Buxton Tram

Tilly waiting to board the Buxton Tram

Tilly waiting to board the Buxton Tram

Try the new “Buxton Tram” – known as “The Wonder of the Peak”. It is actually a converted milk float which has been built to look like a tram.  They are dog friendly as the picture shows!

Tilly is pictured here with Nick, our driver and co owner of the tram.

We experienced the Town tour and Nick gave us lots of information about the Opera House, Old Hall Hotel, The Crescent, The Devonshire Dome, Buxton Museum on Dale Road, then St Anne’s Church, followed by a whiz down Bath Road and past Broadwalk and then back to the Opera House.

I’m told most dogs fall asleep during the tour! However Tilly wanted fuss from everyone on the tram – all of which were doggie people…

The tram also visits Poole’s Cavern, however you need to check with the driver first before boarding the tram, just to check that they are doing that route.

For dog walkers, the Poole’s Cavern stop would be great, whilst dogs aren’t currently allowed in the cavern (due to safety reasons), there is a lovely dog friendly cafe inside the cavern complex, where dog biscuits are offered to all dogs. There is also Grinlow Woods, next to Poole’s Cavern, which is a dog walkers paradise.

New footpath markers in Grinlow Woods

New footpath markers in Grinlow Woods

There are newly constructed footpath signs that you can follow, so that you won’t get lost! Leaflets are available from the Poole’s Cavern reception.

All in all, this is a fun trip, however, just as a word of caution, the tram only seats 8 people, so it is quite cosy if they are busy. It is also courteous to check beforehand that all tram riders are happy with dogs onboard, we had no problems the day we travelled, but it is wise to check first.

For dog friendly stops in Buxton, you can visit the Old Hall Hotel, where you can sit in either of the lounges at the front of the hotel, and you can be served tea, coffee, cakes etc… Also an alternative is Barbarella’s (a wine bar) which is very dog friendly, but sadly children are not allowed due to licensing laws, and can be found at No7, The Quadrant.

Overall, a nice day out in Buxton with your dog!

To experience the tour costs £5 and more information can be found on their website

Treak Cliff Cavern

Dog Friendly Treak Cliff Cavern

Dog Friendly Treak Cliff Cavern

Well this one was a surprise!  I only found out about this because staff at another Cavern told me.  Having checked their website, it quite clearly states that Dogs are welcome at all times!

Treak Cliff Hill in Castleton, is said to be the only place in the world, where Blue John stone naturally occurs. The Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process and manufacture Blue John to this day.

This mineral known as the Blue John stone, is a unique banded form of flurospar and the name is said to have come from the french words “bleue et jaune” or blue and yellow to you and me.

There are plenty examples of this mineral that can be purchased both in the gift shop and other shops around Castleton and the Peak District. Many have been worked into pretty pendants and jewellery, but you can also buy pieces of the stone.

It is great to see that dogs are allowed in this special cavern, because all members of the family can visit the cavern and see the spectacular sights that await them.

Check their website for details about special events and times.

Afterwards there are plenty of dog friendly pubs to visit in Castleton or perhaps try a dog friendly cafe.

Crich Tramway Museum

Tilly at Crich Tramway Museum

Tilly at Crich Tramway Museum

We spent a lovely day last summer visiting the Crich Tramway museum. Dogs are welcome on the site and are able to ride on the trams, which Tilly found quite a thrill. Some of the trams are almost open air, so it really made her ears flap!

The staff are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions that you might have whilst you are aboard the trams.

There is also a woodland walk and sculpture trail where you can exercise your pet, however they will have to remain on the lead. There are plenty of picnic places to have some lunch and play areas for the children too.

There are often craft events that are held, and my daughter spent a few happy moments making a very beautiful hat!

For those of you who have a sweet tooth, you can visit Barnett’s sweet shop where you will find old fashioned jars of sweets and confectionary. There is also a lovely tea shop that you can visit, but dogs sadly are not allowed inside. There are however tables and chairs outside, so if the weather is quite pleasant you will be fine.

Crich Tramway museum can be found in Crich, near Matlock.
Postcode for Sat Nav is DE4 5DP
Check their website for details of special events.

 

Peak Rail with your dog

Dog Friendly steam trains

Dog Friendly steam trains

Travel back in time and experience the thrill of a byegone era whilst travelling on Peak Rails heritage railway line. The line forms part of the old Midland Railway line which ran between Manchester and London St Pancras. It has been re-instated mostly by volunteers and currently runs between Rowsley and Matlock, over a distance of four miles.

There are special events held throughout the year, and it is best to check their website prior to going, just to check availability.

Dogs are welcome to travel on the train, and will appreciate the low windows and the slow pace that the train travels.

There are a number of dogfriendly pubs and dog friendly coffee shops within a short walk of Matlock station.

You will also find that the Limestone Way is easy to get to from Matlock station if you fancy a walk over the hills towards Bonsall.

 

 

Why visit the Peak District with your dog?

Dog on the Edge!

Dog on the Edge!

I hope this picture goes somewhere to explaining why the Peak District is such a brilliant place to bring your dog! Where else can you find such stunning scenery and the freedom to be offlead.

There are miles of tracks and footpaths that lead to beautiful places and stunning vistas.

Tilly in the Goyt Valley

Tilly in the Goyt Valley

Water Cum Jolly

Water Cum Jolly

There are hundreds of dog friendly cafes and pubs to take refreshments after a long day walking in the countryside.

The fresh air and exercise does wonders for your dog as well as for dog owners themselves.

Try the Goyt Valley for a selection of walks, including woodland walks, moorland walks and strolls by the waterside.

There are rivers and streams which are wonderful to look at, and in some cases very refreshing for dogs to cool  down on a hot day, or take a drink from.

There are long distance paths such as the Limestone Way, The Pennine Bridleway and the High Peak Trail (to name just a few) which offer many dog walking opportunities.

There are also several visitor attractions that welcome dogs. For example, you can travel on a tram with your dog at Crich Tramway museum, or ride on a steam train from Rowsley to Matlock with Peak Rail.

For more ideas visit our website www.dogfriendlypeakdistrict.co.uk

Things to do at Easter with your dog in the Peak District

There are lots of things to do at Easter in the Peak District with your dog. Read on to find out more.

Things to do at Easter with your dog

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth house is one of the jewels in the Peak District Crown. It has beautiful surroundings and has become even more dog friendly than before, which gives them a big tick in our book!

Chatsworth have created a Dog Walk Map, which details 3 different dog walks. On their website they also confirm that the Carriage House Café now has a dog friendly seating area inside.

Chatsworth say that well behaved dogs are welcome throughout the garden and the park, but because there is wildlife and livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

If you want to stay at a holiday cottage which is within walking distance of Chatsworth house then try Hawkfield. It’s a detached cottage in Baslow which has several pubs within walking distance of the property. The Devonshire Arms is a dog friendly pub in Baslow. The Prince of Wales is also dog friendly.

Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield has a vibrant outdoor market scene. They have a general market, which is held on

They have an Artisan Market, which is held the last Sunday of every month 10am – 3.30pm. There is a Flea Market on a Thursday pam – 4pm and then they have a General market which is held on a Monday, Friday and Saturday from 9am – 4pm.

Grinlow Woods and Solomons Temple (Buxton)

Your dog will have a lovely time whizzing around Grinlow woods. Your children can follow the orienteering trail, if you can find the markers! Spectacular views from Solomons Temple overlooking Buxton and surrounding areas.
Afterwards, you can get refreshments in the Pooles Cavern coffee shop, which welcomes muddy boots and dogs. Although at the time of writing the café will be temporarily closed until 20th March 2020 for repairs to the floor. Provisional arrangements have been made outside.

You might also like to explore other Woodland Walks in the Peak District.

Hardwick Hall (National Trust)

Hardwick Hall is a National Trust property, where dogs are allowed on leads around the grounds. There is a substantial amount of land to walk around, so your dog will love it. Please be aware that livestock surrounds the house, so please keep your dog on a lead.

Nearer the house, there are picnic tables outside that can be used to eat with your dog.

Hardwick Hall have some lovely Walks around Hardwick Hall which would be worth having a look at before you visit.

You could always walk down the hill (the exit road for cars) and visit the Hardwick Inn. They have a separate room called the William Derry Parlour, where dogs are more than welcome.

For more things to do at Easter with your dog, then please read on…

Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham is another dog friendly venue in the Peak District. Your dog can travel free in the cable car on the way up to the Heights of Abraham. There is a mixture of woodlands and open spaces for you to explore with your dog. Unfortunately they are not allowed in the cavern as it is not really suitable, but they have provided The Waggy Tails Way dog walk which lasts approximately 25-30 minutes. Ask for details when you arrive.

There are café terraces where your dog can join you whilst enjoying a snack. Water bowls are provided.

Peak Rail

The Peak Rail is a line of track where steam trains run from Rowsley to Matlock and back again. Well behaved dogs can travel on the trains free of charge – although there may be restrictions on special event trains such as the Santa train and dining train events. Assistance dogs are allowed at all times.

You can read about our trip to the Peak Rail with dogs, and see what you can do.

Renishaw Hall

Renishaw Hall is re-opening from 18th March 2020

Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads, as long as owners clear up after them. Drinking water for dogs is available by the kiosk and in the Courtyard.

Finally one more thing to do with your dog at Easter in the Peak District.

Lyme Hall Park

Lyme Hall park is another National Trust property, which can be found in Disley, near Stockport. They have created a Dog Walk guide which you will find very useful. They are currently trialling places on site where you can take your dog.

You may wish to look at our post on National Trust dog walks.

Two loopy labradors playfighting in the snow!

Two loopy labs playing in snowdrift

Two loopy labs playing in snowdrift

With all the heavy snowfall that we have had in the last week, we are still left with huge drifts and piles of snow by the roadside. This can be a real pain for most of us, but for two dogs, the snow drift in the garden proved an irresistible game….

Check out the video to see two loopy labradors having lots of fun in the snow!

Little Happy Hounds Favourite Dog Walk

Little Happy Hounds

Little Happy Hounds favourite dog walk

One of our favourite dog walks in Fernilee Reservoir, part of the Goyt Valley and just in the beginnings of the national park.

Just after Whaley Bridge Derbyshire you head through the village of Fernilee and into Peak District National Park, eventually on the right is a track that leads to reservoir and car park.

Then there are so many dog friendly options, an easy circuit around the reservoir and back, or you could branch of to Errwood Reservoir and higher Goyt Valley, or if you branched off right  it takes towards the village of Taxal.

One side the reservoir is wooded and you can explore the many paths and eventually at the top there is a quiet logging road.

Fernilee reservoir

Fernilee reservoir

I have never had any issues with any of my dogs running off or anything at all.

So many options, your rarely have to keep your dogs on leads, except when going through farm yards, it so dog friendly, very scenic, beautiful blue water against the back drop the trees… stunning place I have lots more pics!

Top Tips for keeping dogs safe in the snow

Top Track after snowfall Jan 2013Whilst we all enjoy the snow, spare a thought for our four legged friends who might not be quite so keen. Here are some things to remember to keep them safe.

1. During sub zero temperatures please be careful around frozen ponds. If your dog is off the lead and suddenly dashes across the ice to something interesting – it could be fatal, for both you and the pet. Don’t take unnecessary risks and perhaps plan your walks in an area that is safer.

2. When there is significant snowfall underfoot please be careful about hidden or sharp objects under the snow. Some dogs may benefit from protection booties (yes I didn’t know they existed either!) At the very least watch out for hidden pavement kerbs – whilst the dog might be fine, you don’t want to trip over the kerb, fall and squish your dog!

Dog protection booties for winter weather

3. If the temperatures are really cold, your dog (particularly some of the smaller breeds) might benefit from a coat or jacket. There are some quite snazzy ones about, but rather than being a fashion item, it is a necessity for some breeds of dog who could be prone to Hypothermia if subjected to the cold temperatures for any length of time. Here’s an example of a danish design dog jacket – and you’d think they know something about cold temperatures!

A Danish designed dog jacket

4. Be aware of the dangers of Rock Salt used to grit our roads and pavements. If dogs lick their paws after walking on rock salted paths and roads it could cause them to become ill. According to Richard Bandy of Happy Hounds “hundreds of cats and dogs are becoming seriously ill, and in some cases dying after walking through rock salt and antifreeze, and then licking it off their paws.”  The advice is to wash your dogs paws after coming in from a dog walk, and if you think they have ingested any rock salt and appear to be showing signs of discomfort, then take them to the vets for further advice and a check up.

 

 

Your dogs playing in the snow

We’ve had a huge amount of snow over the last couple of days, and just to keep our spirits up, here is a selection of photographs from some of our doggy fans and followers frolicking in the snow!

Here's Kirsten's dog in the snow - how cute?

Bertie in the snow – how cute?

Or how about the Cavalier spaniel gang from The Hound Club?

The Cavalier Gang!

The Cavalier Gang!

Bas in the snow up to his armpits!

Bas in the snow up to his armpits!

Leo in the snow

Leo in the snow

Billy the Springer

Billy the Springer

Blue the Lurcher in the snow

Blue the Lurcher in the snow

Dog having fun in the Peak District

Dog having fun in the Peak District

Jims happy when the white stuffs down

Jims happy when the white stuffs down

Sandy in the snow

Sandy in the snow

Sybil in the snow

Sybil in the snow

Little Happy Hounds

Little Happy Hounds

 

Dogs having fun in the snow.

Dogs having fun in the snow.

Mr Kasta with frosty beard!

Mr Kasta with frosty beard!

Billy the springer viewing the snowy scenes

Billy the springer viewing the snowy scenes

 

 

Tilly was beside herself today in the snow, but the weather conditions were so bad, I daren’t get the camera out. Blizzards and iphones don’t mix too well. So here’s a video of her enjoying the snow a little while back with one of her pups (who is a whole lot bigger now!)

If you’ve got snow where you live, keep safe, but enjoy it – and let us have the photos!!