Jess's Favourite Walks

Scotland

Ben A'an, The Trossachs

Climbing to the top of Ben A'an at just 454m offers superb views of Loch Katrine, Loch Achray and the Trossachs. We took the route South East of Ben A'an, which begins through a forest trail and is a relatively easy walk, apart from a slight climb at the beginning. The final stretch of the walk up Ben A'an is a short, really steep climb but there's some man-made steps, which helped us to catch up with Jess!

Cashel Millennium Forest, near Balmaha

There are three woodland walks to chose from, which all begin at Cashel farm buildings and follow well-made paths through the 'Forest for a Thousand Years'. We did the middle walk, which is 4.5 km long and is relatively easy with a steep walk uphill but well worth it for the fantastic views of Loch Lomond over Cashel farm.

Craigrostan Woods, Inversnaid

This photo was selected for December in the Loveable Labs 2007 calendar.

The Craigrostan Woods are located South of Inversnaid and provide an easy 3.2 km circular walk starting from the Rob Roy View carpark. The woods are part of a regeneration project and the woodland walk is within an area that is enclosed to protect the trees against grazing. The route is waymarked and is an ideal dog walking route. We really enjoyed this walk, particularly the stunning views of Loch Lomond.

Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle

We really enjoyed this walk and recommend it as a great place for dog walking. We started at the Forestry Commission car park near Aberfoyle and followed forest tracks, passing by Lochan a' Ghleannain and walking towards the shores of Loch Ard. We continued along the forest tracks enjoying great views of Loch Ard and Little Loch Ard, completing a circular route (9 km) back to the car park. There are several benches alongside the loch to stop for picnics and the surrounding scenery is really beautiful.

The Whangie, North of Glasgow

For various reasons, it took us four attempts to walk through the Whangie. The fourth time lucky, Jess showed us the way! The Whangie is a huge gash in the rocks, probably formed by glacial movement, but according to local legend was created by the devil flicking his tail across Auchineden Hill. The Whangie is a must-see attraction, and the approximately 4.0 km route is suitable for dog walking, although, at certain times of year, there may be livestock grazing close to the main paths.

Carradale Beach, Mull of Kintyre

Carradale Beach is a large sandy beach with fantastic views of the Isle of Arran. We visited in the summertime and it was always very peaceful. The beach is reached by a short walk through woodland, it's sheltered and is an excellent place for dog walking. The river Carra is also close by for some labrador swimming on the way home!

Coldingham Beach, Berwickshire

Coldingham Beach is a beautiful, clean, sandy beach with old fashioned beach huts lining the sand dunes. It's a safe, secluded beach that's ideal for dog walking, with plenty of seaweed, much loved by Jess! Coastal paths to Eyemouth and St.Abbs are easily accessible from the beach and a circular route back to Coldingham village is possible by walking along the Creel path.

West Sands Beach, St. Andrews

West Sands Beach, St. Andrews is a fantastic, clean, sandy beach that spans 3.2 km and is safe for dog walking (and lots of playing!). There's a small shop near the beach, and St. Andrews town is close-by. It's a great day out!

The Lake District

Easedale Tarn

This is a really good walk (7.2 km) that starts in Grasmere village and takes a route through farmland up towards Easedale Tarn. Before reaching the Tarn, there are waterfalls to the right of the path, which is a good place to stop and look back over the views of Easedale. Jess had a swim in the Tarn to cool down then we returned to Grasmere by the same route.

Ullswater

We walked along the shoreline of Ullswater lake from the village of Glenridding to Howtown (11.3 km). This is an excellent walk, along well-made paths with fantastic views of the Lake, definitely one of our favourite walks so far. We then caught the steamer from Howtown back to Glenridding, and on a warm sunny day, it was great to sit back and relax after our walk. Jess was very good and thoroughly enjoyed her first boat trip!

Cornwall

Trevaunance Cove, St. Agnes

Trevaunance Cove is a small sandy bay popular with surfers. It's also a great place for walking dogs, we stayed just 5 minutes walk from the Cove so it was super to visit first thing for a morning walk. There are also excellent coastal walks leading to Perranporth and Chapel Porth from Trevaunance Cove.

Perranporth Beach

To reach Perranporth Beach we set out from the National Trust carpark at Holywell beach. Just before reaching Holywell beach we took a footpath to the left that led up to the clifftops overlooking Holywell. We continued to follow the coastal path that was fenced on one side, bordering land owned by the MoD. It was a fantastic clear sunny day and the views from the cliffs were spectacular. Perranporth beach stretches for about 2 miles and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.