Dog Friendly

The world according to Buddy ( From Love Ribble Valley Magazine 2020)

Springer Spaniel Buddy, is well placed to be able to sniff out the most dog friendly places in Ribble Valley as he lives with Ribble Valley Tourism Officer, Tom Pridmore, and so gets to visit and appreciate first paw, the places of most interest to visiting dogs.

Being a Springer Spaniel Buddy always loves to run around, but whilst enjoying the countryside, he is always mindful of farm animals and stays under the close control of his owner. He has seen the problems caused by dogs chasing sheep, and sadly, even though it can look like they are simply playing, it can cause unnecessary stress which, for a pregnant ewe, can result in losing a lamb. The message to dog owners is simple “Please follow the countryside code when out with your dog and please keep it on a short lead and under control. By following this advice, the animals that are grazing will be safe, and there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Plenty of walks
Being an energetic Springer, Buddy loves a walk, and in Ribble Valley dogs really are spoiled for choice. Buddy recommends you log onto www.visitribblevalley.com where there is a selection of downloadable walks. There are some very special routes called ‘Walks with Taste’ which start from places with great food, most of which welcome dogs. Many also have great open log fires, where dogs can stretch out.
On wet and windy days, Buddy particularly enjoys following the miles of public paths in Gisburn Forest, where the trees provide shelter; whilst on a hot sunny day, then there are some lovely riverside walks to enjoy and the opportunity to swim.
On the social scene, there’s much going on, for example, once a month Buddy enjoys meeting up with his canine friends at The Aspinall Arms, where an organised circular walk is combined with welcome hospitality.

Staying Over
Buddy loves it when his canine friends come to visit the area for a holiday or short break; here are some of his recommendations, all of which are in the countryside with lots of walks to discover.
For Dog Friendly Self-Catering cottages in the country
• Angram Green Cottages
• Bramley Farm Holiday Cottage
• Chestnut Cottage
• Cobden View Holiday Cottages
• Harrop Fold Holiday Cottages
• Stone Mouse Holiday Cottage
There is more information on each of these later in this guide.
For his outdoor loving friends Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley, and the Red Pump Bashall are great for glamping, and the yurts at Little Oakhurst are most luxurious, too. The camping pods at Bowland Wild Boar Park are another favourite, with plenty of woodland walks on the doorstep. 

Walkies with Taste
When it comes to eating out, Buddy is totally spoiled for choice of where to take his owners; here are just few of his favourites :

Aspinall Arms, Mitton
– Don’t miss the monthly walk

Assheton Arms, Downham
– Surrounded by miles of footpaths

Calf’s Head, Worston
– A cosy favourite

Coach & Horses, Bolton-by-Bowland
– Lovely walks around the village

Derby Arms, Longridge
– Great stop after a walk on Longridge Fell

Higher Trapp, Sabden
– Great after a walk on Pendle Hill

Lower Buck, Waddington
– Cosy log fires good for a warm up

Mitton Hall, Mitton
– A nice smart option for the owners

Red Pump Inn, Bashall Eaves
– Cosy fires in every room!

Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green
– A great stop after walking the Tolkien Trail

The Inn at Whitwell, Whitewell
– Wonderful views and cosy fires

The Spread Eagle, Sawley
– Doggy menu available!

Waddington Arms, Waddington
– More cosy open fires

White Bull, Ribchester
– Don’t miss the doggy treats on the bar!