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.