This weeks guest blog comes from our adorable furiend Pickle, who’s loves blogging about his favourite places! Pickle took a trip to the dog friendly Snowdonia National Park in North Wales and surrounding areas. Here’s a couple of his top picks to do in that area.
Coed-Y-Brenin – Dolgellau
Spend a day at Coed-Y-Brenin walking the Gain Waterfall Trail. This is classed as a strenuous walk which in places was a bit steep, but totally worth it! Pickle took it in his stride, he loves any kind of adventure! The scenery was beautiful especially the waterfalls which were a welcome sight on a warm Summer’s day. This trail in Snowdonia had a few tricky sections so we kept Pickle on the lead. The path was well signed and varied in terrain so a pair of walking boots is a good idea.
There is something for everyone here, there are walks along with mountain bike trails which vary from easy to strenuous. It’s a perfect dog friendly location for a walking adventure! The centre itself has a lovely cafe with a great selection of sweet and savory, hot and cold food. Pickle even got a sausage in a little bowl which I thought was a nice touch. Plus there is a gift shop as well as a bicycle shop where you can either buy or rent bikes.
Overall we had a great day walking through this wonderful Snowdonia forest and a very tired pup by the end!
When we went: June 2018
Cost: Free, although you must pay for parking- £1 for 1 hour / £3 for 3 hours / £5 all day
Bala Lake – Bala
We were lucky enough to choose one of the hottest days of the year to go swimming in Bala Lake. The lake itself is situated in the valley of Snowdonia on the outskirts of Bala and is an impressive sight. It’s calm and clean waters were the perfect opportunity to teach Pickle how to swim. We wanted him to become more confident in the water as previously he has been a bit unsure.
The water was genuinely warm and shallow which was perfect for Pickle’s first swimming lesson! At first he just wanted to paddle on the shore but eventually, he ventured in and he was kicking those little legs of his doing his best otter impression! We were so pleased he found his confidence in the water. He also made friends with other dogs playing in the lake. The scenery was lovely and a perfect picnic spot for those that don’t want to venture into the water. There is lots of parking and you can set up right by the edge of the lake. Toilets are on site.
It’s a great place to while away a few hours in the dog friendly Snowdonia National Park.
When we went: June 2018
Cost: Free, although you must pay for parking £3 for 4 hours.
Town of Conwy
We decided to go for a day trip to Conwy, North Wales. It is a wonderful traditional welsh town which has much to offer. Boasting views of the harbour and Conwy Castle, it is very charming.
There are lots of interesting shops and cafes/pubs as well as the smallest house in Britain. We’ve been here a couple of times with Pickle and he loves it. This time we had food at The Castle Hotel situated on the High Street. The hotel is dog friendly and very welcoming. They have a dining area especially for dog owners to enjoy a meal with their dogs which I think is refreshing and great. The food is really good and not expensive. Pickle was also offered a dog treat and fresh water.
We were unable to walk inside the castle as it doesn’t allow dogs, only guide dogs which is a shame but at least we could still marvel in its beauty from the outside. The walls go through the town and you can walk along some of them without having to pay.
I highly recommend a visit to Conwy with your pooch because it has lots to offer as well as history and culture.
Tyn Cornel – Bala
With the weather being so glorious we took Pickle camping. We chose to stay at Tyn Cornel Camping. North Wales is a popular destination for us because the scenery is just spectacular and there is so much to discover. If you’re looking for a dog friendly campsite with easy access to Snowdonia National Park this place fits the bill.
Tyn Cornel is a beautiful Camping site not far from Bala. Everything you need is here and it is spotless. Well maintained flat camping pitches, woodlands and a river that runs alongside, you could not ask for a better location. The facilities are excellent and the staff is always there to help with any queries or local knowledge for cycling or walks etc. What makes this site perfect is that dogs are also welcome!
There is a lovely little walk for your dogs on site which has been turned into a wild meadow maze. There is so much wildlife to discover, Pickle spent ages chasing butterflies. If you are looking for a longer walk, near the site you can follow the riverside toe path which is ideal for any dog.
Although I would recommend a lead as the river is quite fast flowing and is part of the local white water rafting center. The river continues all the way up to the damn.
We have been here before and will definitely go again because the site is just fantastic and locally there is so much to do. Being on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, it is perfectly located for keen walkers, hikers, bikers and nature photographers alike.
Tyn Cornel also offers glamping options which include two Lotus Belle Tents and two Riverside Camping Pods. This offers camping all year round as they are warmer in the Autumn/Winter months as well as having the creature comforts of home.
When we went: June 2018
Cost: We chose the traditional grass pitch £15-19 per night. Dogs £1 per night.
Visited North Wales Before?
Share your experiences of visiting the beautiful North Wales with us in the comments below. Perhaps you explored the peaks of Snowdonia or chased the waves on the coast of Conwy.
We love Bala lake!!! 🙂