lake district and dogs

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Dizzydancer

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Im off to the lakes at weekend with OH and our 7 month old lab. He is as by nature a water baby and obviously we want him to be able swim.
Are there any lakes which are more swim friendly than others? We are staying in shap just down from penrith but will drive all over!
Thanks chocolate ice cream for all who read!!
 
Hen had a blast in Coniston Water last year. However, do a quick search on the web for blue-green algae warnings, I think Windermere was affected last year and possibly one of the others?
 
Buttermere is great for dogs. There is a lovely path all the way round with plenty of little beaches to get in and out of the water. Some of the other lakes have quite dramatic rocky shores that are hard for dogs to get in and out from.

The only thing to watch out for all over the Lake District when you have a dog is the sheep. Sometimes they graze close to the water's edge or on the hills right near the lakeshore.
 
Yes Buttermere is lovely for dogs, and Derwentwater - with the added bonus that Keswick is a very dog-friendly town, they can go in most shops and pubs :)

Echo the blue-green algae warning though, double check before going.

A bit of a drive from where you are, but there's also a great beach at Allonby for doggy swimming ;)
 
Oo thanks! Hoping he will swim in sea although not sure!
Had a quick Google and i think its all ok in the main lakes- well either that or my searching skills are failed!
 
We were there last weekend - there were a lot of young lambs about even right up the fells, so definitely better safe than sorry. Hen wasn't off the lead much at all, but since we were walking up and down mountains every day it didn't seem to bother him. His tail wagged from leaving the car park to getting back every single day!
 
Call me weird, but I'd avoid the sea along that coast, nuclear power station not far.

Hawkeswater is fabulous, reservoir for Manchester, remote, amazing. Drowned village, a bit spooky, you might see the church spire if the lake has receded a bit. Think there is an eagle pair, too.

Ullswater is fab, tons of places to swim. There are often sheep parked round the Glenridding bit, in case he chases. If you can drive between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, find one of the parking places and meander down to the shoreline, lots of little beaches.
 
Haweswater is one of my favourite places on earth, fab walk over the hills above.

We had to be very careful last year on Windermere because of the blue-green algae, there are usually signs up in the tourist information centres and along the shoreline if there is a risk.

The best thing about the Lakes is that dogs are the norm so pubs and cafes are dog friendly on the whole.

Have a great time :)
 
Thanks for that CT. I have his long lead now we practiced tonight he was confused about not being able run 300ft ahead then come back and do it again but figured it out!!
I am more concerned about sheep as he has grown up with OH's mum having a cade lamb so he has been used to him since being only 12weeks old doesnt bother with him but think he may see other sheep and think its his mate so being careful!!
thanks for tip about the sea! oo spooky about the drowned town but should be interesting espec to see eagles!

Thanks wipeout- yes thats one of reasons we decided to go as OH wants to spend morning walking then sit in pub for few hours then walk back!! or maybe wobble if he has his way
 
I can second Conniston, we went there a few weeks ago and it was great, We took our dog and we went on a boat trip across the lake and stopped at Brentwood House, can really reccommend the cakes, they were fab and while we were sat at the table little Robins and Chaffinches sat on the edge of the table begging for crumbs. We stayed at the Black Bull Pub which is really dog friendly. You must go and have a walk round Grizedale of Winlatter Forest, they are great for dogs.

Have Fun, I wish we were going back.
 
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