Getting away from it all with the dog...

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BBP

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With my relationship status newly changed I’m thinking far ahead past the pandemic, whenever that may be, and pretending I might have some money. I’m imagining getting away from it all, just me and my dog. Somewhere where I can walk for hours straight from the doorstep, where I can curl up by the fire with a good book and the dog sleeping at my feet. Beautiful varied scenery. Self catering so I don’t have to leave him unattended. Maybe some rocks to go bouldering in (as I’ve lost my belayer). Any suggestions? Not many places are aimed at just one person so I know it won’t be cheap. But I can dream.
 
Where are you based atm?

I always recommend Pembrokeshire, the coast is stunning, either sandy beaches or dramatic cliffs, moors and hills with the preselis and then beautiful woodlands as well. Only thing I'm not sure on is the bouldering. Out of season you can get some good deals and it's lovely and quiet. You can easily be without phone signal etc if you want. Love exploring it with the dog, it's worth the trek.

Or the peak district, less "varied" unless you base yourself somewhere where you have the Dales but can access the "proper" peak district as well, and plenty of bouldering.
 
I can't help with location as I don't know where you are or if anywhere will be open yet, but I wish you the best.
I do this semi-regularly and my last getaway was in earlier this year for my birthday (thank goodness before lockdown!!) and it's the best thing ever!
I got a fab Air BnB right next to a massive beach and a 20 minute drive from the mountains. It was brilliant.
Enjoy :)
 
I camped with mine last summer, in Cornwall, Sussex, cotswolds and have camped in wales and the peak district previously with them. Lots and lots of dog friendly places including bars and eateries if you wanted to dine out (I dont alone but)
If you go on pitchup.com you can search for yurts and self catering places - not all are dog friendly but plenty are without you needing a tent
 
PurBee said:
https://www.english-country-cottages.co.uk/england?adult=1&child=0&infant=0&nights=7&range=3&pets=1

the above link gives self catering allowing pets...there’s hundreds...its a lovely idea!

I dont know if you can specify ‘fireplace’ on ‘refine search’ function...
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on the lefthand side of the above link page there’s the ability to search features...its the ‘Feature Filter’ heading...click the arrow and it drops down all sorts of features like coastal, hot tub, firepit, bbq, garden, sauna etc...
 
Places I have previously done just this (and I believe have nearby rock climbing etc.) - Forest of Dean, thinking Symonds Yat and surrounding bits of the Wye Valley, and the North Wales coast. I can happily recommend specific dog-friendly cottages and camping in either of those, as long as you all promise to keep schtum about the Welsh campsite, because it’s remote and deserted and just wonderful without any people in it. ?
 
Thanks all. I won’t put my current location on here but I’m happy to drive most places in mainland UK. The only places really out of bounds are Devon and Cornwall and the Wye Valley. I love them all but but too many memories so somewhere fresh would be nice. I like the idea of North Wales.
 
Gower is lovely. Lots of variety in the terrain as there are the most beautiful beaches, open common land, lovely woods and you're only a short drive to the Brecon Beacons. Cliffs to scramble on. Loads of holiday cottages, shepherds' huts, etc.
 
North Wales wise, Lligwy beach on anglesey is one of my absolute favourite places to be, theres loads of walking to do along the coast. Inland theres obviously lots of farm land and also need to be wary of snakes, but there's lots of scenery for sure
 
Northumberland, some lovely isolated cottages in the hills, but you've also got the beaches to walk on. Very dog friendly.
 
Another vote for West Wales - Pembrokeshire, from me. Lots of bargains to be had, very dog friendly, and absolutely stunning. Wish I was there right now, myself.
 
ponyparty said:
Another vote for West Wales - Pembrokeshire, from me. Lots of bargains to be had, very dog friendly, and absolutely stunning. Wish I was there right now, myself.
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Yep, I was surprised how dog friendly everything was, castles, the gardens, (Dyffryn Fernant and Picton Castle Gardens a real highlight) loads of the beaches as well, a few are closed to dogs May-Sept but we didn't have any issues finding ones that are open to dogs in the summer.
 
BBP said:
Maybe some rocks to go bouldering in (as I’ve lost my belayer). Any suggestions? Not many places are aimed at just one person so I know it won’t be cheap. But I can dream.
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Langdale valley in the Lakes for world class (and easy for the rusty like me) bouldering and endless walking but likely to be uber busy. Borrowdale in the North lakes is likely to be quieter and I can point you in the direction of some bouldering.

North Wales is great but I haven't found any bouldering apart from the Orme yet due to Covid. But there is plenty I have the book waiting to go.

Torridon is you want to travel, 'Celtic jungle' is the name of the bouldering I can send pics, the mountains and lochs are other worldly.

If/when we are allowed to go to France the forest of Fountainebleau will be my first stop.... Walking for miles through beautiful ancient forest, the best boulders EVER and also riding. You can also hire mats in the supermarkets. It is my happy place. I will probably retire there.

Feel free to PM if you need boulder directions etc. Or guide book recommendations I have small library of bouldering guides.
 
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Thanks Clodagh, I do allow dogs in my cottage. Happy to provide more info if you want to head to Scotland BBP. My cottage is in Glen Etive in the Glencoe area. I am a walker rather than a climber, but know that bouldering and climbing are popular pastimes in the area.

My cottage
https://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/west-coast/argyll-isles/al6-glen-etive-cottage

A few other ideas for the Scottish Highlands. I am intending to head to these with my dogs in the near future when we are allowed out again.

https://www.dalmunzieestate.com/Lochsie

https://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/cottages/west-coast/lochaber-ardnamurchan/ff1-gorteneorn-bothy

And I stayed on this Estate last year and it was fantastic, so I'd like to head back.

https://kingairloch.co.uk/

There are a number of one bedroom cottages which will be cheaper for a single person.

A cottage recommended to me, but outwith Scotland so unlikely I'll ever go (despite it looking absolutely fab) is this one ...

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/2782...1590399866_mA4MwFjqgBjObfnm&guests=1&adults=1

I spend half my life looking at wild places (mainly in Scotland) to visit with my dogs so if I can be of any help, just shout!
 
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