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.

Why Bandit?

Bandit was the name he came with when we rescued him.  We tried other alternative names including; Fred, Bob and Biscuit.  Biscuit was seriously in the frame because apart from Bandit it had the best response.

A.L.F?

 My favourite alternative name was Alf, after the 80's TV series.  

But that was just too silly.

Next walk coming up soon. Your comments will be very welcome. 

The Most Beautiful Dog in the World?

This is Belle.  This is what she does when she is not out on an adventure.  She knows she shouldn't,  but look at that face who could shout at her...?

Not sure what has happened to her eyes in this shot, but still cute

I love my dogs and this blog is an attempt to share them with you.  They are both great characters and spend much of their day lying in their beds in our cozy little house. They love their daily routine and are spoilt rotten at the weekend when we take them out for a long walk in the countryside.  They are the most content dogs you could ever hope to find.





Tomorrow I will introduce Bandit.

Apedale Country Park near Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Apedale Country Park is the perfect location for a lengthy dog walk; this is not only a fantastic place for dogs but it is also very historic. Apedale used to be a working colliery but is now one of the very few mines open to the public.  It is worth walking around the mining displays in the Heritage Centre. You could also have refreshments in the small but adequate cafe. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the Centre but there is seating outside with water-bowls.  Next week a steam train will be an extra attraction to Apedale.


The park is full of gems such as the small pools and fantastic views. There are many paths to explore, some lead through wooded areas and others meander over large expanses of open grassland. 


Today we started from the car park at  The Apedale Heritage Centre.

Belle and Bandit ready to go

This path began at the car park and led to an area of open terrain.

We followed the path across the field

At the gate we crossed over the road and pressed on through the wood

An example of one of the many routes to explore

Some more interesting images taken from the park

Apedale is a great place to walk your dog.  You could keep coming for years and never exhaust its potential. Your dog must be kept under close control but there are lots of stimulating things for them to sniff out. 

Click here for more information about the Apedale Heritage Centre. I hope you enjoy this area- your comments would be most welcome.

What is this?

Too Wintery to Roam

The weather has been really bad over the weekend.  The snow fell very heavily and it was impossible to take Belle and Bandit out for their usual adventure.

I found this article on the BBC 'Snow Causes Problems on A50 and A34 in Staffordshire'. Those poor dogs.  I know Belle and Bandit were glad to be sitting by the fire this weekend. 

I wish it was like this one though:

I thought this would cheer us up:

An old one but a good one...

However, there is hope, the weather will be better at the weekend. I am really excited about the next walk. I will update my blog soon.   

Please feel free to comment - Pete.