Cumbria is the most northwestern county in England, bordering Scotland. If you are planning to visit Cumbria and the lochs this year make sure you read this local dog guide first.
Dog walks and attractions in Cumbria
- Keswick, Lake District— No visit to Cumbria is complete without a stop in Keswick, situated in the North Lakes on the shores of Derwentwater. The city is incredibly dog-friendly and dogs are welcome in many pubs, shops, attractions and on public transport. In fact, you'll likely see more dogs than people on Main Street. Dog-friendly highlights include Derwentwater boat trips operated by Keswick Launch, Crow Park and Hope Park (the latter has a lovely woodland walk and ornamental gardens), the Dog & Gun Pub, George Fisher department store and Podgy Paws pet shop, which has one pet friendly information center. There are also miles of open spaces where dogs can really enjoy the great outdoors.
- Lakeland Motor Museum, Ulverston— This bustling museum has a collection of 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars and motorcycles — and you won't have to leave your dog behind during your visit. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome in all areas of the museum except the cafeteria. The cafeteria has an outdoor seating area where dogs are allowed. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day. For more information visit www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk or call 01539 530400.
- Bowness und Solway— Venture into a quieter corner of Cumbria; von Bowness can collect thatHadrians Wall Trail National Trail, walk along the coast from Bowness Marsh towards nearby Port Carlisle where on a clear day you can see the Scottish Highlands. Bowness on Solway has much Roman history including a Romanesque arch marking the end/beginning of theHadrianswallwegand the remains of the second largest fort on the wall. The Solway Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- Brantwood, Coniston- the former home of Victorian art critic John Ruskin, now a museum. Although dogs are not allowed inside, they are welcome in the gardens and in the cafeteria on a leash. The Hillside Gardens are set on 250 acres of wooded grounds and have fantastic views of Coniston Water. Water bowls are available on the restaurant terrace and in the shop. For more information visit www.brantwood.org.uk or call 01539 441396.
- Grizedale Forest Park— Located in the heart of the Lake District, the park has miles of trails for dogs and owners to explore. Owners are asked to follow the park's dog code, which includes keeping pets on a leash in the visitor center and picking up their poop. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk for more information
- Carlisle-Schloss— Explore 900 years of history in this stunning and awe-inspiring castle. It has withstood many sieges and housed a prized royal prisoner: Mary, Queen of Scots. Follow in the footsteps of history with your dog in tow; Dogs on a leash are welcome in the castle, but are not allowed to enter the exhibition or the military museum. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information
- Lake Windermere Cruises— Start your journey on England's largest natural lake at Ambleside, Bowness, Brockhole or Lakeside Pier. Dogs are allowed on all boats free of charge and even get their own tickets. Boats run every day except Christmas Day and trips last between 45 minutes and three hours. For further information go to www. windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or by telephone on 01539 443360.
Other dog attractions in Cumbria
- The Pencil Museum, Keswick.
- Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith (not in the house).
- Muncaster Castle Gardens, Ravenglass.
- Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston.
British Dog Capital
Keswick and the Lake District are officially the most dog-friendly places in the UK. For the past three years, Keswick has been crowned Best Town for Dogs in the UK in the Kennel Club's Be Dog Friendly Awards. The Lake District won the Great Outdoors category at the 2015 Awards. The annual Be Dog Friendly Awards aim to recognize and reward places and businesses that make an extra effort to welcome dogs.
Hadrianswallweg
HadrianswallwegIt is 84 miles long and stretches from Wallsend in Tyne and Wear to Bowness on Solway in Cumbria.
Along the way, walkers will encounter some of the most stunning views in Britain, with rolling hills, moorland and vibrant cityscapes. Dogs are welcome to walk the trail, but owners should keep an eye out for livestock along the central parts of the trail. Visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk for more information
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR NATIONAL TRAIL GUIDE OF HADRIAN'S WALL TRAIL
Dog friendly restaurants in Cumbria
- There Pheasant, Bassenthwaite— Located between the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, this authentic inn is very dog-friendly. Don't be surprised to see almost as many dogs as people in the bar and pub lounges. The menu offers quality food and the inn has a cozy atmosphere. It's also a dog-friendly hotel; Well behaved dogs are welcome in some rooms at an additional cost of £10 per night. For more information visit www.thepheasant.co.uk or call 01768 776234.
- The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere— Dogs are welcome at The Bridge, where they are allowed to use the Walkers' Bar, which serves meals throughout the day. Behind the bar you will find a box of dog treats. The hotel also has six independent apartments where dogs can stay. For more information visit www.bridge-hotel.com or call 01768 770252.
Dog friendly accommodation in Cumbria
- Low Nest Farm, Castlerigg– a family run business located two miles from Keswick offering dog friendly rooms on a bed and breakfast basis. The B&B has a breakfast room where dogs are welcome, a lounge and a kitchen at guests' disposal. There are welcome packs for canine guests, spare towels and blankets, and throws for the furniture. Low Nest Farm also has several independent studios that are also dog friendly. The farm has 120 acres of pastures and meadows, including a fenced practice field. The business is run by sisters Angela Healy and Alison True who have extensive knowledge of the area. Alison has written guides to walking the dog in the Lake District that people can buy online. A double ensuite room costs between £70 and £85 per night for two people, including a full English breakfast. There is a charge of £4 per dog per night up to a maximum of £20. Visit www.lownestfarm.co.uk and www.dogfriendlylakedistrictwalks.co.uk for more information
- Honister Cottage, Seatoller– a delightful, dog-friendly cottage in the Borrowdale Valley at the foot of Honister Pass. The 400 year old cottage is surrounded by stunning Cumbrian countryside. At the rear of the property is a large garden leading to a river. Dog bowls for food and water are available. Available for weekly stays and short stays. For more information, visit www.discoverparadigm.com or call 01900 825011.
Lanthwaite Forest Wanderroute
This National Trust walk through Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water offers walkers spectacular views of the Buttermere and Grasmoor moors. Owners are asked to keep their dogs under control during the walk and not to let them roam the trails or near picnic areas. For more National Trust walks in Cumbria go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Just look
Distance:4 miles
Time:21/2 hours.
Boden:Some rough or wet roads and two climbs.
How to get there:The walk begins at the Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park, which is off the B5289.
The distance:
- Exit the car park through the small gate at the other end of the street. Turn right onto the Cocker River path and follow it to Crummock Water. After heavy rain this trail can be quite wet; If this is the case, follow the forest path.
- The path leads us to the Cockerquelle, one of the best vantage points in the region. From here follow the path around the left side of the loch through Lanthwaite Wood followed by High Wood.
- The lakeside path, after leaving the High Forest, passes through two large fields before entering a long, narrow field full of gorse bushes. Follow the path along the lake shore to the far end of the field, then turn left and follow the grassy path to the higher side of the field. Turn left, stay inside the field and follow the path that runs along the top of the three fields back to the High Forest.
- In the High Forest, a gate leads to a road. Cross the road and walk straight up the slope towards Grasmoor End (look for a suitable path through the ferns).
- You will come to a main road crossing the hillside. Turn left onto this road and follow it to Liza Beck where it leaves Gasgale Gill between Grasmoor and Whiteside.
- Turn left at Beck and Call and walk along the line of an old drainage ditch towards the Iron Age Farmhouse, a set of sunken platforms between the ditch and Liza Beck. After exploring the farm, continue in the same direction towards the path you crossed earlier.
- Turn right onto the road and then left onto the next marked path that leads through a narrow alley between stone walls. Follow this to the edge of Lanthwaite Wood.
- Immediately in the forest, turn right onto a narrow path. This follows the edge of the forest and then climbs up to Brackenthwaite Hows, once a famous lookout station.
- Brackenthwaite Hows has two peaks. Follow the path from the first to the second, then turn left and follow a ridge leading into the forest. Follow the path down the steps of Dick Robins and then onto a forest track. On this path we turn left, then right at the next crossroads to return to the starting point.