Ask the Expert – Emma Heath

Exploring the Lake District with your dog can be as varied or as relaxed and peaceful as you want it to be. We caught up with Emma, our sales and marketing assistant, to find out where her go-to spots are for a weekend with her dog, Dolly.

Tell us a little bit about you and Dolly.

I have lived in the Lake District for the last 20 years, prior to this my family spent many holidays up in the Lakes staying in my Grandparents home at Skelwith Bridge.

Dolly who is 4 years old has lived with me for 2 years after coming into Animal Rescue Cumbria, the local rescue shelter where I volunteer. You can find me here on my days off, booted up in full waterproof gear and dog leads in both hands.

Me and Dolly moved to Windermere two years ago after moving from Pullwoods nr Ambleside, just down the hill from the Drunken Duck Inn which is still one of our favourite places to enjoy a good pub lunch. Dogs are welcome in the bar, which is fantastic because that is where the open fire is located! They have a delicious menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too.

What does a typical weekend in the Lakes look like for you and Dolly?

Walking!! Winter walks are our favourite – I love wrapping up, putting my boots on and getting outside & Dolly loves rolling in the frost and snow! After a crisp winter walk and an afternoon looking around the local shops we love to warm up with a pizza at our favourite restaurant.

What’s your go-to dog friendly walk?

School Knott is our regular walk, it is so varied with spectacular views. There is a tarn towards the end of the route with flowing water so it is always fresh and clean making it ideal for a splash about or a drink stop for Dolly. As you leave the tarn and ascend to the top you can see right down the lake towards Waterhead, Langdale Pikes in the distance.  School Knott is a pleasant walk and not too strenuous, ideal for dogs and children alike. Much of the route is on gravelled paths and tracks. Sheep & Cows graze in the fields and have never given any problems, but our advice as always is keep your dog safe and on a lead at all times around livestock!

Is Dolly welcome to go shopping with you?

The majority of shops in Windermere are dog friendly, and one of our favourite shops is Peter Hall and Son. They have beautiful window displays and an excellent selection of handmade gifts and homely decorations and bespoke handmade furniture. You’ll also see lovely artwork by one of our favourite local artists Rebecca Hall Illustrations. Me and Dolly always like to shop local if we can.

Where’s your favourite dog-friendly place to eat?

Bowness-on-Windermere’s Base Pizza! Great pizza and friendly staff – All pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood fired oven in front of your very eyes. It is probably the most dog friendly place around!

The restaurant is beautifully decorated, light, airy and spacious. There is plenty of room either under the table for doggies. If Dolly is lucky, and I don’t eat it all, she may get a tiny piece of pizza crust at the end of the meal but if you find your pizza is too good to share dog treats and water bowls are provided.

The Lake District is becoming the leading destination for dog lovers in the UK. And we pride ourselves on the standard of our dog friendly accommodation. We have a range of cottages that are pet friendly and what’s more, Lakelovers don’t charge for pets!