7 favourite dog walks

from I'd Rather Be In Deeping October 2015

The Deeping Ghost

favourite dog walks 7

Wells-next-the Sea to Holkham (circular walk)

The walk starts at the Wells-Next-The-Sea beach pay and display car park (NR23 1DR). In the car park there is also a dog friendly café for very good refreshments, a self service dog wash and fresh water for thirsty and dirty dogs is also supplied. This walk blows the cobwebs away, if your dog is of a sociable nature he will be sure to make lots of friends as this is a very popular dog walking beach. The circular route allows both a beach and woodland walk. Dogs can be let off lead but keep an eye open for horses being exercised along the beach. The walk is approximately 4 miles if you take the circular route.

Ferry Meadows

There are many alternatives to this walk so you can make it as long or as short as necessary. The park is very well maintained by Nene Park Trust and there are dog bins located all around the park. Dogs are allowed off lead but you will need to be aware of livestock grazing, wildlife/fowl and horses being ridden through the park. Two large pay on entry car parks are located within Ferry Meadows (PE2 5UU), this is currently £3 but at certain times of the year parking is free. Two cafés are located within Ferry Meadows, one of which is the recently opened Lakeside Café with a large veranda where you can sit with your dogs and look over the lake.

Low Locks, Deeping St James

We love this walk because it provides lots of opportunities to see local wildlife and it’s on our doorstep. The local council provide bins at either end of the walk, so there is no excuse for dog walkers not picking up after their dogs. The walk is approximately 3 miles. There are two narrow bridges to get across Scout Island to the other side of the river. You can turn left after the second bridge for a walk along the river and back (or keep walking to Nine Bridges by following the footpath) or you can turn right and go all the way to Black Gate and then turn right to find the river again, cross the silver foot bridge and head back up Church Street and Eastgate for an on-lead road walk and pub stop. Please be aware of the narrow bridges at the start of the walk if you have a wheelchair, pushchair etc. Limited parking is available at Low Locks on Stowgate Road (PE6 8TZ) next to the telephone box just off Eastgate. The Waterton Arms on Church Street is dog friendly, has a great beer garden and also does good home made food. Alternatively there is the Old Bakery further along Church Street where you can buy filled rolls, cakes etc.

Nine Bridges, Northborough

This is a nice easy walk with lots of opportunity for wildlife spotting. In addition the river is usually quite shallow so it’s great for any doggy paddlers out there. The walk is approximately 2 miles but can be extended by walking along the other banks to continue exploring the rivers. This walk can lead you back to Low Locks if you cross the main road at the end and follow the footpath signs, turning left before you get to the railway line. Car parking is available on the Northborough end of Mile Drove. Although there is nowhere to stop for refreshments on this walk you could drive back to The Waterton Arms on Church Street DSJ for post walk refreshments.

Exton

The views on this walk are amazing and there are many historical sites such as Fort Henry, a late 18th century ornamental folly. There are plenty of opportunities for dogs to run off lead but be aware, some parts do have sheep and horses, so be responsible dog owners and clip your dog back on their lead at these points. The walk is approximately 6.5 miles. Roadside parking available on The Green near the Fox and Hounds pub (LE15 8AP). Food is available at the pub and dogs are welcome in the beer garden. Head out of the village by foot the way you came in, cross over the bridge and there is a footpath on the left to start the walk.

Dole Woods, Thurbly

This walk is especially pretty during the springtime when the bluebells are flowering. There is work currently taking place, planting new trees and exposing the old railway line, making it a great place to have a wander through the meadow as well as the woods. Keep your eye out for the red kites as these are an awesome site from the top of the hill. There are no dog bins provided on this walk, so please take it home with you. The walk is approximately 2 miles. On the road parking is available on Obthorpe Lane, Thurlby. There are no amenities at this location.

First Class Dog Training’s private field

The Old Pig Field, Towngate East, Deeping St James, PE6 8LQ. Ideal for dogs who need a bit of space or who need to work on their recall is the First Class Dog Training field which is available to book for £10 per hour for a maximum of four dogs (from the same household). The enclosed space is approximately 1 acre and it is fenced to five and a half foot all the way round. Parking is available in the field and at Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, which is directly opposite the training field. Refreshments are available from Deeping Fudge Tea Rooms at the Nursery. There are dog bins provided, so please pick up after your dog. To book please contact First Class Dog Training on 07709 319612