Merry Christmas From Bandit

Have a merry Christmas.  Here is to more lovely dog walks in 2013

HO! HO! HO!...

Bathpool Park

Bandit ready to go

Bathpool Park is a great place to take your dog, especially if you want a steady stroll on purpose made paths. Bathpool Park also provides many pleasant distractions for both the young and old.  The distractions include; random types of gym equipment dotted along the route;

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's dynamic Daddy

a play area for the children;

Play area

various kinds of bird life;

A swan

and open fields for Bandit to explore

A field

Bathpool Park is located near to Talke Pits.  The park is ideal on a warm summer day.  It is a fantastic place to take the whole family for a leisurely walk and a picnic.  The paths are very good and there are many different routes to explore.  All the routes are well signposted.

 We found a car park at the end of Boathorse Road just off the B5371.  I hope you enjoy this area as much as we did.  Your comments are always welcome.

More torture equipment

Another walk will be posted soon.  Thanks for your support and interest.

We had to put Belle to sleep yesterday. It was the hardest decision we have ever had to make. She was the most loved dog you could ever imagine. Sharon and I have cried like babies but the ache will not go away. It has over whelmed me. I never thought I would ever feel this way. She was the constant presence throughout our relationship. We will always love her. Our irreplaceable, funny, beautiful and graceful Belle. Rest in peace beautiful.

My wonderful family and Belle in happier times.


 

We will miss Belle very much.  Thanks for looking at my blog.  My adventures will carry on in Belle's memory. A new walk will be added shortly. 

Regards Pete

Watch This Space! Another Fantastic Walk to Follow Soon

Walk number 7 to be added in the next few days.  Thanks for your interest in my blog and come back soon. 


 Regards Pete

Caption Friday

Hi, all. Can you think of a caption for this unusual picture of Belle? I think she was looking for a map at the time. Please add you suggestion to the comments section below. Thanks Pete

Caption Friday

Can you add a caption to this picture of Belle? You can add your suggestions to the comment section below. 

More Pictures from Wetton Mill (on the way to Thor's Cave)

Your comments are always welcome.



Paws for Thought

Today's question is:

Would you buy embroidery badges with the names the dog walks you have been on? 

There would be a different badge for every walk and you could collect them, a bit like the scouts. The badges could be sewn on dog coats or other garments. 

Your comments are always welcome.

Caption Friday

Belle and Bandit are standing at the entrance to Thor's Cave, high up in the Peak District National Park.  This park is beautiful and well worth a visit.  Can you suggest a caption for this picture? You can add your ideas to the comments section below this post.

Thor's Cave in the Peak District National Park

Today's walk started from a small cafe called the Tea Rooms at Wetton Mill. This walk would take us on a beautiful stroll through part of the wonderful Peak District National Park.  Our destination would be the majestic Thor's Cave.  The views from the cave are truly amazing and are a must see.

This is a picture taken from the hill behind the cafe.  The picture shows the path we followed all the way to Thor's Cave. Many cyclists use this route too.

Some details about the cave

This is a picture of the cave taken from the path. I am sure I have read that there are over 200 steps from the path up to the cave's entrance.  We did not count the steps but I was quite exhausted when I reached the  top. The terrain up to the cave can be very slippery, therefore good walking shoes are essential.  The cave is also very slippery too but it is worth exploring.

Belle and Bandit at the top.

The views from the top are outstanding.  Nevertheless this is just one of the walks to be had in the Peak District.  We followed the path back to the Tea Rooms and stopped for lunch.

Things to consider before visiting Thor's Cave

• You will need good walking shoes
• For some of the way the route from the Tea Rooms is used by cars
• This area is also very popular with cyclists 

This walk is worth the effort it takes to get to Wetton Mill and the effort needed to climb to the cave. Belle and Bandit love this area and we will return to it very soon.  Your comments are always welcome.

Paws For Thought

This post should give you something to think about. Your comments about the topic, issue or observation posted here will be most welcome.

When was the last time we had snow in April?

When the weather is this bad what are your tips for taking your dog(s) on a walk?

Your suggestions would be very welcome.

Caption Friday

  

Can you add a suitable caption to this picture?

This photograph was taken when Belle and Bandit were on holiday.  They seem to be interested in something out at sea. What could it be?  You can put your suggestions in the comments below this post.

The Black Lion Pub

Consall Nature Park, Visitor's Centre. The beginning of our walk.

This is another fantastic walk set in another beautiful part of the Churnet Valley. The walk also benefits from having a wonderful country pub as its destination - the Black Lion.  This walk is for you if you enjoy a gentle stroll through some beautiful scenery and love a satisfying real ale at the journey's end. The Black Lion also supplies a range of meals and light lunches.

Our walk began from the Consall Nature Park's, Visitor's Centre.

On the right of the picture above there is a gentle slope that meanders down towards a couple of pools.

The first pool just below the Visitor's Centre

We made our way around both pools and headed down the white trail that skirts a road.  The trial leads through woods and open fields. 

The sign for the White Trail that we followed down the valley.

When we reached the bottom of the trial we saw a sign for the Black Lion Pub. We followed this path all the way  to our destination. 

The sign for the Black Lion is in the centre of this picture.

This is a view of the Black Lion Pub taken from the path we followed. Along the route there is much to see. 

The views include:

• a working railway line
• a canal
• spectacular woods and open grassland.

The Black Lion also has a small play area for children.

This part of the Churnet Valley is very beautiful.  The walk described here is one of the shorter ones and we returned they way we had come.  You could try a variation of the one we did and explore other trails that lead through the valley.  Although we have not tried it, you could even follow the canal from the pub and head for Froghall Wharf, a round trip of approximately eight miles. Froghall Wharf will feature in another post.



Examples of other walks and trails.

Where are the dogs in this post? It was such a beautiful day that we took many pictures of wildlife and our dogs that they will feature in their own post for Consall.  But as a teaser, what can you see in this picture?

I hope you enjoy this area as much we do.  Your comments will be very welcome. Click here for more information.

Caption Friday

After a long walk and feeling rather tired Belle and Bandit snuggle up.  Can you think of a suitable caption for this picture? You can add your suggestion to the comments below this post.

Paws For Thought...

This post should give you something to think about.  Your comments about the topic, issue or observation posted here will be most welcome.

Today's thought

All Dogs look like their owners.

We pick the dogs we do because they look like us. Is this true? 

Click here for more on this subject.

Bandit and Ducks

This picture was taken outside the Visitor's Centre at Tittesworth Water.  I wonder what is going through his mind.  I would welcome your ideas for a suitable caption.  You can add your suggestions to the comments below this post.  Thanks...

Tittesworth Water also known as Tittesworth Reservoir

Tittesworth Water is the most beautiful place to walk your dog(s).  It sits below a magnificent rocky outcrop called the Roaches, a favourite spot for climbers.

A view of the Roaches looking ethereal on a misty morning.

This picture was taken from the entrance to Tittersworth Water.  The reservoir is surrounded by breathtaking scenes like this one.  Today's walk started from the reservoir's Visitor's Centre.

The Centre has a cafe and small shop. Dog bowls were provided outside.

There are a variety of walks to be had around the reservoir some are short and lead through wooded sections. However, you can walk the around the perimeter on the longest trail.

Examples of the well signposted routes

We took the path that began behind the Visitor's Centre.  Our destination was the reservoir dam, the halfway point.

We began our walk from these seats

We followed this well maintained path to the dam.

There are many dog waste bins conveniently placed around the site.

A view from the dam. In this picture you can just make out the Roaches in the distance.

When we reached the dam we retraced our steps back along the path.  However, we could have carried on and completed the circular walk around the reservoir.  The terrain changes after the dam and to complete the long walk you would need to walk through farmland.  Therefore, good walking shoes are recommended.

Key points to consider before coming to Tittersworth: 

• The long walk has been described as moderate. However, Belle and Bandit found it quite a challenge and they only went half way. Older dogs may find it hard too.  Nevertheless, you could take a rest on one of the many benches that are provided.
• The car parking charge is nearly £5 for the whole day.  This seems quite steep.
• There is a large playground for children but this can be very popular.

Tittesworth Water is a fantastic place to come and is set in the heart of some beautiful scenery.  The reservoir is well maintained and the facilities are very good.  There is even a specially designated area for barbecues.  However, during peak periods throughout the year it can be very busy.

Your comments are always welcome.

More Pictures from the Churnet Valley

Here are two more pictures taken on our trip through the Churnet Valley. As you can see it is beautiful here in February. However, when the Churnet Valley comes to life in the summer time it is glorious.

Bandit on the way to the Ramblers Retreat

Belle waiting by the river

The next walk will follow soon. Your comments will be very welcome.

The Chained Oak in the Churnet Valley

This tree has a long and sinister history. We discovered it on one of our walks through the Churnet Valley after a satisfying lemon meringue pie at the Ramblers Retreat.

The story goes like this. Source the BBC 



Dog Events for March

Events For March 2012

This page will be updated throughout the month.  If you hear of any dog related events or of any events that would be of interest to the readers then please add them to the comments below.

The Ramblers Retreat near Oakamoor

Today's adventure follows this disused railway line

This place is amazing! The Churnet Valley has much to offer the dog walker. There are so many beautiful locations and walks to explore. This post is an introduction to one of the highlights in this area.

Today we started at the car park at the top of Mill Road in Oakamoor and headed through the Churnet Valley towards the Ramblers Retreat. 

Admiral Jervis Pub opposite the car park

There is a large grassed area by the car park for Belle and Bandit to explore.

The walk began by crossing over this bridge and by following a path to the right, through the wood

Notice the wood on the right

After a short walk, through the wood, we came to the disused Churnet Railway. We followed this until we reached our destination.

The disused platform.

 After about half and hour we came across this bridge.

Belle showing the way

On the left of this picture you can see a small set of steps that gives access to the top of the bridge. 

A view of the Ramblers Retreat from the top of the bridge

At last!

It is amazing to find a such a wonderful restaurant in such beautiful surroundings.  They are famous for their lemon meringue pies  Although dogs are not allowed inside there are plenty of seats and water bowls on the patio.  There are many walks to be had from the restaurant.  Today we took a path that led us to a tree with a long and sinister history.  Look out for more posts about the chained oak. 

We returned to the car park back the way we came. I hope you will love investigating this area - your comments will be very welcome.