Dog, Just for Fun, North Wales
Top 10 Trails In North Wales To Do With Your Dog
Whether you live in North Wales or just holidaying. Finding the top 10 trails in North Wales with your dog can be challenging. Especially if you don’t know the area.
It’s a good job our team at petplace loves nothing more than getting outside with our dogs and exploring all that North Wales has to offer.
Before you head out on your trail. There are a few things you need to consider to ensure you have a happy and safe walk.
How to prepare before a trail walk in North Wales with my dog
- Once you have decided on a location, check the weather forecast ahead of time. If it is promised to be a blisteringly hot day. Then leaving your dog at home would be the safer option. As it takes a dog a lot longer to cool down compared to their humans.
- Make sure you pack supplies for not only yourself but your dog as well. They need hydrating and nourishment just as much as we do, especially on a long walk.
- Take into consideration your dog’s fitness levels because not all dogs are able to walk for miles. If you have a puppy, they are still growing and too much pressure on their limbs can cause damage to their developing bodies. A senior dog might find long walks difficult, especially in the sun, and dogs with shorter legs might need a helping hand with a dog carrier such as the Kurgo K9 Rucksack which is great for carrying dogs up to 25lbs.
- Check the ground with your elbow or the back of your foot, if it is too hot for your bare skin then the chances are it is too hot for your pooches paws. This would be a sign to avoid a walk at that particular time unless you have dog booties or shoes to protect their delicate paws.
- Don’t forget that dogs like humans can also get sunburnt, if this is something you are unsure or concerned about then contact your local vet for some advice.
Our Top 10 Trails in North Wales To Do With Your Dog
Llanberis Lake Walk
This is one of the most popular dog walks around a stunning lake that offers an abundance of welsh beauty surrounded by woodland, mountains, and an interesting historical site where the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle lie. This area is alive with wildlife and your dog will love nothing more than exploring this environment. Filled with some of nature’s most delicious smells, your pooches’ tails will be wagging in no time. Make sure you pack sensibly and don’t forget your dog’s poo bags. Adios has designed some colourful, fun, and durable poo bags to help you on your dog walks.
Newborough Forest And Beach
Newborough forest is a national nature reserve and forest set in the beautiful county that is Anglesey. Although there are some restrictions in place for dogs, this is still definitely worth a visit. The trails are marked out making it easy to navigate to your destination. Some beach walking is restricted from May 1st to the 30th of September. As previously mentioned, checking the weather before you go on your adventure is key, especially on a walk like this. If you plan on walking the trails to the small Island that is Ynys Llanddwyn, having knowledge of when there is high tide will help you to avoid any disappointment as this will result in limited access to the island.
This area is full of wildlife, if you are lucky you might be in with a chance of spotting one of the forest’s rare and wonderful inhabitants…the red squirrel, on one of the many trails.
To prevent your four-legged friend from becoming overheated with a possibility of sunstroke, a forest walk is a perfect place to take your dog walking when the temperatures are high, it will be a lot cooler under the trees making their walk more enjoyable and safer.
Llangollen Towpath
The Llangollen Towpath is a stunning walk, especially throughout the summer months as the area is covered in lush green vegetation. A nice comfortable walk on what can only be described as the mostly flat ground is perfect for those dog walkers who want a change from the beach walks and mountain hikes. This dog-friendly walk will lead you toward the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is known to be Britain’s highest and longest aqueduct. With beautiful canal walks that should help to keep you cool when walking alongside on those warmer days.
If you think the walk might be too far for your dog, why not bring a bag and a safe trailer attachment which will allow you to cycle on the flat sections of the walk as well as allow your dog to experience the stunning views and smells in comfort, you can always stop and let them out for a toilet break or leg stretch. Both at the beginning of this walk and at the end there are places to sit back and enjoy a bite to eat as well as accessible car parks.
Plas Newydd House and Garden
Another Angelsey treasure that has some beautiful dog-friendly walks in the Plas Newydd gardens… No matter what time of the year you decide to visit these gardens you will be blown away by the beauty that Plas Newydd beholds. When exploring this remarkable landscape with your four-legged friend you must keep them on a short lead so they don’t go wandering off the path. There are two areas that are off-limits to our paw pals and they are the house itself so if you want to explore inside be sure to have an extra pair of hands with you so your dog is not left alone outside. As Well as the house, the terraced garden is also out of bounds but fear not because there is so much to explore with some breathtaking views of Snowdonia and enchanting woodland walks with a variety of different trees.
They can even watch you take turns to get down on your hands and knees and roll down their big hill. If they aren’t fond of being in the audience then perhaps they can take on the role of branch manager and help you build a den deep into the Dairy woods. Why not finish the day with refreshments in their dog-friendly cafe… their water bowls to keep your pooch hydrated.
Little Orme, Angel Bay
If views are what you are after then a trip to Angel bay on the Little Orme is a must.
With the Great Orme overshadowing the Little Orme and being the main point of interest, it makes this walk feel more intimate and just a little bit special. A favourite spot for local dog walkers. Unfortunately, there is only one bin for doggy poo bags meaning if you reach the summit you will be required to carry this until you reach the entrance where the bin is located, however, it is a small price to pay for the views of the surrounding area… If you are lucky enough the famous Angel Bay seals might be basking in the sun or swimming in the cove. There are no barriers so if you have an excitable dog it might be best to put them on a lead at this point. Seals aren’t the only occupiers on this bit of land. The Little Orme is home to some brave wild rabbits who can often be seen grazing and frolicking in what is their home. Although the walk up to the summit isn’t too far, it can be thirsty work so make sure you pack both yourself and your pooch some water and treats for a picnic at the top.
Llyn Elsi, Gwydir Forest
Betws y Coed has some beautiful spots and Llyn Elsi is just one of them. Starting this walk at St Mary’s Church it will lead you and your four-legged bestie into the woodland where it will eventually open out onto the stunning lake.
It is safe enough to let your dog off the lead so they can explore nearby and take in the magnificent scenery. The lake offers the perfect spot for you and your pooch to rest, rehydrate and refuel.
Bringing a first aid kit for your dog on this day trip could be beneficial. For any splinters or cuts on their paws. As well as tools for tick removal in case they come into contact with any of those little pests. After this walk, why not visit one of the local coffee shops which are mostly dog friendly. The majority of them have water bowls for their furry visitors.
Beddgelert Forest
Another forest walk…what can we say, we do love a forest walk in North Wales. It’s even better when we have the company of our four-legged friends. With so many trails within the Beddgelert forest, your dog will be in heaven. The terrain should be soft enough on their paws. But as previously mentioned it is always a good idea to come prepared on walks with your dog. You never know what they may run into. Keep an eye out for the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway train as it sweeps through the Beddgelert. You and your pooch can even hop on and enjoy the views of the surrounding area.
Talacre Beach
A firm favourite with our team and their dog pals is Talacre Beach not too far from Prestatyn. This is a great spot for all of our furry friends. With a long stretch of beach, there is plenty of room to run and play.
We mustn’t forget the old lighthouse. Which has been sitting on this beach since 1776 with the perfect backdrop of the sea. If you hear some whispers when on the beach fear not because it’s rumoured to be the old lighthouse keeper. We’re thinking he must be rather friendly with all these dog visitors throughout the year.
When taking your pooch to the beach, don’t forget to pack a towel to dry them off. As well as some fresh water to wash them down as the sand and salt aren’t great on sensitive skin. Check out the Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower on our website. This is a great compact portable shower that you can take on the go keeping your dog clean and safe as well as your car.
Nant Mill Country Park
If picnics and walking are your thing then why not head to Nant Mill Country Park. For some fresh summer air. You can either set up in the picnic area ahead of your walk. Or explore and finish the walk with some delicious snacks. Don’t forget to pack a bag for your dog and make it a lovely day out.
Nant Mill Park has something for everyone. From those wanting to get lost in nature through a relaxing stroll. Or the more active walkers who like to blow off a little steam. You can let your pooch off the lead. But there will be particular areas with signs asking you to put your dog back on until you get to a secure location where you may remove it. This area is also home to the River Clywedog which once powered industrial machinery to keep the corn mills running.
Mount Snowdon
Mount Snowdon is one of North Wales’s most popular spots amongst tourists and locals. Offering some of the most spectacular views. Everybody wants to get to the top of this mountain and cross it off their bucket list. Mount Snowdon is not for the faint-hearted. It should only be climbed if both humans and dogs are in good health.
Depending on the breed and size, some dogs may become tired and won’t be able to complete the walk. If unsure it would be wise to speak to your local vet for some advice. The ground can be quite rocky and rough. If your pup isn’t used to adventuring on this type of land it can result in some injury.
There are a few things you should pack for your dog ahead of this excursion. Water, lots of treats, and a cooling blanket for when you take breaks. As this will prevent your dog from becoming overheated or help to regulate their temperature should they become too hot. Include a dog first aid kit in case you fall into difficulties. If you plan to take a small breed-up Snowdon then you really should take a dog-friendly rucksack. Like the Kurgo K9 Rucksack, which will allow you to carry your pooch. Remember of course to let them out for small breaks.
As pet parents we are responsible for our four-legged family members. Keeping them healthy, happy, and safe is our job. In return, they keep us grounded, healthy, happy, and safe so it’s a win-win.
If you have any questions related to dog safety, call one of our stores to speak with our team or contact us via our website or any of our social media channels.
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