L NA 130 O I £ S ES RTH F O PR T WO A N AI WI RTR PO T E P
AUTUMN 2017 / ISSUE 1
STORMWATCH 10 DOG FRIENDLY PUBS BY THE SEA
FOR DOG LOVERS
WINTER DAYS OUT TOP TREATS YEAR-ROUND CORNISH GIFTS ATTRACTIONS FOR DOG LOVERS
Published by Gloss Magazines Ltd, St Ingunger Offices, Lanivet, Cornwall PL30 5HS www.glossmedia.co.uk T: 01326 231721 e: hello@glossmedia.co.uk 2
Welcome...
INTRODUCING DOG FRIENDLY CORNWALL MAGAZINE Welcome to Dog Friendly Cornwall, a new magazine for dog lovers who want to explore Cornwall with their canine companions. For those of you who don’t already know us, Dog Friendly Cornwall is the biggest online community of dog lovers in Cornwall. You can read our blog and find great places to visit, eat or stay on our website www.dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk. You can also sign up for our newsletters and follow us on social media. Our team of dog lovers - not to mention our wonderful 12,000+ followers - are always on hand to point you in the right direction of the best dog friendly things to do and see around Cornwall. We have lots to share with you in this launch issue. Discover dog friendly cosy pubs by the sea to snuggle up and stormwatch in safety; explore the county with guides to some beautiful woodland walks and be inspired by gift ideas for anyone who loves dogs and all things Cornish. Ten per cent of all our net profits go to the Last Chance Hotel Animal Rescue charit, so huge thanks to all the advertisers who have supported us. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine, and do visit us on Facebook at Dog Friendly Cornwall and let us know what you think...
DOG FRIENDLY CORNWALL
www.dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk
3
Contents... 3 Welcome 6 On The Scent...Cornwall’s dog news 7 A word from the vet... Calm dogs during scary season 8 Winter Days Out... dog friendly museums, galleries and attractions. 12 WIN pet prizes worth £180 in our photo competition 15 The Last Chance Hotel Animal Rescue 18 10 places to Stormwatch with your dog 23 Beating doggy phobias 25 Take your dog to the Isles of Scilly 30 6 Woodland Walks in Cornwall 37 North coast v south coast: two walks around the Cornish coastline. 40 Rover review: Freathy Farmhouse B&B on the Rame Peninsula 43 Recipe: Honey hearts by Paws for Cake 44 Treat time: dog friendly gift ideas
4
5
On the scent...
DOGGY FINE DINING Dogs can dine in style from this autumn at the award-winning Talland Bay Hotel. Whilst their owners can enjoy the culinary delights produced by Michelin trained chef Nick Hawke, a new ‘canine corner’ menu includes handmade dog treats from Alfie & Molly’s bakery as well as fresh, locallysourced chicken and Kittows Butchers’ sausages straight from the kitchen. The hotel also allows dogs to dine with owners in the Brasserie restaurant as well as offering a pamper pack with luxury dog blankets, bowls, feeding mats, tasty treats and torches for safety on late night strolls. www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk
WHAT’S CORNWALL’S MOST POPULAR BREED? A new survey by Sainsbury’s Bank reveals that after crossbreeds, Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breeds in Cornwall, closely followed by Springer Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers.
GOT DOGGY NEWS? Send it to hello@dogfriendlycornwall. co.uk with News Page in the subject 6
AAWORD WORD FROM FROMTHE THEVET VET
TIPS TIPSTO TOKEEP KEEPYOUR YOURDOG DOGSAFE SAFEAND AND HAPPY HAPPYTHIS THISSEASON SEASON
There Thereare arelots lotsofofexciting excitingevents events for us humans to look for us humans to lookforward forwardtoto during duringthe thewinter winterseason. season.While Whileititisis important importanttotocelebrate celebratesome someofofour our favourite times of year, we favourite times of year, wemust musttake take the thetime timetotothink thinkhow howthese theseevents events can canaffect affectour ourcanine caninefriends. friends. HALLOWE’EN HALLOWE’EN Fancy Fancydress dressisisgreat greatfun, fun,but buthave have you ever considered how you ever considered howscary scarythat that might mightbe befor foryour yourdog? dog?Puppies Puppiesinin particular particularcan canbecome becomevery veryanxious anxious ininnew situations and this can new situations and this can affect affecttheir theirconfidence confidencethroughout throughout their lives. So their lives. Sobefore beforeyou youdon donyour your favourite gorilla costume or start favourite gorilla costume or start covering coveringyourself yourselfininfake fakeblood, blood,take take time to allow your pet to time to allow your pet toget getused used totoyour youroutfit. outfit.Allow Allowthem themtotosniff sniffitit and offer them a treat if they start and offer them a treat if they start totofeel feelanxious. anxious.Doing Doingthis thisbefore before Hallowe’en will be a big Hallowe’en will be a bighelp. help.
BONFIRE NIGHT Fireworks might be exciting for the whole family but it is well known that for dogs the unexpected bangs can be massively worrying. A few simple things to help our dogs through this: • Make sure your dog is inside the house, close all windows/doors and draw the curtains in the evenings during firework week. • Create a ‘safe place’ or ‘dog den’ for your companion to hide in. • Provide lots of distractions including new toys and chews and put the TV or radio on to help mask some outdoor noise. • Playing firework sounds to your adult dog quietly once a week throughout the year may help to prepare them. Some dogs may require a little extra help so contact your vet to see what calming products are available; there are many great pheromone products on the market.
Naomi NaomiBlackbourn, Blackbourn, Registered RegisteredVeterinary VeterinaryNurse Nurse Rosemullion RosemullionVeterinary VeterinaryHospital Hospital www.rosemullionvets.com www.rosemullionvets.com 77
WINTER DAYS OUT There are plenty of dog friendly museums, galleries and attractions which are open all year to while away a winter day...
HELSTON MUSEUM Housed in Helston’s former Market House and Drill Hall, Helston Museum has some fascinating collections, and this is an ideal day out come rain or shine. Inside you can find exhibitions about archeology and geology on the Lizard Peninsula and a huge social history collection covering everything from toys to gardening equipment from the area in days gone by. There’s also a large costume collection, exhibited in the Martin Matthews Costume Gallery. www.helstonmuseum.co.uk
CORNWALL AT WAR MUSEUM, NEAR BODMIN This museum, located on the Davidstow airfield on Bodmin moor, aims to provide an interactive experience alongside more traditional exhibits. Enjoy a hot drink reading WW2 newspapers or browse displays on everything from the RAF to the Home Front and the Afghanistan conflict. www.cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk 8
NEWLYN ART GALLERY & THE EXCHANGE, PENZANCE Both of these prestigious art galleries now allow well-behaved dogs. Newlyn has been an historic centre of support for British painters and the exhibitions in the galleries are excellent. www.newlynartgallery.co.uk MUSEUM OF WITCHCRAFT, BOSCASTLE This little museum, in the heart of the beautiful fishing village of Boscastle, is famous all over the world for its intriguing collection of all things related to the pagan religion of Wicca. Founded by real Wiccans, the museum is run by volunteers. Be prepared to learn more about this much misunderstood religion and about real Cornish witches and artefacts used for making spells. Dogs are welcome, as indeed are well behaved children. www.cornishwitchcraft.co.uk/museum BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY If you want to try something a little different, why not go for a ride on a beautiful vintage steam train through the Cornish countryside. Enjoy a 13 mile return journey from Bodmin General Station to Bodmin Parkway in the Glynn Valley and Boscarne Junction in the Camel Valley. Dogs are welcome on board but not on the seats or in the buffet car, and they need to be kept on leads on the platforms and at the stations for obvious reasons! www.bodminrailway.co.uk PENDENNIS CASTLE, FALMOUTH One of Henry VIII’s finest forts was built to protect the strategically important Fal estuary in Tudor times. Today dogs are allowed on leads and visitors can enjoy the magnificent keep, grounds, tea room and shop as well as brilliant historic exhibitions. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ 9
HEALEYS CYDER FARM, NEAR NEWQUAY Situated 20 minutes from Newquay, this working cyder farm provides tours of the distillery with taste-testing, a cyder-making museum and even a tea room serving their very own jam. Dogs on leads are welcome. www.healeyscyder.co.uk
ST MAWES CASTLE Designed to guard the Fal estuary along with Pendennis Castle, St Mawes is known for being one of the most well-preserved and elaborately decorated of all of King Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses. While there, be sure to listen to the audio tour of the castle’s history and visit the oubliette where prisoners were once kept captive. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-mawescastle
CORNWALL REGIMENTAL MUSEUM, BODMIN Housed in ‘The Keep’ at Bodmin, this museum covers 300 years of history. The collections contain many items donated by veterans and range from the raising of the regiment in 1702, through to WWII, to battles fought by the Light Infantry in Ireland and the Middle East in the 20th century. Dogs are welcome but may be restricted entry during busy periods. www.cornwalls-regimentalmuseum.org
CORNWALL GOLD, NEAR REDRUTH Cornwall Gold is an 18-acre site showcasing, among other exhibits, the county’s largest collection of jewellery. There are shops, workshops and Tolgus Tin Mill. Established in 1865, the mill has recently been brought back to life, once again smelting tin on site. The Cornish Pantry cafe is also dog friendly. www.cornwall-gold.com 10
MUSEUM OF WITCHCRAFT
CORNWALL AT WAR MUSEUM BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY CORNWALL REGIMENTAL MUSEUM
HEALEY’S CYDER FARM
CORNWALL GOLD
NEWLYN ART GALLERY & THE EXCHANGE
ST MAWES CASTLE PENDENNIS CASTLE FALMOUTH ART GALLERY HELSTON MUSEUM
FALMOUTH ART GALLERY Falmouth Art Gallery has a vibrant exhibition and event programme, featuring works from a permanent collection alongside major museum loans, work from local artists, community groups, and students. This autumn sees the OUTspoken exhibition featuring artists ranging from Alfred Munnings to Banksy, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Tracy Emin. Winter also sees Imagine Falmouth and Limelight exhibitions highlighting local artists. www.falmouthartgallery.com 11
WIN A PROFESSIONAL PET PORTRAIT
R
ichard Horsfield is recognised as one of the best dog portrait photographers there is. Based in Par, Cornwall, he has a natural way of connecting with pets to create timeless fine art portraits. ‘I’ve always loved animals, dogs in particular,’ says Richard. ‘I came down to Cornwall about 15 years ago and was working as a press photographer. But the industry changed and I decided to start doing work that made me happy, and photographing dogs seemed ideal.’ Richard’s style of portrait is his hallmark. Inspired by the Old Masters, his images are very painterly in style, with dogs beautifully lit against a dark backdrop. ‘I tend to allow more time than other photographers — the dogs are calm because I spend an hour getting to know them and their quirks and characters while I set up the backdrop and lighting. Then by the time we take the photo, the dog is relaxed.’ Richard’s portraits are often used as covers on national magazines and we’re delighted he is helping to judge our photo competition. 12
For more information about Richard and to book a session, visit: www.richardhorsfield.com This month you have the chance to win a portrait of your pet by Richard, and to share your own photos of dogs enjoying Cornwall. THE RULES AND PRIZES... The Dog Friendly Cornwall photography competition theme is simply a photo of a dog or dogs enjoying Cornwall. The winner and three runners up will have their photographs published in the magazine. The winner will receive a portrait of their pet by Richard, worth £130, which includes a session in his photography studio and a 30’’x 20” canvas of one of the photographs taken. The first runner up will win a £50 voucher from pet store Furzu (www.furzu.co.uk) based in Truro. TO ENTER: Email your photograph to hello@dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk with Dogtographer Competition in the subject line. Competition closes at midnight on 2 Dec 2017.
13
WWW.FURZU.CO.UK
THE RULES • All photographs must have been taken in Cornwall. • Only amateur photographers can enter. No entries from professional photographers. • Shortlisted entrants will be required to submit a high-resolution version of their photograph. • Images should be emailed as Jpegs to hello@dogfriendlycornwall. co.uk by midnight 2 December 2017. Include your name, age, address and email address/phone number. • By entering this competition you agree that Dog Friendly Cornwall and the competition provider can contact you with information and offers.You can unsubscribe from these mailing lists at any time. • Entries will be judged on technical ability and aesthetic composition. 14
• Each entrant will retain full copyright of any photo they submit, which will only be used in the context of the competition in Dog Friendly Cornwall magazine and online at dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk. Should any photo be reproduced elsewhere, it will carry a credit. • Prizes are as described above. No cash alternatives. Photo session is for one dog only and all dates subject to availability. • No further discount codes can be allocated to any purchase made using the Furzu voucher and no change will be given if the purchase is less than £50. • Employees of Gloss Media and prize donors and their families, households or agents are not eligible to enter. Usual promotion terms apply, see www.dogfriendlycornwall. co.uk for details. • The judges’ decision is final.
THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL Dog Friendly Cornwall is proud to be supporting a Cornish charity which saves the animals no-one else will help...
E
very dog deserves someone to love and care for them but in 2016, over 47,000 dogs were abandoned in the UK. Here in Cornwall, one charity aiming to reduce this figure is the Last Chance Hotel. Operating throughout the county, the Last Chance Hotel team rescue dogs of any kind, including the sick and terminally ill and those that other rescue centres cannot take. Often the animals come in for rehab and go to new homes. The rehoming process is rigorous. Sam is one of the people helping to run the charity. She says: ‘We rehome hundreds of dogs every year and it’s a huge responsibility because we just cannot make a mistake. ‘We have a duty of care to both the dog and to the family who
take the dog in. There have to be assessments and checks and we have to think very carefully about if they are the right fit for each other.’ The Last Chance Hotel is unlike any other rescue centre in that - as its name suggests - no animal will ever be destroyed because it cannot be rehomed. Thanks to a growing number of supporters they will always be looked after by one of a network of fosterers, or indeed the volunteers themselves. ‘Some of the dogs have health problems, others have behavioural problems. It’s just not possible to place them in homes, so some of them I take care of,’ Sam says. Whilst many residents do end up finding new owners, others come to the centre for peace and love before they die, in some cases after a life of 15
Winter walks, hot chocolates, sandy paws and peaceful shores... Visit award-winning Poldhu Beach Cafe, open 363 days a year (closed Christmas Day & Flora Day) Dogs always welcome!
Opening times at WWW.POLDHU.COM follow
tag
@poldhu #poldhu 16
Located at Poldhu Cove - TR12 7JB
neglect and abuse. Happy endings are what matters to the team of volunteers and no call for help is turned away. Back in July they received a call from a man who had just been made homeless and was heartbroken at the prospect of losing his two older Staffie boys. His dogs were placed in the emergency boarding kennels at the Last Chance Hotel while he set about finding a new place to live. After six weeks he found somewhere and the dogs were able to return home. You only have to scan the centre’s Facebook page to read more success stories like this but, of course, the focus is always on looking for help and new homes for the dogs still in their care. ‘Our dream is that we wouldn’t have to do this work,’ Sam says. ‘Sadly there are always going to be people who abandon or abuse animals and, at present, the public system is set up so that many dogs are put down through no fault of
their own. ‘We are just hugely grateful that in Cornwall, there are so many passionate supporters and generous businesses who help to keep our doors open to the animals who need us.’ CAN YOU HELP? Running a rescue centre for these ‘last chance’ dogs is very expensive and money is always needed to cover transportation, vet bills and other costs. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to donate, via PayPal or JustGiving or even by sponsoring one of the dogs. There is also a popular Last Chance Hotel Hub Shop in Fore Street, Redruth, which is also a community centre for information, advice and support on all pet-related matters. Open 10am-4pm, Mon to Sat. For more information on ways you can help, visit: www.lastchancehotel.org/donations
DID YOU KNOW? 10% of all net profits of Dog Friendly Cornwall magazine go to The Last Chance Hotel Animal Rescue. A huge thanks to all our advertisers who are helping us to support this amazing charity.
17
10 PLACES TO... Winter is on its way and with it, an increasingly popular pastime for Cornwall - stormwatching. Find somewhere cosy and safe to snuggle up as the storms come in and watch the sea rage as you enjoy a warming drink and good food with your dog snuggled safely by your side. Here are a few of our favourite dog friendly storm watching venues... THE SHIP INN, PORTHLEVEN This 17th century pub is perched looking out across the harbour of Porthleven, a famed stormwatching point where the westerly gales bring 50ft waves crashing against the Cornish shoreline in dramatic fashion. Do be safe getting there and follow advice to stay away from the harbour edge on stormy days. Once inside you can enjoy local ales and good food as you watch the storms rage outside. www.theshipinnporthleven.co.uk
LEWINNICK LODGE, NEWQUAY The newly renovated Lewinnick Lodge in Newquay makes a perfect cliff-top retreat to watch storms. Try the local seafood in this contemporary restaurant while you listen to the waves crash against the cliffs beneath you. If you feel like extending your stay, there are lovely rooms available, some of which have panoramic sea views. Nearby Fistral beach is world famous and, once the storm passes, just a short walk away for you and your dog. www.lewinnicklodge.co.uk
THE SHARKSFIN, MEVAGISSEY This cosy restaurant is set right on the harbour front of Mevagissey, making it a beautiful place to spend a stormy night watching the waves crashing below while trying some of the fresh seafood caught during the day. www.thesharksfin.co.uk
18
STORMWATCH WITH YOUR DOG Words by Rebecca Dargue
This bar and restaurant is set just off the beautiful privately owned Lusty Glaze beach, named The Times’ beach of the year for 2017. Although the beach itself imposes a summer dog ban, its calm and secluded setting provides a stunning view for stormy weather. Lusty Glaze’s dog friendly bar and restaurant overlooking the beach is the perfect place to warm up by the log burner and enjoy one of their famous hot chocolates with a view. And when the weather clears, the sheltered nature of the beach makes it ideal for a bracing dog walk during the winter months. www.lustyglaze.co.uk
PIC PHILLIP HALLING
LUSTY GLAZE, NEWQUAY
THE WATERING HOLE, PERRANPORTH This venue prides itself as being the only pub in the UK to be actually on the beach, allowing you to get as close to the stormy views as possible without actually getting wet - that is, if you time the walk down right! The pub is set on dog friendly Perranporth beach where the sand stretches on forthree miles, so there’s plenty of room to walk your dog on calmer days. Do call ahead in big storms, though, to make sure access is possible. www.thewateringhole.co.uk THE RASHLEIGH INN, POLKERRIS Nestled between Par and Fowey, this traditional style pub is perched over Polkerris beach. The pub itself is well known for quality and has been featured in every edition of the Good Beer Guide and Good Pub Guide since 2001. For a relaxing winter’s evening, curl up next to the bay window and stormwatch as the waves crash against the shore. Dogs are allowed on Polkerris beach in the winter months so, on calmer days, you can take your dog for a run right on the doorstep. www.therashleighinnpolkerris.co.uk
19
STORMWATCHING
THE BEACH HUT, WATERGATE BAY
Part of the glamorous and contemporary Watergate Bay Hotel, The Beach Hut acts as the perfect refuge if you and your dog are caught on the beach below during a downpour. The cafe has a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere, offering winter warmers including their Extreme Hot Chocolate. Large windows line the walls to give an expansive view of Watergate Bay beach, www.watergatebay.co.uk/food-and-drink/the-beach-hut POLDHU BEACH CAFE, MULLION
Open every day except Christmas Day and Helston Flora Day, this cafe on Poldhu beach faces the westerly gales on the Lizard Peninsula. Although known in the summer for its beachside pizza nights, an indoor seating area is now available and is the ideal place to try one of their impressive hot chocolates that come in a delicious variety of flavours such as salted caramel, Crunchie and chocolate orange. To help you plan a stormy excursion, their website provides a handy page showing the forecast and tide times. www.poldhu.com THE PORT WILLIAM, TREBARWITH STRAND
The award-winning Port William Inn overlooks the dramatic north coast cliffs and the dog friendly Trebarwith Strand beach. The pub also provides views out to sea, so you can watch the storms roll in over the Atlantic. Inside is a roaring open fire. Try the fresh lobster or crab or one of their local ales. www.theportwilliam.co.uk 20 PIC: Š RICHARD CROFT (CC-BY-SA/2.0)
THE OLD SUCCESS INN, SENNEN
Set on the very westerly tip of England, this coastal pub is in a spot known for truly dramatic storms. With stunning views over Sennen Cove, you can warm up with a cup of Brewer and Bean coffee by St Austell Brewery. They aim to use local Cornish ingredients in all of their dishes, including their spectacular Sunday lunch which they are renowned for, alongside their fantastic hospitality. On less stormy days, if you want to walk off your food, the inn is handily found on a part of the South West Coast Path which offers exhilarating walks with views of the rugged coastline. www.oldsuccess.co.uk
CALM IN A STORM Many dogs can become anxious in stormy weather. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe and calm: 1. CREATE POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS: If your dog experiences anxiety when they hear a storm roll in, feeding them a special treat or playing a favourite game can cause them to associate the situation with these comforting experiences. 2. PLAY RECORDINGS OF STORMS: Gradually increase the volume over time and pair this with the comforting behaviour from the previous tip. 3. CREATE A SAFE SPACE: When confined in the house during a storm, my dog likes to be under the coffee table. Work out where your dog usually takes shelter and make sure they can get there. Add a comfort blanket which you can use if you’re out and about. 4. USE THEIR LEAD: If caught in a storm, your dog’s natural instinct will be to run. A lead prevents them getting lost in the chaos and allows you to direct them to a safe place. 21
Everything you need on your lead!
Walking a dog is one of life’s pleasures which is tainted with one huge downside: clearing up and transporting dog waste to a bin. This is always unpredictable and often you can be far from a bin. With a Dicky Bag™ you’re always prepared and have all you need to enjoy your walk again. The Dicky Bag™ is a carrier with odour prevention devices. You can put those awkward plastic bags containing dog’s poop in your Dicky Bag™ and attach it to your dog’s lead until you get to an appropriate disposal point, leaving your hands free so you can enjoy the rest of the walk in comfort.
www.dickybag.com Tel: 01637 874 849
22
KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS SCARED OF DOGS?
Surprising numbers of children and adults have a fear of dogs but, as Adam Pearson of Newquay Hypnotherapy explains, people can overcome phobias very quickly...
S
tudies reveal that 1 in 4 people who have an animal phobia are cynophobes – that is, they are afraid of dogs. The good news is that people can and do recover from even the most severe and long-standing phobias, often quite quickly. Some treatments, including hypnotherapy, use techniques which relax the ‘fight-or-flight’ part of our mind, allowing it to learn more appropriate responses, while activating the more rational parts of the subconscious mind. This is a nice way to overcome a phobia because it doesn’t require facing the thing that scares you. At our Newquay Hypnotherapy practice, we see a lot of people, including children, with dog phobias. A few lessons emerge
which might be helpful for parents: 1) Trying to rationally talk someone out of a phobia doesn’t work. 2) Deliberate exposure can make it worse. 3) More helpful strategies include: acknowledging the fear, offering reassurance and telling positive stories about dogs. It’s worth remembering that dogs can be anxious too. A small child at the same eye level might be quite scary to a dog. A change of perspective might help. Some professionals who work with dogs find that people relate better to them when they are dresssed up - even with just a bandana. Just imagining this can help a cynophobe to overcome their fear.
Contact Adam on 01637 852394 or email info@newquayhypnotherapy.com for more information.
23
“Just amazing, awesome people, I would not put my puppy anywhere else.” - 5 Stars | May ‘17
DOGGYDAYCARECORNWALL.CO.UK | 01736 317123 doggydaycarecornwall
info@doggydaycarecornwall.co.uk
Services include: Dog Day Care Home Dog Boarding Puppy Academy Wash & Fluff Dry Pet Taxi
Coming soon: 24
Secure Dog Park Dog Walking Natural Pet Shop
TAKE YOUR DOG TO
THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Exploring the wonderfully dog friendly Isles of Scilly is much easier than you might think....
T
hey may be only a short flight or boat trip from Cornwall but the Isles of Scilly have a unique landscape and culture all of their own. There are silver white beaches beneath rugged granite outcrops, rare plants and wildlife and a sense of peace and remoteness that takes you back in time. The great news is that the Isles of Scilly is also really, really dog friendly, and it is easy to take dogs over to the islands.
To investigate just how simple it is to get your dog to the Isles of Scilly, we took Rosie, our 50kg Newfoundland, for a weekend break. FLYING DOGGIES There are two ways to get to the Isles of Scilly. By Skybus or by the Scillonian III boat.You can take one or two dogs over on a flight (depending on how many will fit
25
MAIN PICTURE: VIEW FROM TRESCO
in the crate on a Skybus) from Newquay, or Land’s End airports. You will need to book in advance. This is a good way to travel, especially if you would like to get a few more hours out of a day trip. The Scillonian III also only sails from March to October, so if you would like to visit outside of these months, you will need to travel by Skybus. Even Rosie, the huge Newfie, was welcomed at Land’s End airport, with a few cuddles and jokes about her size. But it seemed all in a day’s work for the airport staff and crew. Our trip through the airport at Land’s End was smooth and quick. We all sat for the safety training video and were escorted to the Skybus, which takes around 15 minutes to fly to St Mary’s. Rosie and I got on the plane 26
first — apparently our large doggy made the plane shake! Dogs go in the cabin with passengers in a large crate. Rosie looked a little bemused as I tried to push her backwards into it, and if dogs could sigh, she would have before she stood up, went inside and lay down all by herself. I was able to sit right next to her and even stroke her ears through the crate on the way over. She was not distressed at all because she could see us. TRAVEL FACTS: You can take dogs to the Scillies from Land’s End or Newquay airport. The IOS Travel Twin Otter aircraft each contain an RSPCA approved animal box. This must be booked in advance by telephone and you can ask about taking more than 2 dogs.
FROM TOP LEFT: ROSIE ON THE BOAT TO BRYHER; TRESCO ABBEY GARDEN,;WALKING ON BRYHER; STAR CASTLE HOTEL, ST MARYS; BRYHER; ROSIE BOARDING THE SKYBUS
Price: from £40 each way per animal box, plus the price for your particular flight. Check at www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk. ON THE BOAT If you’re more of a sailor, or on a tighter budget, the Scillonian III from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly allows dogs on board for £7.50. We brought Rosie home by boat, and there were lots of other dogs on board, all well-behaved. Rosie got a little excited when she saw a pod of dolphins playing in the sea, just off the stern of the boat, but then, we all did. TRAVEL FACTS: Dogs must remain on a lead at all times and are not permitted where food is being served onboard.You can take up to two dogs per adult at a cost
of £7.50 each way per dog. For humans, trips cost from a £39.50 day return for adults.You can choose to travel on the Scillonian III, the Skybus or a combination of both. For longer trips Skybus fares are from £70 per adult one way and the Scillonian from £45 per adult one way. Book in advance for the best fares at www.islesofscillytravel.co.uk DOG FRIENDLY STAYS There are some truly incredible places to stay on the Isles of Scilly and most are dog friendly. We stayed in a garden suite in the beautiful Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s, which overlooks the harbour and is a short stroll from the centre of Hugh Town, the main town of the islands. It has a 27
fascinating history, having been a dungeon for famous prisoners in the Civil War. It also has a pool and two fabulous restaurants. What was particularly impressive was that a short while after our arrival, there was a knock on the door and a VIP box had been brought by the Isles of Scilly Veterinary Support Group containing a bowl, blankets, treats and a VIP Dog sign -- all for a voluntary donation of £5 to support their work. It’s a fabulous idea and really convenient. Other dog friendly places to stay include the Atlantic Inn on St Mary’s, the Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher and the Tregathen’s Hotel on St Martin’s . There is no dog friendly accommodation on Tresco You can find a list of more B&Bs and self catering accommodation which accept dogs at www. visitislesofscilly.com.
DOG FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT
28
There are plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants where dogs are allowed on the islands. The Mermaid Inn, the Old Town Inn and the Bishop & Wolf on St Mary’s allow dogs on leads. A really lovely dog friendly place we visited was Juliet’s Garden Restaurant, which has outdoor and indoor dog friendly areas along with lovely edible treats for dogs and humans alike. Rosie was made very welcome indeed and this is an enjoyable walk from HughTown. Another fabulous dog friendly place on St Mary’s is the Kaffeehaus at High Lanes which offers Bavarian delicacies. DOG FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO… There are dog bans on some beaches in the summer, including Porthmellon, Porthcressa and Old Town beach which are closed to dogs from 1st May to 30th September, but there are many others to choose from and as dogs are allowed on the boats to all the off-islands, there is no shortage of truly beautiful walks to choose from. The Walk Scilly festival which happens in October each year
FROM LEFT: VERONICA FARM, BRYHER;VALHALLA MUSEUM, TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS
offers several fascinating guided walks which are dog friendly and we enjoyed the Michael Morpurgo walk around Bryher, passing several places where his novels are set, including filming locations for When The Whales Came and the house where the author likes to stay when he is writing. The lady at the Vine Cafe on the island was really welcoming to Rosie on DFC17 A5 ad _Layout 1 15/09/2017 11:42 Page 1 an unseasonably hot day, inviting
her to sit inside if as she was well behaved and giving her some water. Tresco may not have dog friendly accommodation, but you can take your dog to visit the island and into the beautiful Tresco Abbey Gardens which is well worth a visit. www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk www.visitislesofscilly.com
SAVE 10% WITH FOREST HOLIDAYS
Escape to luxury self-catering woodland cabins, many with private hot tubs, with your four-legged friends. You can choose from nine locations set exclusively on Forestry Commission land. Simply enter DFC17 in the promotional code box at www.forestholidays.co.uk Code valid until 31/12/2018 for breaks taken before 30/6/2019
29
WALKIES
6 WOODLAND WALKS It is a beautiful time of year to enjoy some Cornish woodland walks,
Trelissick Woodland Walk Trelissick Gardens is run by the National Trust and although dogs are not allowed inside the main gardens, they are very welcome in the parkland around the estate. The Woodland Walk (below) is a particularly lovely three mile circuit which takes you from the main car park, down the hill to the edge of the Fal estuary, then along the river bank, through beautiful dappled woodland and past the
King Harry Ferry slipway before continuing further into the secret and tranquil creeks tucked away in the estuary. Follow the creekside path until you come to a fork. Take the left path which leads you back uphill to the main road. Cross carefully, then turn left just past the lodge and in a few minutes you will be back at the car park. The cafĂŠ at Trelissick is really dog friendly.
For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick/trails
Tehidy Woods near Camborne With over nine miles of pathways and 250 acres of woodland, there is no set route we’d advise you to take through these woodlands but the North Cliffs Circular Walk, below, is a moderate hour and a half walk, taking in much of the park. The woodland is the largest in West Cornwall and is run by Cornwall Council. Things to watch out for include the dancing tree - a beautiful ancient tree with a twisted trunk which makes it seem as though it is twirling - and a little flower garden which contains plants donated by visitors. Dogs are banned from the area around the lakes to protect wildlife. There is a lovely cafe next to the car park - you need to sit
outside with your dog, but the food is lovely. The north coast and the coast path is also accessible from the woods, but the cliffs are steep so keep your dogs on a lead if possible and don’t head out there if it is windy!
For more information visit: www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-openspaces/tehidy-country-park
WALKIES
Lanhydrock The wooded estate around the main gardens and house of the National Trust’s Lanhydrock is a haven for dogs and their walkers. From the main car park you can enjoy this four mile circular walk along the River Fowey and around the estate woodland. Dogs are not
allowed in the main gardens but they are welcome at the Stable Café and you can buy homemade dog treats there as well as human snacks and drinks. You can pick up trail maps for walks at the reception, café and shop.
For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanydrock
Cardinham Woods Near Bodmin, this is another much loved woodland area and is run by the Forestry Commission. There are several marked walks through the woods, ranging from the easy 1.5 mile Ladyvale walk, below, to more challenging paths. The woods
with their babbling streams are beautiful and the Woods CafĂŠ which offers freshly baked cakes and Tregothnan tea - home grown in Cornwall - is very dog friendly.
For more information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk
WALKIES
Trewardreva Mill, near Constantine If you’re looking for a new walk in Cornwall to explore with your dog, here’s a lovely place. Trewardreva Mill, near Gweek, Constantine and Falmouth is a beautiful woodland walk. Trewardreva Mill is near Constantine, midway between Helston and Falmouth around 20 minutes drive from each town. The walk is about 1.5 miles with some steps and slopes. DIRECTIONS: Go to Edgcumbe on the A394 Falmouth to Helston road and follow signs towards Brill and Constantine. At the
village of Brill, follow signs to The Waymarker restaurant and Falmouth. Trewardreva Mill is a few metres before The Waymarker. THE WALK: From The Waymarker, walk back towards Brill down a slope, over a stream and up again until you come to the sign Trewardreva Mill. Turn left and follow the path through an opening, past an old quarry works and on into the woods. From here the walk is a really lovely woodland stroll. The path takes you into the woods and continues along the top of the valley until you come to some stone steps. From here you can continue on the straight path through some fields towards Constantine, but the path loops left, down to the stream where you find the old disused mill. Cross the footbridge here and turn left, back on yourself and you’ll come to another footbridge which takes you back up the slope to the original path that brought you into the woods.
For more information visit: http://dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk/walks
Kennal Vale, near Ponsanooth Kennal Vale nature reserve is a hidden gem located a short walk from Ponsanooth between Falmouth and Truro and managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. It’s a beautiful woodland trail with tumbling waterfalls and it is rich in the history of gunpowder production, linked to the tin mining industry. To reach it, park either in The Stag Hunt Inn if
you are stopping as a customer (recommended) or near the Ponsanooth shop (make sure it’s somewhere that doesn’t block this busy road). Turn off the main road and walk past the shop and as you climb up the hill out of the village, there’s a small sign and a gateway in a stone wall on the right. At the entrance is a sign with a map of the circular trail around the vale.
For more information visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org/reserves/kennall-vale
ARTISAN COTTAGE, ST IVES
WATERGATE BAY HOTEL
KESTLE BARTON, HELFORD
This original fisherman’s cottage sleeps four in comfort. Just moments from Porthmeor beach, the Tate gallery and the town centre.
Set on a spectacular surfing beach on the North Cornwall coast, Watergate Bay Hotel is perfect for a contemporary beach holiday.
With private gardens and plenty of space for up to eight, this farmhouse makes a great base to explore Helford River and Falmouth Bay.
www.forevercornwall.co.uk Tel: 01326 567838
www.watergatebay.co.uk Tel: 01637 860543
www.forevercornwall.co.uk 01326 567838
CHI AN TRETH WIDEMOUTH BAY
THE WHITEHOUSE, WATERGATE BAY
THE OLD COASTGUARD, MOUSEHOLE
The Old Coastguard is a lovely seaside hotel in the fishing village of Mousehole. 14 bedrooms, most with views of St. Michael’s Mount www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk Tel: 3601736 731 222
Situated just 500 yards from the beach, 3 bedroom Chi An Treth sleeps six and offers inspiring sea views on your doorstep. www.beachretreats.co.uk Tel: 01637 861 005
The Whitehouse apartments offer the perfect mix of exclusivity, peace and convenience just 400m from Watergate Bay, Cornwall. www.beachretreats.co.uk Tel: 01637 861 005
NORTH COAST V SOUTH COAST 2 DOG FRIENDLY TRAILS
Pat Smith, owner of Bosinver Cottages, is well known as Action Nan for her lovely blog about the best things to experience in Cornwall and for having walked the entire Cornish coast path in one go last year to raise funds for the RNLI.
Farm
Here she shares two of her favourite dog walks.
A
utumn is here and with it the inevitable drawing in of the evenings, morning dew on the spiders’ webs and crunchy brown leaves on the paths. I love the scent of autumn, earthy and rich and for those who choose to explore our county now, there is space in the car parks and often empty golden beaches and footpaths where you can walk for miles and not see a soul. This is the time to get out with the dogs, let them off the lead to run and play. The north and south coast have such different things to offer. Here are two of my favourite dog walks. They are off road so you will not have to worry about traffic and both celebrate the beauty of our coast from the safe vantage point of the coast path.
Porthcurnick to Towan Beach via Portscatho, Roseland Peninsula This is a gentle five mile walk and takes about two hours. Where to start? There is parking in the first good-sized car park on the left hand side of the road into Portscatho, then a short walk down to join the coastal path and turn right. Alternatively you can follow signs to Rosevine and park on the road just above Porthcurnick beach. The walk begins at the car park above Porthcurnick beach and heads westward, keeping the sea on your left. Portscatho soon appears with its pretty harbour, quaint cottages and eateries if you wish to stop on the way back. 37
STAY...
At the village, you turn left, past the harbour. As you walk on, the coast path turns to the right at the end of the road. The path follows the coast on mostly level terrain with spectacular views along to Porth beach, where you turn back for the return journey.
A walk around Holywell Bay, north Cornwall This easy six mile walk on the north coast takes about two and a half hours to complete.You’ll enjoy some truly spectacular scenery on the north coast of Cornwall, including Holywell Bay where the current BBC Poldark series is often filmed. Where to start? Head for Cubert village and take the road to West Pentire. Park in the car park alongside the Bowgie Inn and take in the spectacular vista of Crantock beach and the Gannel Estuary. The walk heads west past Vugga 38
Cove and Pentire Point descending into the hidden gem of Porth Joke beach (locally known as Polly Joke). This beach can only be accessed by foot from the car park at Treago Farm so is never overcrowded and mostly used by locals. On this occasion a family of seals were playing in the waves just offshore, almost playing hide and seek with us as we made our way across the beach towards Kelsey Head. From here head on to Holywell Bay, yet another sweep of golden sand, backed by beautiful dunes. Here the path turns inland through the sand dunes. This area is known as the Kelseys, a protected area noted for its biological interest. A short climb up the hill brings you back to the car park at West Pentire.
STAY AND EXPLORE! Ten of our award-winning cottages at Bosinver welcome dogs and we have over 30 acres of meadows and woods for them to explore. Our local pub, the Polgooth Inn (only 10 dog walking minutes away) will make you and your dog very welcome and there are lots of walks within a stone’s throw of the farm. Find out more at www.bosinver.co.uk
Winners of Visit England’s Family Friendly Accommodation and Gold Self Catering awards, Bosinver Farm Cottages have 10 dog friendly luxury cottages on their 30-acre farm. Ideally located for exploring the whole of Cornwall, Bosinver is close to the Eden Project, Heligan Gardens and the beautiful beaches of the Roseland. But there’s no need to go far – on site they have a heated indoor pool, gym, sauna and 30 acres of woodland and farmland to explore with your furry friend. Bosinver’s comprehensive blog has numerous recommendations for dog friendly beaches, gardens, walks and days out. For more information on dog friendly stays at Bosinver see: www.bosinver.co.uk/types-of-stay/dog-friendly-breaks
This autumn/winter dogs go FREE at Bosinver until January 2018! Just use the code DFCFREE when booking. Visit www.bosinver.co.uk or call 01726 72128.
www.bosinver.co.uk
39
STAY...
DISCOVER
FREATHY FARMHOUSE
Tucked away on the Rame Peninsula is a beautiful dog friendly boutique B&B filled with craftwork, delicious food and a warm welcome
M
any people who love Cornwall have never ventured to the Rame Peninsula before, but this hidden corner of the county is well worth a visit, especially if you are a dog owner. There are beautiful long stretches of dog friendly beaches, including the golden sweep of Freathy beach lining the west coast of the peninsula and the sheltered beach at Kingsand. There are gentle hills sloping down to the southern coast where you find the pretty
40
villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. The Rame combines the soft beauty of Cornwall’s south coast with the drama and exhilaration of the north coast -- all in one beautiful corner. A wonderful base to explore all the Rame has to offer, is Freathy Farmhouse. Freathy is a boutique B&B brimming with beautiful craftwork, exquisite cuisine, rustic charm and an inescapable sense of serenity. As we arrived at the pretty 18th
century farmhouse, owner Sarah Weeks was waiting to welcome us into the beautiful farmhouse kitchen with its huge wooden table and assorted candles and flowers. Sarah fills the house with flowers and local craftwork.The bedrooms are styled with real charm and furnished with unique upcycled pieces such as a wonderful table made from a triangular frame which doubles as a place to hang things. Over the next few days, we wandered around their beautiful gardens and made friends with their menagerie of pets. The breakfast table at Freathy is a truly wonderful sight to behold. Muesli, compotes, yoghurts, and berries jostled on the table in pretty jars and ceramics which Sarah made herself. Sarah cooks wonderful breakfasts, from the traditional full English to pancakes or scrambled eggs with leeks. She also puts together really special picnics. Ours was filled with a range of sandwiches: cheese, crab and ham in thick slices of bread; fruit, home-made cupcakes and so much more, all carefully packed into a huge wicker hamper with china plates and real cutlery.
We unpacked this on a day out at nearby Mount Edgcumbe - a dog friendly paradise where many local dog lovers walk their pets on the beautiful estate overlooking the Tamar and Plymouth skyline beyond. There are lots of dog friendly eateries nearby too, such as the Halfway House in the pretty harbour village of Kingsand. Recently Sarah has used her culinary skills to open Freathy Farmhouse cafÊ, and she caters for really gorgeous rustic weddings held at Freathy Farmhouse (dog friendly of course!). All of this, and it is just a very short stroll from dog friendly Freathy beach.You can also enjoy spectacular walks along this side of the coast - just be sure to make sure your dog is safe on the cliff path! As far as dog friendly holidays go, this has to be one of the most special we’ve ever enjoyed. Sarah allows one to two dogs when you book, providing that their humans are well-behaved. Call Sarah and book ahead - this is one B&B which is in hot demand. www.freathyfarmhouse.com Tel: 01752 823167 41
BOSSINEY BAY HOLIDAY PARK Tintagel, North Cornwall
A range of pet friendly self-catering accommodation in a peaceful setting, surrounded by fields and lush countryside. Close to a beautiful dog friendly beach, lovely walks and access to the North Cornwall coastal path. WWW.MYCORNISHESCAPE.CO.UK Tel: 01640 770420 / 07940 511257 info@mycornishescape.co.uk
The loss of a pet can break us. They are part of our family with their own unique personalities. We have created some beautiful little Pet Ash Caskets that can be personalised to suit your much beloved pet. You can choose the colour of eco-friendly paint and the interior fabric. There will be enough room also for you to put a little collar, favourite toy or photo in with the ashes. We will send these little boxes anywhere in the world.
42
www.personalisedcoffins.co.uk
Tel: 07814 167495
RECIPE...
Honey Heart Treats
We asked the very lovely Tina Willoughby (aka Mrs Paws) at Paws For Cake in Hayle to come up with a recipe for your dog...
HONEY HEARTS This is a good sized chewy biscuit that is like a cereal bar for your dog. Use it to start your dog’s day or as a healthy snack. It contains whole grain and oats for heart health and slow release energy. Tina uses a heart shape cookie cutter but any shape can be used. Ingredients 5 oz (150g) wholewheat flour 5 oz (150g) porridge oats 1 oz (30g) unsalted butter (softened) 2 eggs 2 tablespoons of honey 3 fl oz (100ml) milk flour for dusting. Method: Mix all the flour and oats together in a bowl Add butter, honey eggs and milk. Mix together with wooden spoon or knead with hands. If mix is too dry, add a little more milk; if too wet, add a little more flour. Preheat oven to 160 oC. Turn mixture out onto floured work surface and roll dough out to about 1cm. Cut out shapes and place on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 30 – 40 mins until golden brown.
Store them in an airtight container and remember they are treats, so don’t let your dog have too many. You can also buy Honey Hearts and other delicious handmade dog treats, including dog friendly pasties - direct from Paws for Cake. www.pawsforcake.co.uk 43
TREATS...
DOG FRIENDLY SHOPPING THINGS TO GET YOUR PAWS ON...
Embroidered Pictures, £25 each mounted, £45 framed plus £5 for personalization. www.poppytreffry.com. Tel: 01736 795494
PINK AND BLUE AZTEC / TRIBAL DESIGN MARTINGALE DOG COLLAR, £15.95 plus shipping www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FourPawsCollars
PAPILLON DOG DUVET from £22.50 plus shipping www.furzu.co.uk, Tel: 0333 0124703
44
DOG BOWL IN CORNISH BLUE BY CORNISHWARE £25 plus £5 for personalization www.cornishware.co.uk Tel: 01749 880992
DAY OF THE DEAD DOG BANDANA, £4.95-£8.95 plus shipping www.hootchiemama.co.uk Tel: 07940 386146
L NA 30 IO £1 SS TH FE OR RO W A P IT IN RA W ORT TP PE
AUTUMN
G LOVERS
UE 1
FOR DO
2017 / ISS
OUT R DAYS WINTE OUND ATCH YEAR-R STORMW ENDLY TIONS FRI ATTRAC 10 DOG THE SEA BY BS PU
EATS TOP TR GIFTS CORNISH VERS G LO FOR DO
DOG FRIENDLY CORNWALL MAGAZINE, FROM £2.50 PER ISSUE Subscribe to have it posted directly to you at www.dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk
DECKCHAIR WITH YOUR OWN DOG’S PHOTO, £125 auntiesdeckchairs@gmail.com Facebook: Auntie`s Deckchairs, Tel: 07814 167495
45
This is a unique range of products featuring original designs ‘spotty dog’ and ‘dog walking’ by Sue Pullin. The range includes English bone china mugs in both designs together with tea towels, wrapping paper, cards and gift tags in dog walking. Mugs £14.95, tea towel £7.95, cards £2.25, wrap £1.95 and tags 30p. Available only from kiln 3 Middle Street, Port Isaac, Cornwall or online at kilnstudio.com. T:01208 880578 E:info@kilnstudio.com
Join the county’s biggest community of dog lovers and discover Cornwall’s best places to stay, eat, visit and shop...
46WWW.DOGFRIENDLYCORNWALL.CO.UK
47
WANT TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE? Dog Friendly Cornwall magazine reaches around 30,000 dog lovers across Cornwall and the UK who want to explore the county with their pets. Let the world know you’re dog friendly! Please contact us for a media pack and more information. hello@dogfriendlycornwall.co.uk Tel: 01326 231721
WWW.DOGFRIENDLYCORNWALL.CO.UK