Otter and Kingfisher Lodges » Walks

Some advice for dog-walkers in the Lake District

John Hobson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:14:28 +0000

The Lake District National Park Authority has a very useful page full of information here

http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/outdoors/walking/dogwalking

Dog Friendly Lodges in the Lake District – Keep Your Dog on A Lead at Lambing Time!

John Hobson — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:01:12 +0000

This is a good time to remind you all that lambing is in full swing in the Lakes just now.

If you go out with your dog please make sure that he or she is kept on a lead.

Not only is it unfair on the sheep and lambs to if your dog gets excited and chases them, but farmers WILL take matters, and a shotgun in to their own hands with the full force of the law behind them.

Please don’t let your dog get shot as an example to others!

Please keep your dogs on leads on the fells

John Hobson — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:52:21 +0000

An article published in the Westmorland Gazette today shows the importance of keeping your dogs under control out on the fellsides. This is not just well meant advice – it could save your dog’s life (and those of some sheep as well).

Please read the article and take note – the fells are alovely place to exercise your dog, but the farmers do have a livelihood to protect.

Rambling

John Hobson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:16:47 +0000

I called the local ramblers’ club today to get some details but the bloke who answered just went on and on.

We’ve rescued the dog field bench!

John Hobson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:34:17 +0000

Until Spring this year there was a bench in the dog field which some of us dog-friendly owners at Limefitt Park had clubbed together to buy.

It disappeared earlier this year and I was told by more than one person that it had been stolen – I was even given details like “the gate was left open and there were tyre tracks so someone obviously came in a van to steal it”

Well, on Sunday we took the dogs out for a walk around Troutbeck in the glorious sunshine. We went up Robin lane and then cut down to the two bridges over Troutbeck. Suki and Molly were playing in the beck when Suki started hunting for sticks. Linda suddenly said “look at that” and we saw that Suki was trying to dislodge a large plank from a tree. On closer inspection it turned out to be our rustic dog bench which had presumably been washed down from the dog field by one of the early season floods.

The bench from the Limefitt Park dog field

A few wet feet later Ali and I were carrying it up to the road where Linda and Wendy waited with whilst we got the car. Clipping the kerb Ali gave his car a front left puncture, which seemed a little unfair as he was being so helpful.

15 minutes later we had the bench back at the lodge where it received a little TLC in the form of some wood screws, and was de-slugged and de-weeded before being left on the deck of Otter Lodge to dry out

We’ll get some brackets fitted to it before it gets returned to the dog field so it can be attached to the concrete slabs as I’m not planning on rescuing it again!

We felt like the famous five for an afternoon though (even though there were only four of us)

10 great reasons to go self catering in our dog friendly Lake District lodges

John Hobson — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:50:51 +0000

1. You’ll have space to stretch out – no cramped hotel bedroom is ever going to equal the luxury of your own private lodge with reclining leather sofas, flat screen TVs, games machines and super-comfy beds (Our “marsh mallow beds” as one guest commented!). No worries about whether the B&B allows dogs here. We love them.

2. You will get to cook for yourselves when you like and what you like. Imagine having a barbecue beside Troutbeck with the evening sun casting dappled shade as you drink a pint of Black Sheep or Bluebird ale. Not only is it great fun but you’ll save a fortune compared with eating out.

3. You’ll have amazing views of Troutbeck and the fells beyond from your private balcony .

4. It is a complete change from home and you’ll find it hard not to chill out as you listen to the beck babbling past and the birds singing in the trees.

5. You’ll be close to Nature – have you ever seen a badger or a kingfisher or an otter? The last two are quite elusive but the badgers are an everyday sight at Limefitt. (Or as they are nocturnal maybe that should be “everynight”!)

6.Whatever the weather you can enjoy the fresh air outside under our covered verandahs.

7. Great Lakeland pubs like the Mortal man and The Queens Head are waiting to be discovered just up the hill (Less than 10 minutes walk away)

8. There are spectacular fell walks that can be done straight from your lodge door that will have your canine friends wagging their tails throughout your break.

9. We have organised special discounts with a variety of local suppliers to make your holiday money go that little bit further.

10. We love dogs and don’t charge you any extra for bringing your four legged friends with you.

A Dog-friendly Walk above Troutbeck

John Hobson — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:44:47 +0000

We took a beautiful autumn walk above Troutbeck on Thursday.

Dog friendly walk in Troutbeck

The sun was shining so I tok Suki on a two hour walk from the park up Applethwaite fell and along the top to Dubbs reservoir. This is a great walk for both dogs and humans and it was perfect day for it.

I particularly like this view as it shows tw0 of the Lake District’s best dog-friendly pubs.

Two pet-friendy pubs

The white building on the far left is The Mortal Man and the white building on the far right is The Queen’s Head. we are so lucky to have these great places within a short walk of the lodges.

At the top of the walk Suki was able to take a cooling dip in the beck that flows down from the reservoir.

Doggy Heaven

We came back along the lower path with its fantastic views of Windermere and by the time we got back too Limefitt Park we both deserved a large bowl of water (but I settled for a pint of White Witch that I’d bought from Booths that morning)