Do many people do the WHW with their dogs? I think mine would be fine over 7 days...should I expect problems with accomodation taking him with me?(P.S I may be doing this alone so camping isnt really an option as I cant erect a tent alone!) d x
:-)

I've seen someone walking the WHW with a dog, but I think he was camping. If you're not camping you'll need to book accommodation in advance, so you can ask when you book.

Hi dizzy 1981, There are a couple of sections on the WHW where dogs are not allowed at all. This would make it tricky but I suppose it would be possible to by pass these areas, this may add many miles to the route though Robin.H.

oh dear - ADDING miles doesnt sound too much fun when your all ready planning to do 95!

Hi Dizzie,

I was planning to walk the WHW last year but, after speaking with a warden, I decided against it because of the problems of having to bypass certain sections if walking with a dog. It's a great shame as I'd love to walk it.

Sorry it's not good news!

I've found someone who is doing it next week so I'll ask them to keep an eye out for anyone walking a dog and to ask for their opinion!
Surely it cant add that many more miles to the walk?

You'll certainly be banned from the upper section of the walk alongside Loch Lomond. Although quite easy to get a ferry across from Rowardennan to the West bank - and continue walking North to rejoin the path at Beinglas Farm, you & your dog will be walking alongside a very busy main road!

I've a strong feeling that there's another section where dogs are not allowed, but not sure where. The first time I walked it, I met a couple with a dog on the first 2 days, but our paths diverged after Rowardennan, so I don't know whether they made it any further.

In all honesty - it is not a dog friendly route (not due to terrain - but due to land-owners). I'm sure there's more info on the official web-site for it.

H.

Not good ....I think I will have to start looking for a more dog-friendly walk then! Any suggestions? something maybe not quite as long too..

Cumbria Way!

Just done it (finished 9th May) 72 (or 76) miles. Go North - South and do a 5 mile first afternoon bit to get out of Carlisle (Stay at Dalston Hall campsite). You then have 65 ish miles of great walking, with no dog restrictions.

In my opinion the scenery/landscape variety is second only to the WHW in the way its character changes over such a (relatively) short distance. Lots of dog-friendly pubs, too!

Dales Way (82 miles) and Herriot Way (52 miles) are also easy with a dog - (mine managed) as is The Great Glen Way (63 miles) - but the latter is an appalling bore!

But don't dismiss the WHW completely - its worth upsetting 'Fido' and doing it alone as it is a truly wonderful walk!

Happy searching!

H

Sounds good - I'll check it out - thanks H

Good to hear about the dog friendly pubs too! its a nightmare when you haver to sit outside to eat in the cold!

The WHW will still definately be on my list but maybe later in the year when I can get a decent group of us together!