await you with Morecambe Bay stretching before you with Heysham, Morecambe and Lancaster to the south and Ingleborough to the east. The descent will take you to the coast with delightful views across to Grange over Sands and then through flower filled meadows to Silverdale village. The return to the car park can be reached by road or footpaths across fields. There are dog friendly pubs in the village where you can take a well- earned pit stop.
FOR COAST EXPLORING CANINES
Piel Island
Lying in Morecambe Bay around half a mile off the southern tip of the Furness peninsula, the magical island of Piel is reached by ferry from Roa Island which runs from April until November. There is no entrance fee to the island but there is a charge for the ferry service, although dogs are welcome on board free of charge.
On landing, dogs must be kept on a lead, but you are free to explore the 50-acre island which is steeped in history and includes the ruins of an ancient castle. Having taken in the salty rock pools and sea air, the perfect place to take a break is the quirky 300-year-old Ship Inn where tradition dictates that whoever takes charge of the pub is crowned ‘King of Piel’ in a ceremony which involves a sabre and concludes with buckets of beer poured over their head.
Well behaved dogs can join you in the pub where you can enjoy the cosy atmosphere and intriguing collection of maritime related miscellany. It is advisable to avoid sitting on the King’s throne however, as doing so will result in the unwitting offender having to buy drinks for everyone.
