Voting opens for the Top Dog walk in the West competition
The second annual competition to find the best dog walk along the South West Coast Path has been launched this week backed by the Kennel Club’s access adviser Stephen Jenkinson, an expert on where dog owners can go and what they can do in the countryside. The winning voter will win a holiday at one of Holiday Cottages 800 dog-friendly cottages in the region worth £400.
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to vote for their dog’s favourite walk along this stunning 630-mile National Trail that stretches from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. With hundreds of routes to choose from that are dog-friendly throughout the year and with recommended places to eat, drink and sleep that are particularly dog-friendly, it’s not going to be easy.
Stephen, a columnist for Your Dog magazine, said:
“I've always had a soft spot for the South West and its glorious coastline – it’s great for dogs with miles of golden sands to play around on as well as woodland paths and green pasture. One of my personal favourites is the walk from Padstow to Trevone, where the scenery is as delightful as the refreshments and the dog-friendly welcome you get along the way is one of the best.”
Stephen has worked alongside the South West Coast Path team to advise on dog walking issues, such as responsible dog walking through farmland, and helped to produce an introductory video for dog walkers on the Coast Path, which can be viewed on the dogs page of the South West Coast Path website. Last year’s winning dog walk, Heddon’s Mouth in Somerset, was described by Alison Moreland who nominated it, as “an easy section of the path with a great stream, a small beach for doggie paddling, and a dog-friendly pub for refreshment.” Having dog-friendly establishments to welcome man’s best friend is one of the essentials of a good walk and if you’re a visitor to the area, you want a really dog-friendly place to stay too. Holidaycottages.co.uk have made it their priority to ensure dog owners and their pets receive a warm welcome and enjoy a relaxing break.
Managing Director James Morris says:
“We have found that more people than ever are taking their dogs on holidays within the UK and consider their pets an integral part of the family unit. Our dog-friendly cottages offer relaxation and safety for you and your pooch as many have direct access to footpaths and open countryside as well as large enclosed gardens.”
The closing date for the competition is February 28th 2014. For more information, full terms and conditions and details on how to vote, visit www.southwestcoastpath.com/dogs Join the conversation on Twitter @SWCoastPath and share your favourite walks and doggie pictures on Facebook and Pinterest with the hashtag #TopDogWalk.
