thetailsofdylan, Author at The tails of Dylan

Dylan, a black Labrador dog, sits in the woodland area at Harewood House, looking intrigued and alert among the natural surroundings.

Well furiends, the weather has been SO glorious lately that even I’ve been struggling to leave the house before 9pm – and I’m a Labrador, we’re not exactly known for lounging about. But as the sun takes a break and cools, only slightly mind, over the next few weeks, there is absolutely no better time to get back out into the woods for a proper sniff – with the trees keeping that sun off our backs.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore some truly sniff-worthy woodland in North Yorkshire, so I’ve rounded up five of my absolute favourites. These aren’t just walks, they’re proper adventures. There’s ancient woodland, gorge trails, reservoir loops, forest tracks big enough to disappear into for hours, and enough muddy ditches to make any self-respecting dog very happy indeed.

Right then. Paws on. Let’s go.

1. Dalby Forest – the ultimate woodland adventure

📍 Low Dalby, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT

Dylan, a black Labrador dog, on a rocky slope in Dalby Forest playfully described as the “black run.” — I can smell a rabbit!

Dylan, a black Labrador dog, sniffing the ground in Dalby Forest as if tracking wildlife — I can smell a rabbit!

If you’re going to do one big woodland walk in North Yorkshire, make it Dalby. This place is enormous – 8000 acres of exceptional dog friendly terrain and facilities, including the visitor centre, gift shop, and designated dog-friendly seating areas in the on-site café. There’s miles and miles of proper forest track, tall pines, and the kind of deep woodland quiet that makes your nose go absolutely haywire with excitement. The smells alone are worth the trip.

A word of warning though – watch out for the adrenaline junkies on bikes absolutely flying round the trails and putting our best dog moves to shame. They’re great to watch, but keep your wits about you near the mountain bike routes. The forest is so big that you can easily wander off and not see another soul (or another bike) for miles of glorious, uninterrupted sniffing.

The tracks are well-maintained and there’s loads of variety – stick to the official trails or go full explorer off-track if your recall’s solid. My pawrents struggle to keep up either way.

Practical bits for the hoomans:

🚗 Parking: Pay to enter at the main visitor centre – can be expensive
📏 Distance: Trails from approx. 1.7 to 15.5 miles
🐕 Dogs: Welcome throughout – on lead near cyclists, horses or other livestock, off lead in the forest with good recall. North York Moors dog code
☕ Treat stop: Courtyard Café Dalby Forest on site (not visited yet)

Dylan’s Woofability Score: 🐾🐾🐾🐾 ½

Why not a five? No water on the trail – for a water-mad Labrador that’s the only thing stopping this being a perfect day out. Though frankly no water is better than water you can’t go in. At least Dalby doesn’t taunt you. Also haven’t tested the visitor centre café myself yet, so watch this space.

Read Dylan’s full Dalby Forest review →

2. Nidd Gorge – ancient woodland on the River Nidd

📍 Knaresborough (HG5 9AY), Nidd Gorge (HG5 8PU) Bilton & beyond to Ripley

Dylan and Dexter, two dogs, sitting at the crossroads where the Nidderdale Greenway and Nidd Gorge walking routes meet. — In the River Nidd before the river access ban!

Dylan, black Labrador, standing in the shallow waters of the River Nidd at Nidd Gorge. — In the River Nidd before the river access ban!

This one is properly special, furiends. Nidd Gorge is ancient woodland – five woods covering 114 acres, managed by the Woodland Trust, sitting in a steep-sided valley just outside Knaresborough. Ancient woodland means ancient smells. We’re talking thousands of years of sniff history, creatures and critters I’ve never encountered anywhere else. My nose genuinely didn’t know where to start.

The River Nidd runs right through the gorge, which as a water-mad Labrador I consider a critical feature in any walk. It’s a mix of dense woodland trails and open riverside paths, and you can follow the gorge and cycle path all the way to Ripley if your paws, and your pawrents’ legs, are up to it – where a rather famous ice cream shop awaits. Just saying.

Now I have to be honest with you, because honesty is my thing. The River Nidd has sadly suffered from poor water quality, which means I’m no longer allowed in for a swim. I’m heartbroken. It’s genuinely gutting for a Labrador of my aquatic enthusiasm. Before you visit, please do check the Surfers Against Sewage pollution map for the latest water quality alerts – it’s a brilliant resource and worth bookmarking for any walk near water. The woodland itself though? Still absolutely magical and worth every muddy paw.

The Woodland Trust are dog friendly but sensible about it – off lead is fine in areas away from livestock and ground-nesting birds, as long as your recall is solid. Mine is… mostly solid. Ahem.

Practical bits for the hoomans:

🚗 Parking: Small free car park on site (fills up fast) – or park in Knaresborough town and walk down to the gorge entrance
📏 Distance: Shortest circular is approx.1.4 miles up to 20.6 miles on the Harrogate Ringway. And about 10 miles from Knaresbourgh to Ripley and back.
🐕 Dogs: Woodland Trust guidelines apply – off lead with recall away from livestock/nesting areas
☕ Treat stop: Knaresborough town centre has plenty of dog-friendly cafes – or walk the full route to Ripley for ice cream at the famous Ripley Castle village
💧 Water: River Nidd runs through the gorge but water quality is poor – no swimming. Check the Surfers Against Sewage Pollution Map before any visit

Dylan’s Woofability Score: 🐾🐾🐾

Why not a five? The water quality on the Nidd means I’m not allowed in for a swim – and for a water-mad Labrador, that stings more than a nettle.

3. Harewood House Estate – flat trails with a brilliant cafe (partially wooded)

📍 Harewood House & Muddy Paws, Leeds, LS17 9LJ

Dylan, a black Labrador dog, sitting on a walking path at Harewood Estate surrounded by countryside

Now this one is a treat in more ways than one – and you know treats are basically my love language.

Harewood House sits in 700 acres of stunning estate grounds, and the walk around it is relatively flat which makes it a good shout if your pawrents are tired or if you’ve got older dogs in the pack who’d rather stroll than scramble. It’s well-maintained, pretty, and the kind of walk that feels a bit special without being exhausting. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident deer herd – I spotted them on my visit and very sensibly decided not to challenge them to a game of tig. There were a lot of them.

A word on the café – Muddy Boots is a good spot, dog friendly and uses produce from the estate itself which is a lovely touch. It can vary a little on the day but it’s a solid, reliable stop for the hoomans and they do look after us dogs too.

One thing to flag – there are cattle grids on the route. Do not attempt to jump them. Trust me on this one. Use the gates at the side, save yourself the bruised pride.

Be warned – it’s popular, and footfall can be high on weekends. Go on a weekday if you can and you’ll have a much more peaceful nose around.

Practical bits for the hoomans:

🚗 Parking: Muddy Boots Café car park if you’re a customer – donations may apply
📏 Distance: Harewood perimeter walk approx 5 miles
🐕 Dogs: On lead at all times – Harewood’s policy, to protect visitors and the estate’s free-roaming wildlife
☕ Treat stop: Muddy Boots Café – dog friendly, uses estate produce, looks after the dogs too
💧 Water: There is water on the estate, the River Wharf, check the Surfers Against Sewage pollution map before any visit

Dylan’s Woofability Score: 🐾🐾🐾½

It’s very much an on lead walk – fair enough given the free-roaming wildlife on the estate, but it does mean less freedom than most of the walks on this list. Also no safe swimming, and it gets busy at weekends. Go on a weekday and it’s closer to a four than you’d think.

Read Dylan’s full Harewood Estate review →

4. Wetherby to Spofforth – the old railway line (partially wooded)

📍 Start: Wetherby old railway station (LS22 6SD)| End: Spofforth village (HG3 1BH) – or vice versa

Dylan and Dexter, two dogs, sitting in front of the crossroads sign on the Harland Way walking route.

Dylan and Dexter, two labrador dogs, walking through the wooded section of the old railway line between Sicklinghall and Wetherby.

This one is a bit of a local gem – a converted old railway line turned into a flat walking and cycling track between Wetherby and Spofforth. The middle section between the two towns is partially wooded and honestly one of my favourite bits of trail in the whole area. Flat, easy, and those trees in the middle stretch are chef’s kiss for sniffing.

Fair warning though: it can get busy – especially at weekends near the Wetherby end. Families with prams, cyclists, the lot. Nothing wrong with any of them, but if you’re after a quiet woodland ramble, a weekday is your best bet.

Now. About those ditches. The wooded middle section has ditches either side of the path, and I want to be transparent with you: they are absolutely irresistible, especially for my brother Dexter. They’re brilliant for a splash and a full muddy roll, and once a Labrador has clocked them, it is, as I like to say, im-paws-ible to redirect us. My pawrents have learned to bring a towel. Eventually.

Map of the Harland Way showing the walking route from Spofforth to Wetherby.

There are also some great offshoots from this route, including towards Kirk Deighton, which is still on my list of places to fully explore. Watch this space.

Practical bits for the hoomans:

🚗 Parking: Free car park in Spofforth village | Wetherby old railway station up to 3 hours
📏 Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles there and back Spofforth to Wetherby, but you can go further onto Thorp Arch
🐕 Dogs: Generally off lead friendly – on lead when it gets busy near Wetherby or near cyclists
☕ Treat stop: Cafes and pubs in both Wetherby and Spofforth at either end

Dylan’s Woofability Score: 🐾🐾🐾🐾

Why not a five? Bike and pram traffic near Wetherby at weekends means it’s not always the peaceful woodland wander you’re after – but those ditches almost make up for everything.

5. Thruscross Reservoir – trail, trees and a sunkin village (partially wooded)

📍 Thruscross, North Yorkshire, HG3 4BB

Dylan and Dexter, two dogs, standing on the shore and looking across Thruscross Reservoir with surrounding countryside in the background. — Dylan and Dexter, with buddy Mr Frank, taking in the views across Thruscross Reservoir

Dylan and Dexter, a Black and Red Labrador, walking along a woodland trail, through a wood in Thurcross Reservoir

Thruscross doesn’t get talked about enough and I’m here to fix that. This is a proper outdoorsy one – a trail that winds through woodland around a reservoir in the Nidderdale hills. It’s hilly in places, the pawrents will moan, ignore them, and the mix of trees and open water views is genuinely beautiful.

Now. The water. I have to be straight with you furiends, because that’s what I do. All three of the Washburn Valley reservoirs – Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty – carry the same guidance from Yorkshire Water: no swimming or drinking from the water for dogs or humans. There’s potential for blue-green algae, strong currents and machinery operating under the surface. It’s a no from the pawrents, and honestly a fair one. The woodland walk is brilliant enough to come for on its own – just bring plenty of water for both species because there’s no water station on site. Check out the ruins of the sunken village, flooded in the 1960s, on route.

The main car park now charges, which is a slight paw in the wrong direction, but it’s not extortionate and the walk genuinely earns it.

Practical bits for the hoomans:

🚗 Parking: Main car park on Reservoir Road, Thruscross HG3 4BB – charges apply, card only or RingGo app. Note 2.1m height barrier
📏 Distance: Full circular is approx. 4.5 miles
🐕 Dogs: Welcome on the trail – but do NOT let dogs swim in or drink from the reservoir
☕ Treat stop: Nothing on site – bring snacks!
💧 Water safety: Yorkshire Water advise no swimming or drinking from the reservoir for dogs or hoomans. Check Yorkshire Water’s site for latest guidance

Dylan’s Woofability Score: 🐾🐾🐾

Why not a five? No swimming, no treat stop on site and parking charges – the woodland is gorgeous but it needs to try a bit harder to get those extra paws.

🐾 More walks coming soon…

I’ve got a couple more North Yorkshire crackers still to tell you about, including Boston Spa, so more full reviews are coming your way soon. Stay tuned, furiends.

In the meantime, have you visited any of these? Got a favourite wooded walk in North Yorkshire I haven’t sniffed out yet? Drop it in the comments – I’m always on the hunt for a new adventure.

Wags and licks, Dylan 🐾

Dog Friendly Travel

Best Dog Road Trip Essentials UK – Everything We Never Leave Home Without

June 17, 2026June 21, 2026 thetailsofdylan

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links Dylan may earn a small commission for treats at no extra cost to you.

Dylan the black Labrador in the boot of the car ready for a UK road trip adventure — Bags packed. Boot loaded. Dylan ready. Hoomans still looking for their keys.

Dylan’s Road Trip Essentials Checklist 🐾

Before I hop in the car for another adventure, I always make sure my humans have packed:

☐ My dog boots for exploring new places

☐ My first aid kit, just in case

☐ My travel bowls for food and water stops

☐ My comfy dog bed for relaxing after a busy day

☐ WaterWipes for muddy paws and messy moments

☐ My favourite ball for games along the way

☐ My collar and lead for sniffari stops and new adventures

☐ My slow feeder to make mealtimes last a little longer

If all of these are packed, I’m ready to hit the road and start making memories!

Packing for a road trip with two Labradors is basically packing for a small expedition. Just like one of our pawrents – who shall not be named, she feeds us and give us lovely cuddles so we can’t say too much – we simply cannot pack light!

But after years of adventures across Yorkshire, Scotland (Highlands & Lothian), Wales, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and most recently Normandy, we’ve refined our dog road trip essentials down to the items we genuinely never leave home without. The non-negotiables.

No waffle. No filter. Just the good stuff – tested on real adventures by two real Labradors who take road trips very seriously indeed.

Here’s what’s in our bag:

1. My Dog Boots: Ready for Every Adventure

Now furiends, I need to introduce you to my little brother Dexter’s nemesis – his own paws. On more adventures than I care to count, this enthusiastic whirlwind has hurled himself into everything, skidding around with the energy of a Scottish footballer whose entire World Cup campaign depends on his dog fence, and somehow managed to rip a paw pad on the beach, in the woods, or just about anywhere else. The drama. The limping. The pawrents panic. The cutting the adventure short.

So now we pack dog boots. Non-negotiable.

Two pair are highly recommended, because Dexter also has a talent for losing them mid-stride, and a dog without boots on a rocky beach is considerably less fun that a dog with boots on a rocky beach. Trust me on this.

Dexter the fox red Labrador wearing red dog boots — his Lab-boutins - on a UK road trip adventure — Dexter modelling his Lab-boutins. He’s not as amused as we are.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors on a UK road trip adventure - Dexter wearing his red Lab-boutins dog boots — Dexter modelling his Lab-boutins. He’s not as amused as we are.

Our top pick MOKCCI Truelove Dog Boots – robust, grippy and mostly stay on. Mostly. One did go rouge during a particularly ambitious rock climbing expedition but we’re saying nothing.

And yes, Dexter’s are red. We call them his Lab-bouitins. And now seems to think he’s a model.

2. Why I Never Travel Without My First Aid Kit

For the very same reason – Dexter’s enthusiastic approach to self-destruction – we also never leave home without a doggy first aid kit. It’s brilliant for any minor medical needs on the road and can save a vet trip for small scraps and cuts. Most dogs dread the vet. I, however, am not most dogs.

I LOVE the visiting the vet. Especially seeing our vet – she is absolutely wooftastic and tells me I make her smile every time she sees our name in the appawment book. And furiends, that’s what life is about. Making the world smile. One waggy tail at a time.

We use Charlie the Vet Pet First Aid Refill Kit to top up our kit — but if you’re starting from scratch the Full Kit is brilliant value and comes in a glow in the dark bag that clips to your lead

Here’s what’s inside the refill kit:

10 x iodine pads (antiseptic wipes for cleaning minor cuts and grazes)
6 x bandages (1 large 1 small bandages, conforming bandage and vet wrap)
2 x non-adhesive dressings (for covering small wounds)
2 x latex gloves (to protect you and your pet from infection)
1 x abdominal pad (for covering larger wounds and slowing bleeding)
1 x micropore tape (for securing bandages)
2 x saline pods (for flushing eyes and wounds)

Compact, comprehensive and genuinely worth having. Don’t leave home without one.

🐾 Paw-note – a first aid kit is for minor mishaps only. For anything serious always seek proper veterinary attention immediately.

3. Travel Bowls: Essential for Snack and Water Stops

Hydration on the road is essential – obvs!

We travel with two bowls to cover every occasion.

Our lightweight travel bowl is technically a silicone cake mould that granny gifted to the pawrents. It has seen considerably more action outdoors than it ever would have in the oven and we’re not sorry about that.

For hotel rooms and cottages we bring a proper sturdy bowl – because nobody wants a puddle of water on someone else’s carpet. Nobody.

Our pick for the forever bowl? The Sweet William Labrador China Dog Bowl – and furiends, the story behind these is lovely. Sweet William Designs is home of the Mischievous Mutts: British designed gifts and homewares inspired by founder Emma Wood’s beloved William, a black Labrador who was absolutely pawsome. We’ve had their tags, their bowls, their hand cream for the pawrent to smooth those dog walking hands. We’ve followed William for years on the gram.

Dexter the fox red Labrador puppy eating from Dylan's Sweet William Designs black Labrador bowl while Dylan looks at the camera — He did this from day one. Some things never change

Dylan the black Labrador and Dexter the fox red Labrador posing with their Sweet William Designs Labrador china dog bowls — He did this from day one. Some things never change

I have a black Lab bowl, just like William. Dexter has a yellow one, because he thinks he’s golden in every sense. He’s not. He’s fox red. We only pack one on adventures – there is never enough room for two. Apart from us two dogs, obviously.

4. My Favourite Dog Bed for Road Trips, Hotel & Cottage Stays

If you’ve read our post on Normandy you’ll know we’re very keen on everything French – and our beds are no exception. Très chic.

We have two Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog beds, one large for Dexter and one extra large for me. Remember, I’m like a Shetland pony. Standards must be maintained.

Dexter the fox red Labrador sleeping on his Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog travel bed — Dexter demonstrating the bed’s primary function. Magnifique.

Dylan the black Labrador sleeping on his extra large Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog travel bed — Dexter demonstrating the bed’s primary function. Magnifique.

Now, we’ll be honest – we did swap out the inner stuffing for some foam for extra comfort, which has made them even better. Here’s why we love them for travel:

Super lightweight and flexible – they stuff in the car alongside all our other essentials (balls, treats, food, toys, poo bags, towels, the cool bag for our fresh snacks – you know just a few things!).
One side water resistant 1000 denier fabric – ideal for wet and muddy dogs.
Other side is soft and cosy – for when you’re feeling more refined.
Covers unzip and can be machine washed – because we are not always clean.
Non slip base – stays put even when Dexter does a dramatic flop onto it.

I snooze on mine anywhere and everywhere. No notes. Magnifique.🐾

5. WaterWipes: A Lifesaver After Muddy Walks

For any spills, drools or muddy paws emergencies – and furiends, there are always emergencies – WaterWipes are our got-to clean up solution.

Chemical free, so completely wag-friendly. And because they’re made with just water and a drop of fruit extract they’re gentle on furniture and furnishings too – perfect for cleaning up in the car, wiping down a hotel room surface or dealing with a rogue drool on a sheet. If we ever manage to get anywhere near the bedroom, that is.

WaterWipes – never leave home without them.

Tested and marketed for babies. Made for us dogs!

6. The Balls That Come on Every Adventure

No road trip is complete without balls. Obviously.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors catching a red Webbox colour ball in the river in Normandy France — Critical river retrieval operation. Normandy, 2026. The ball was saved.

Dexter playing with Webbox yellow ball on beach. — Critical river retrieval operation. Normandy, 2026. The ball was saved.

Our go-to? Webbox Colour Balls, and fellow four-legged ones, let me tell you why these are not just any ball.

They float. Thrown into the river and distracted by something far mor interesting? No problem – they bob along waiting patiently rather than sinking to the riverbed never to be seen again. A game changer for water-obsessed Labradors everywhere.

They squeak – at a frequency the hoomans can actually tolerate. Most of my squeaky toys are confiscated and locked down within ten minutes of sustained enthusiastic use. These have survived considerably longer. I’m saying nothing about why.

They’re squeezable – satisfying for dogs like me who enjoy a good chew. I have destroyed many a tennis ball in my time. Not one of these. Impressive.

They’re lightweight – pawfect for stuffing in the back pack on a walk without adding unnecessary weight alongside other essentials.

And they look absolutely beautiful – bright, colourful, easy to find in a green field and prefect as a dog present. To yourself or a furiend. We don’t judge.

Five paws out of five 🐾⭐

7. Collar and Lead: The Road Trip Must-Haves

No self-respecting Labrador travels without the right collar. My go-to is RedDingo in red – obviously. It looks best with my complexion.

We pack two sets of leads – the longer leash for a relaxing countryside stroll and the shorter one for a prowl round town. The pawrents insist the shorter lead is for safety. We’re know it’s to stop us lick testing every food product within nose reach. And pack, there are SO many tempting smells. Can you tell I’m a Lab?

On the collar versus harness debate – some vets suggest neither is universally better and that the ideal choice depends entirely on your dog’s health, breed, and walking manners. Others recommend a harness for walks to protect the neck and airway, while using a flat collar exclusively for holding a ID tag, a UK legal requirement. We’re currently testing harnesses and will report back.

Dexter the fox red Labrador studying the menu in a pub garden on his long lead - dogs allowed in garden but not inside — Dexter doing his own menu research in the pub garden. Dogs welcome outside and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

Dylan the black Labrador on his short lead in a hotel garden looking up hopefully at the table for food — Dexter doing his own menu research in the pub garden. Dogs welcome outside and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

Whatever you choose, make sure your dog has an ID tag. Ours are from Sweet William Design – because our tags reflect our wit.

Dexter’s reads: Oh bugger I’m lost.

He would be too, if he wasn’t so quick at finding us again.

8. Why My Slow Feeder Always Makes the Packing List

Now. Slow feeders. Let me tell you about these.

I’ve heard the hoomans use these to keep us entertained – or quiet. Either way, fine by me. They fill them with treats and fellow Labradors, you know what us Labs love more than walkies. Treats. Always treats.

In dog behaviour speak they call this enrichment. And before you glaze over – this actually matters. The core pillars of dog enrichments are:

Nutritional / Foraging: using puzzle toys, lick mats, or scatter feeding to stimulate a dog’s instinct to work for their food.

Sensory: Engaging the five senses, primarily smell (my personality speciality).

Cognitive: Training exercises, puzzle solving, and teaching tricks that make a dog’s brain work.

Physical: Activities that allow dogs to safely express natural physical urges like digging, shredding, or chasing.

Social: Positive interactions and play with humans or other compatible dogs.

It stops us smart dogs from becoming bored, frustrated, and anxious. Yes, I’m putting myself out there. You’ve got to be your own cheerleader in this world. When we get bored, things happen. Things like taking up gardening (digging the garden), singing (excessive barking) and building works (destructive chewing). Nobody wants that.

Our pick: Outward Hound Snoop – the best bouncing food ball around. Fill it with treats and leave us to it whilst you unpack – because unpacking takes forever and we have questions about what’s in every bag.

Dylan the black Labrador and Dexter the fox red Labrador posing with their Outward Hound Snoop treat dispensing slow feeders — We know what’s in them. We know exactly what’s in them.

Dexter the fox red Labrador sleeping next to his Outward Hound Snoop treat dispensing slow feeder. — We know what’s in them. We know exactly what’s in them.

These essentials have come with us across Scotland, Wales, Northumberland and even Normandy – and they’ve never let us down

🐾 Paw-note: For more vet-backed advice on enrichment check out the Dogs Trust Enrichment Guide or the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important dog road trip essentials?

From my very important Labrador point of view, the non-negotiables are simple: a safe way to travel, enough food and water for the journey, somewhere comfy to rest, and a few familiar bits like toys and blankets so everything feels a bit like home, even when we’re miles away.

Do dogs need a seat belt or restraint in the car in the UK?

Yes – dogs should always be safely contained or restrained in the car so everyone stays safe and the humans can focus on driving.

In my case, I travel in the boot space behind a secure dog guard (or grill, as the hoomans call it), which keeps me safely separated from the front of the car while still giving me plenty of space to stretch out and supervise the journey.

There are a few different ways dogs can travel safely in the UK, including harnesses, crates, and dog guards, but this is the setup that works for us on all our adventures.

More on that coming soon in my guide to Volvo boot liners, dog grills, and keeping the car adventure-ready.

How often should dogs stop on a long road trip?

I personally think every 2–3 hours is the perfect excuse for a sniff, stretch, drink, and a proper leg break. It also gives me time to inspect new smells and make sure we’re still on the right adventure.

What should I pack for a dog-friendly overnight stay?

I always insist on bringing my bed, my food, my bowls, my lead, and a towel (because apparently I’m not allowed to shake off mud indoors). A few familiar things make new places feel a lot less suspicious, especially for Dexter.

Are dog boots necessary for road trips?

Not always, but they do come in handy when Dexter is exploring hot ground, rocky paths, or particularly rough woodland terrain.

Do your hoomans fight over who’s cleaning the car after a dog trip? This next post is for you.

Coming soon – Dylan’s guide to Volvo boot liners, dog grills and keeping the car in a state the hoomans can live with. Mostly.

Happy adventuring,

Dylan 🐾

Dog Friendly Travel

Five Things You Need to Know About Taking Your Dog to France

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 thetailsofdylan

Planning a dog-friendly trip to France? Don’t let the paperwork put you off – here’s everything you need to know, straight from the snout of someone who’s done it twice.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors ready for their trip to France

Bonjour furiends! So, you’re thinking about bringing your four-legged one to France – magnifique! Before you start packing the treats and debating whose turn it is to have the window seat, there are five things your hoomans need to sort. Don’t panic – it sounds more complicated than it is, and trust me, the croissant-scented air at the other end is absolutely worth every pawperwork hurdle.

Here’s your ultimate guide to taking your dog to France. You’re welcome. 🐾

1. Get Microchipped

First things first furiends – you need to be microchipped and registered in your hooman’s name at the vet. No chip, no trip. Simple as that.

Your microchip number is needed for two things: your Animal Health Certificate (more on that in a moment) and booking your spot on Le Shuttle. So, make sure your details are up to date before anything else, it’s the foundation everything else is built on.

*Microchipping to take your pet abroad — UK Government guidance

2. The Animal Health Certificate & How to Save a Small Fortune

Now. This one caused the pawrents a considerable amount of stress and nearly put them off the whole adventure entirely. Local vets were quoting £300 for both me and Dexter to get our Animal Health Certificates. Three. Hundred. Pounds. The audacity.

But fur-tunately, divine intervention arrived in the form of a discovery that not all vets charge the same. Some offer considerably more competitive fees – and one in particular came up trumps: Andrew at Animal Health Certificate North. He charges less than half what the pawrents were originally quoted, with repeat client discounts available too. Five-star Google reviews, super dog furiendly, and we’ve been to him twice. Pawsitively wonderful.

Important timing rules – don’t get caught out:

Your AHC appointment must be at least 21 days after your rabies vaccination (the day of vaccination counts as Day 0).
Your appointment must be within 10 days of your travel date (the day of issue counts as Day 1).
Your AHC is valid for 6 months for onward EU travel, or until your rabies vaccination expires – whichever comes first.
If you return to the UK and want to travel again, you’ll need a new AHC.

* Taking your pet abroad — UK Government guidance

3. Rabies Vaccination

Here’s something that catches a lot of hoomans out — the rabies vaccination is separate to your regular boosters and usually can’t be given at the same time. So don’t leave this one to the last minute furiends!

The good news? UK rabies vaccinations are typically valid for three years – which is frankly just an excellent excuse to plan more French adventures.

The golden rule: You must wait at least 21 full days after your first rabies vaccination before you can travel. The day of vaccination counts as Day 0, so Day 21 is the very earliest you can set paw on French soil. Plan ahead!

4. Booking Le Shuttle

When booking Le Shuttle, your hoomans need to add us four-legged ones to the booking, and for that they’ll need your microchip number handy. Another reason to get that chip sorted first!

The Eurotunnel recommend checking your doggo in at least one hour before boarding and making use of the dedicated pet exercise area so they can stretch their legs and have a comfort stop before the journey. Word to my furiends though – don’t be expecting a lovely grassy meadow. It’s astroturf. But still does the job and after a long car journey us four legged ones will be grateful for it!

The crossing itself is an absolute dream furiends. Around 35 minutes, you stay in the car the whole time, and between the gentle motion of the train and the warm breeze through the window, me and my little bro Dexter were fast asleep before we’d even reached the tunnel. Far less stressful than flying or the ferry – and it makes the whole adventure genuinely accessible for nervous dogs and anxious hoomans alike.

Don’t forget: You must wait at least 21 full days after your first rabies vaccination before travelling – this applies to Le Shuttle bookings too.

* Le Shuttle Pet Travel Requirements

5. Tapeworm Treatment – Don’t Forget on the Way Home!

This one is easy to forget in the post-holiday glow but it’s non-negotiable furiends – all dogs entering the UK from the EU need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet before coming home.

The timing window is strict:

No less than 24 hours (1 day) before your scheduled UK arrival time
No more than 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled UK arrival time

Paw-note – if you’re only in France for a short trip of up to 5 days, the tapeworm treatment can actually be given by your UK vet before you travel. One less thing to sort on the other side.

A vet must treat your dog and record it in either your Animal Health Certificate or a valid pet passport. Make sure your vet records the following in the ‘Echinococcus treatment’ section:

The name and manufacturer of the product used
The date and time of treatment
Their stamp and signature

Miss any of these details and you could face problems at the border – and furiends, we’ve heard this can result in quarantine in an approved facility for up to 4 months at YOUR expense. We’re talking potentially thousands of pounds. Not the French adventure any of us had in mind! So double check every detail before you leave the vet’s surgery.

If you’re travelling through Normandy, we can personally recommend Cabinet Vétérinaire du Pont de Normandie – conveniently located next to the Leclerc supermarket just outside Honfleur. They were wonderful with us, the whole process was smooth and stress free. Call ahead to book: +33 2 31 65 60 25 and make sure the timing works with your travel date

* Bringing your pet to the UK – UK Government guidance

The Checklist:

What	When	Notes
✅ Microchip	Before anything else	Must be registered in owner’s name
✅ Rabies vaccination	At least 21 days before travel	Valid for 3 years in the UK
✅ Animal Health Certificate	Within 10 days of travel, 21+ days after rabies jab	Shop around on price – big differences!
✅ Le Shuttle booking	When booking	Have microchip number ready
✅ Tapeworm treatment	24-120 hours before UK arrival	Must be recorded by vet with stamp

That’s it furiends – five steps between you and the most woof-tastic French adventure of your lives. Yes it’s a little bit of admin, but once it’s done it’s done, and the croissants, the cheese, the rivers, the cobbled streets and the very chic French doggos are waiting for you on the other side.

Don’t forget to check out our Normandy adventure for some furiendly inspiration – and drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @thetailsofdylan to tell me about your French tails! 🐾

À bientôt furiends,

Dylan 🐾

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Dog Friendly Travel

Taking Your Dog to Honfleur, Normandy – A Dog’s Guide to France

June 8, 2026June 21, 2026 thetailsofdylan

Bonjour Furiends! Adventures in Normandy 🐾

Dreamt of cheese, wine and croissants in France but can’t bear to be apart from your furry ones? Stop right there and read on – because the dream is very much a reality.

Bonjour furiends! It’s me, Dylan, reporting live from Normandy with a nose full of the most extraordinary smells. We’re talking doggos, cheese, fresh fish straight off the boats, warm pastries, river water, woodland… honestly my nose didn’t know where to begin.

Think taking your four-legged furiend abroad is too much hassle? It really isn’t. And trust me, your best furiend will love you fur-ever for it.

Getting There – Le Shuttle

Le Shuttle is honestly a dream for dogs. After a smooth check-in at the pet reception – a quick, easy process – and a scoot through customs, we were loaded onto the train and that was that. The whole crossing takes around 35 minutes, and between the gentle motion of the train and the warm breeze through the window, me and my little bro Dexter (who is often the anxious one in new situations, but don’t tell him I told you) were out like lights before we’d even reached the tunnel.

Both hoomans and dogs stay in the car the whole time – far less stressful than flying or the ferry, making trips abroad genuinely accessible for you and your four-legged furiends. No crates, no cargo holds, no separation from your hoomans. Just a little nap and suddenly – bonjour France!

One important thing before you even think about booking though – your pets must be vaccinated against rabies, and you’ll need to wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination before you can travel. Plan ahead furiends, this one catches people out! Good news is that UK rabies vaccinations are typically valid for three years, but always check with your vet as guidance can change. There are also country-specific health certificates required – but more on all of that in a dedicated post coming soon.

Base Camp – La Rivière Apaisante 🏡

La Rivière Apaisante, near Honfleur, France

Now let me tell you about our base camp – and furiends, it did not disappoint.

The hoomans have impeccable taste (they do keep me around, after all). Our base for the week was La Rivière Apaisante, which translates as ‘The Soothing River’ and honestly, it lived up to its name and was worth every wag. A gorgeous traditional Norman half-timbered house, just outside Honfleur, sitting in nearly a hectare of private grounds. Picturesque, charming and utterly relaxing – terraces, hammocks under the apple trees, a fireplace for the evenings. The hoomans were very much in their element.

We had a garden so big even I couldn’t sniff every corner in one go (I tried, obvs). And when the Normandy sun got a little too much, out the back there’s a canopy walk through the woods – cooler, shadier, and absolutely heaving with the most extraordinary smells. Leaves, earth, mysterious creatures I shall not name. Just heaven for a discerning nose like mine.

But the pièce de résistance (we’re in France, we say things like that now) – the river. The hoomans called it ‘the gîte’s water feature’. I called it my personal swimming pool and I will not be corrected.

The cool tiled floors were also, and I cannot stress this enough, magnifique for an afternoon sprawl. While the hoomans had an afternoon nap, read and drank a little vino (after all, we are in France and it would be rude not to), Dexter and I had the run of the place.

Oh, and did I mention the neighbour? A tiny French sausage dog across the track. Very chic. Very French. We exchanged barks. It was diplomatic. Mostly.

For those thinking of booking (and you really should), it sleeps six, it’s pet-friendly (naturellement), and the hosts, Justine & Antoine, are wonderful. Five stars across the board and every single one deserved. Between you and me furiends, the pawrents have sworn me to secrecy. They’re already planning how to move in permanently and don’t want the competition. But a secret this good? I simply cannot keep it.

Exploring Honfleur

Honfleur furiends. Where do I even begin.

The smells hit me before we’d even parked – fish, salt air, pastry, more fish – my nose was working overtime and we hadn’t even left the car. Top tip – free parking at Naturospace, walkable distance from the centre and perfect for a little piddle on route.

The Vieux Bassin (port of Honfleur) is an absolute must for a morning wander. We strolled past the fish market (Thursday to Sunday furiends, mark your calendars – the fishermen bring in the catch fresh and the smells are, quite frankly, overwhelming in the best possible way). The hoomans were admiring the pretty painted harbour houses. I was conducting a very serious sniff investigation of the cobblestones.

And the café culture! Oh la la. Honfleur takes dog-friendly seriously – plenty of welcoming spots for four-legged visitors. We started with a magnifique breakfast at Pollen – très chic, very Honfleur, and absolutely worth a visit. Eggs that were licking-lips good. And the pain au chocolat sitting on the table… so close… so flaky… so absolutely not for me apparently. The injustice.

But the real highlight? Everypawdy wanted a piece of Dylan. Café staff, people passing by – the French are wonderfully free with their affection and I received every single pat with the grace and dignity it deserved.

The Betrayal

Now. I need to take a moment. Honfleur? Ten out of ten, furiendly to the core. My pawrents? We need to talk.

The pawrents – MY pawrents – had the absolute audacity to visit La Maison Du Tripot for tea, WITHOUT ME. Without. Me. I know because I smelt it on them when they got back. And if that wasn’t enough, I also detected the distinct scent of another dog. They made a furiend. Without me. I have questions.

And THEN – as if the day couldn’t get any worse – they left us behind for dinner at Huître Brûlée, a gorgeous little bistro doing seasonal local produce and a menu that changes every three weeks. Trout was a feature this week apparently. A dish they couldn’t stop raving about. At a restaurant that – and this is the really painful part – they welcomes dogs. DOGS. Us. The very species they left at home.

What a betrayal.

The Verdict 🐾

Normandy, furiends. Do it. Pack your bags, sort your rabies jab (more on that soon!), book Le Shuttle, find yourself a beautiful gîte with a river – and go. France is waiting, and it smells absolutely magnifique.

And as for Trouville-sur-Mer, Deauville, Beuzeville and Pont-l’Évêque… well, that’s a whole other tail. Stay tuned.

Woof for now, Dylan 🐾

🐶 Thinking of taking your furry one abroad? There’s a little prep involved – health certificates, rabies vaccinations, and a French vet visit for tapeworm treatment on the way home – but it’s easier than you think. Drop a comment below if you have any questions or you’d like a dedicated hints & tips guide and I’ll get it written!

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Dog Friendly Stays, Paw-Approved Bites & Sips

Dog-Friendly Hotel Near Edinburgh – East Lothian Adventures

January 4, 2026June 14, 2026 thetailsofdylan

Location: Within striking distance from Edinburgh – around half an hour’s drive – and approximately 3.5 hours from Yorkshire. Perfectly situated on Scotland’s east coast.

We’ve been a little quiet on here, but we’re back! A new year brings new resolutions – more exploring, more sniffing on dog-friendly walks in East Lothian, and obviously, more treats. Anyone else have such noble goals on their list? And what better place to start the year than Bonnie Scotland, where half our heart resides, and our paws are always at their happiest.

It’s a little too far to our usual Highland retreat, so we set out with waggy tails towards the East Coast just north of the borders – after all, seaside living is very much our vibe.

The hoomans came across a charming-looking dog-friendly hotel near Edinburgh, and it didn’t take long to realise that four paws were most definitely their thing.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is somewhere that understands the joy of travelling with dogs – two legs, four legs, muddy paws and all – exactly how it should be.

We arrive on New Year’s Day yet there’s a comforting sense of calm, despite the hustle and bustle of guests. It’s stylish without being stuffy, welcoming without trying too hard – the sort of place where you can sink into a chair after a good walk and feel instantly at home. I did contemplate curling up on the sofa but thought this was a paw step too far!

The Leddie makes a brilliant base for dog-friendly adventures in East Lothian, with beaches, woodlands and peaceful village strolls all within easy reach and so doggy friendly. The staff were super friendly and genuinely appreciated a furry guest – from the extra-lovely housekeeping team to the waiting staff. A special shout-out to James, who was ever so patient and gentle with my little bro, who has a bit of social anxiety. Not that you’d know but the time we were leaving.

And then there was breakfast …

The food was droolicious – a hearty breakfast with starters and mains. (Don’t even mention the fried tattie scone … it was barking!)

The pawrents raved about the Santu coffee roasted in Edinburgh (their essential adult day fuel), a Brazilian-Brit collaboration specializing exclusively in authentic Brazilian coffee. Sadly, it’s not for us doggos…though we couldn’t help licking our lips at the excitement around it! No complaints here – we had our own chilled Scottish water delivered before anyone else. Royal service, frankly.

Santu Coffee Edinburgh
Santu Coffee Edinburgh

They had two separate eating areas: a dog-friendly bar and lounge, plus another area that’s a dog-free zone. We met so many pooches happily chilling and dining with their families – tails wagging, naps happening, and everyone very content indeed.

As for the local dress code …

A number of hoomans were spotted dining in the hotel in curious outfits. Apparently, one must look very fancy for golfing – the uniform seems to involve tight troosers (insert Scottish accent here) and tasselled shoes. It turns out that the area of East Lothian is Scotland’s Golf Coast, boasting 21 golf courses and 30 miles of picturesque links coastline…but sadly, no balls we’re allowed to chase.

Doggy Adventures on Gullane Beach

When it came time to stretch our legs properly …

Royal pursuits aside, we might be banned from the golf course – their loss, not ours. It hardly matters; Gullane Beach just a few miles from the dog-friendly hotel, offers a little slice of heaven for us dogs – paws running, balls flying, tails wagging – perfect for dog walks in East Lothian. Sea, beach, forests, sand dunes … and gorse bushes for a dignified game of hide and seek. It’s got everything a dog of distinction could wish for.

The place was full of hoomans being walked by their dogs. So friendly were they that we made a whole new tribe of furry acquaintances. We had such a wooftastic time that we practically forced the hoomans to check out Rightmove for a permanent beach residence .. purely for research purposes, obviously.

Doggy tips for staying at the hotel … woof! Listen up, fellow sniffers:

The hotel offers a pawfect dog package: dog bed, bowl, towel and treats – all ready and waiting for your arrival (tails wag immediately).

We stayed in a deluxe room, which was lovely, but room 3 was a little snug for the two of us big labs. Don’t worry though – larger room types are available, so if you’ve got multiple paws like us, ask for a bigger one so everyone can stretch out properly.

A little heads-up from us: the hotel dog bed is a thin mat, which might not suit every pooch. Great for a quick snooze, but not quite enough for our serious lab-level napping (the kind that requires full body sprawl and gentle snoring). Luckily, our pawrents brought an extra bed, so optimal nap conditions were achieved.

Down the lane at the side of the hotel, then along the lane at the back, you’ll find a grassy area where important sniffing and pee stops can take place. Follow the path and it comes out by the church on the High Street, which loops you neatly back to the hotel – a handy little circular route for any urgent wake-up or bedtime potty breaks. Bonus points: plenty of bins along the way for easy clean-ups.

Woofability: 4.5/ 5 tails)

From comfy naps and tasty treats to endless sniffing and beach adventures, this hotel gets full tail wags from Dylan and the gang. Pawfect for any dog of distinction!

Anything else you’d like to know? Ask me here – always happy to talk walks, naps and snacks.

Waggy waves

Dylan 🐾

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Disclaimer: naps may exceed planned duration.

#DogFriendlyScotland #EastLothianDogs #DogTravel #LabLife #Woofability

Doggy Health, Training & Tips

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather – 5 Tips from Dylan

June 25, 2020June 21, 2026 thetailsofdylan

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links Dylan may earn a small commission for treats at no extra cost to you.

Unlike human’s us dogs can’t sweat through our skin and have limited ways of cooling down. Dogs do sweat through the pads on their paws, but it’s by panting that us dogs circulate the necessary air through our bodies to cool down. So here’s a few tips on how you can help keep your furry friend, like me, cool in hot weather.

Dexter, pawssibly living better than any of us right now

1. Frozen fruit and vegetables

Frozen berries, apples, bananas and carrots are perfect for keeping a dog cool in hot weather whilst keeping us entertained. They also make a perfect gum soother for teething pups. The plus side is hoomans can enjoy these treats too!

But furiends, if you really want to make our tails wag, try making us some doggy ice lollies or frozen pupcicles – yes, that’s a thing and yes, we absolutely deserve them. Blueberries and peanut butter are firm favourites in our house. Or mix a spoonful of dog-safe peanut butter with water or banana, pour into a lolly mould, freeze and enjoy the show of the most enthusiastic licking you’ve ever witnessed. I speak from experience.

🐾 Paw-note – DON’T include grapes or cherries as these are toxic to us dogs. And always check your peanut butter doesn’t include xylitol – this sweetener is dangerously toxic to dogs and can be listed as birch sugar or birch bark extract on the label so watch out for those too. Always go for natural peanut butter with just peanuts, no added sugar or sweeteners – nothing else needed!

2. Walkies early in the morning or late at night

Roads and pavements absorb heat from the sun throughout the day and hot pavements can burn and blister our paw pads. And trust me – a dog with burned paws is not a happy dog. If it’s too hot for your own bare foot, then it’s too hot for your pooch. Simple.

Walking dogs during hot summer temperatures can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal. So, heading out first thing or last thing when it’s cooler will be welcomed by your woofer. The RSPCA recommend avoiding between 11am and 3pm – the peak heat hours. Good advice. We concur.

Not sure if it’s too hot? Try the 5 second pavement test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for us. Walk on grass wherever possible, it stays dramatically cooler than pavement in hot weather and is considerably kinder on our paws. And always carry water – offer us small amounts every 15-20 minutes. Don’t let us drink while panting heavily though as this can cause bloating. The things you learn.

🐾 Paw-note – know the signs of overheating. According to the RSPCA and Blue Cross watch out for:

Excessive panting or laboured breathing
Excessive drooling – thicker and stickier than normal
Red or purple gums
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Weakness, lethargy or wobbliness
Confusion or disorientation
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If you spot any of these signs act immediately – and this is important – the RSPCA say cool first, transport second. Pour cool water over your dog, offer small sips and get to a vet as quickly as possible. Never place wet towels over your dog as these can trap heat and make things considerably worse.

Full guidance at rspca.org.uk – worth a read furiends.

3. Doggie paddling pool

For those dogs who LOVE water like me, nothing beats a refreshing doggy paddle in the pool to cool down those paws – and cool down those paws we do!

Summer Waves dog paddling pool keeping us cool

We’re big fans of the Summer Waves Dog Paddling Pool. But if you really want to take the pawty up a notch, the Kuggty Splash Pad with Fountain is an absolute game changer and comes in different sizes to suit all breeds. Connect to a garden hose, adjust the water pressure to your dog’s preference – mine is low, Dexter’s is whatever causes maximum chaos – and stand back. Check it out on Instagram @thetailsofdylan 🎥

Happy Labradors splashing playfully in a bright blue paddling pool — The ultimate Kuggty Splash Pad with Fountain

A happy Labrador standing in anticipation in a bright blue paddling pool — The ultimate Kuggty Splash Pad with Fountain

Not a water dog? I know, I know – it takes all sorts. A cooling mat is your answer – no hose, no splashing, no Dexter zoomies through the fountain, just cool.

🐾 Paw-note – always supervise your dog around water. Always.

4. Cool Floors, Cool Homes, Cool Dogs

A tile floor is a dog’s best friend in hot weather. In hotter months, it becomes the coolest, most comfortable spot in the house. Provided your underfloor heating is off, obvs.

And while we’re on the subject of keeping the house cool – here are a few hooman tips that make a real difference:

Close the doors, windows and blinds during the day to keep the temperature down inside and open them again in the evening when it cools.
Place a bowl of frozen water in front of a fan to disperse cool air – DIY air conditioning. Dylan approved.
At night or early morning open two windows or doors on opposite sides of the house to create a cross breeze, nature’s air conditioning and completely free.

And furiends – don’t forget grooming. Regular brushing during hot weather removes dead hair from the coat making it lighter, cooler and more comfortable for us. We use the Furminator Deshedding Tool which removes loose undercoat brilliantly – the amount of hair that comes out is frankly alarming but I’ve got plenty and I’m grateful for it. The Bluepet Dual Sided Grooming Tool is also brilliant for routine brushing and keeping the coat in top condition.

🐾 Paw-note — never shave a double coated dog like a Labrador in hot weather. The coat actually provides insulation against heat as well as cold — shaving removes this protection and can cause sunburn and coat damage

5. Ruff and Tumble dog coat

For those fashion conscious owners look no further than Ruff and Tumble – and furiends, they have a coat for every occasion! Their brilliant Drying Coat is pawfect for post swim shake offs. Here’s me modelling mine. But for hot weather, make sure you go for their dedicated Cooling Coat – using clever evaporative cooling technology, simply soak it in cold water, wring it out and clip it on. And a little paw-note from me – a soaked towel or drying coat can actually act as an insulating barrier trapping heat in rather than cooling down, so avoid this when a dog is already overheating. Prevention is always better than cure furiends!

A wet Labrador dog wrapped up warm in a drying coat after swimming — Post-pool luxury hits different – Ruff & Tumble dog drying coat

Quick Cool-Down Checklist – Hot Weather Essentials

Save this furiends – everything you need to keep us dogs cool this summer!

The Tails of Dylan Hot Weather Checklist For Dogs Download

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Dog Friendly Stays

Dog-Friendly Hotels in the Cotswolds – The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Oxfordshire

November 10, 2019June 14, 2026 thetailsofdylan

Well our staycation planning for next year is in full waggy tail mode. It is November after all and we all need a paw-me-up when the nights get dark. Last summer we went on a road trip to the Cotswolds.

It was our last staycation before the little rascal (my dog brother Dexter) arrived. After being in the car for what felt paw-ever, I’d never been happier to see the countryside, or to receive the furiendliest welcome at my new home for the weekend – The Wild Rabbit, Kingham.

*The Little Rascal aka my little brother Dexter*

Us doggies felt like Corgi royalty when shown to our room at The Wild Rabbit, which, complete with a dog bed, water bowl and treats, made us furlegged ones feel as important as the humans.

*The doggy friendly ‘Mole Room’ at The Wild Rabbit*

It was exceptionally hot during the height of summer in 2018 for us doggies, with only panting and sweating through our paws to cool down, the lack of air conditioned rooms, meant the nights were a little more uncomfortable for us larger dog breeds.

Next time the humans said we’ll stay in a one of the new doggy friendly cottages at The Wild Rabbit, which will be much more relaxing for everyone. Being a fur-legged friend, we like to guard our territory and our humans. So a room next to the entrance meant we tended to welcome too many guests with a good strong bark! Much to our pawrents annoyance in the early hours!

*Adventures from The Wild Rabbit to find Daylesford Organic Farm*

*Daylesford Organic Farm map featuring The Wild Rabbit,* *Kingham*

Early Saturday morning we headed off on a pawventure to find Daylesford Organic Farm. We sniffed our way through the village onto a country farm track and then I was off, roaming my new streets, smelling what had crossed these tracks before me. We passed the market garden, then buildings labelled the ‘kitchens’ and finally stumbled across a herd of cows. They were on the moo-ve, heading out for the morning into the grassy fields. Fur-tunately they were behind a gate, or we’d have been taken out into the pasture with them. It was the pawfect walk discovering our new stomping ground.

*Daylesford Organic Farm cows on the moo-ve*

Eventually the trail leads you to Daylesford Organic Farm shop and cottages.

*Checking our the cottages at Daylesford Organic Farm*

After an hour or so, back at the Wild Rabbit we ventured into the bar. Everypawdy knows that a good bar is always rated by its doggy treats, and this bar gets several waggy tails and the biscuits are wooftastic. Dogs are allowed on the terraces and in the bar where the snug just feels like home.

Of course, we indulged in the Wild Rabbit breakfast (daily). The highlight of my mornings was my greeting from Leslie. She was a super friendly dog lover, I think she was French, and had dogs back in her home nation. You could tell she just loved us four-legged creatures.

*Probably the best modern British inn breakfast in the world!*

On Saturday evening I got to try RABBIT!! Oh my dogness. Yep – the place lives up to its name. Not only does it have rabbits attached to the walls, but it serves a very DROOLICIOUS wild rabbit…slobber…slobber…

The Wild Rabbit bar dog treats…re-BARK-able!

We ventured back to Daylesford the following day, heading to the farm shop.

*The cheese room at Daylesford Organic Farm*

*Artisan hand crafted breads at Daylesford Organic Farm*

*The flower workshop at Daylesford Organic Farm*

This place even has a thing called a Doggy Park – woohoo – playtime. There was a black dog like me there already. I was pawfectly polite. I introduced myself and gave the doogy play bow, enquiring ‘do you want to play’? – but I got nothing. A stoney silence, no waggy tail… not even one hair moved. HOW RUDE I thought!!! Turns out it was a statue and the dog park is a place for us dogs to wait for our HUMANS whilst they popped to the shop for some retail therapy and not a park to play in – Oh well!

*The dog park at Daylesford Organic Farm*

Appawrently there is a wonderful wellness retreat on the premises that the pawrents were raving about…maybe by next year the Bamford Haybarn will have added a dog spa…now would that be a dog treat!

*The Haybarn Spa at Daylesford Organic Farm*

What an adventure, I’m pawstively sure I’d like to return.

*I think i’ve caught the bug for The Wild Rabbit …*

Dylan

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Dog Friendly Stays, Paw-Approved Bites & Sips

Dog-Friendly Self-Catering in the Cairngorms – The Boat House, Rothiemurchus

October 18, 2019June 14, 2026 thetailsofdylan

Nestled in the highlands of Scotland lies the ultiMUTT holiday location and PAWsible the best place we’re ever sniffed.

After 7 hours in the car, leaving Yorkshire at breakfast time, we finally pulled into Rothiemurchus, hidden just behind Aviemore, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Our bellies rumbling, we’d left Yorkshire at breakfast time, but this was no time for hunger. It was time to explore – a wood and the River Spey all on the doorstep – is this place is FUR’REAL.

Then, whilst checking out the garden, we met another family that were staying on the estate. Marsli and her hairy Highland Cow crew. They we’re having a stomping time at the other side of our garden with their new babies.

After some time exploring the grounds, sniffing out where the pheasants and deer had been the night before, we discovered the Boat House – one of the most PAWtastic places I’ve ever wagged.

We met our hosts Amy and James, dog mad humans, the best type. ApPAWrently, I got a little too excited, embarrassing the humans by jumping up at the back door demanding to be let in to meet the visitors, and then jumping all over Amy. Everyone was singing ‘who let the dogs out!’ in their heads. They gracefully said we were adorable. Next time, YES…the humans said they’re will be a next time, we’re not allowed to meet anyPAWdy until we’ve settled down.

Come on in … welcome to our new home everyPAWdy.

The house was as exciting to discover inside as the outside setting. Lots of rooms and doors hiding new smells and comfy dog snoozing floors. Dog rules applied, as they do at home – no upstairs snooping or snoozing, and no sneaking on the sofas. But with such cosy and fluffy rugs who need a sofa! Dexter fell in LOVE with the rug in the snug.

Introducing the new Laird’s of Rothiemurchus!

Here is a sneaky peek of some of the rooms us dogs missed!

The ‘Chill Out’ room is unreal for a night in with PETflix. The PAWrents said it’s like having your own personal cinema. OBVs we’ve never been to the cinema – they’re not dog friendly, but this place certainly is, and we love it.

In the four days we spent at the Boat House, we sniffed out new places around the estate which has been with the Grant family for over 450 years! So many places and walks to explore.

On the boundary of the estate we discovered Inshriach Forest and Glenmore Forest Park. On our next trip we’re going to visit the beach at Loch Morlich. The beach is our favourite place to play. This time we hit Nairn beach, overlooking the Black Isle, whilst checking up on the grandPAWrent.

Back at Rothiemurchus estate, we discovered it hosts a Farm Shop with their own craft butcher. We tasted some delights at The Druie café restaurant before popping into the gift shop for some reTAIL therapy. It’s PAW liking good, and extremely PAWpular.

It’s imPAWsible to beat the tranquillity of the Boat House, it’s one of those places that gives you PAWspective and a new leash of life. So much so, I refused to get in the car when it was time to go home.

The PAWrents talked about taking how great it would be to spend a month at the house reading all the books. To us, Rothiemurchus is the real crown jewel of Scotland. BUT please don’t tell anyPAWdy about this special place – let’s just keep it our little secret.

We hope we be FURiends FURever with the clan at the Rothiemurchus Estate.

Be sure to say ‘hello’ from us when you visit.

Have you ever visited the area? Share your stories below.

Check out Rothimurchus http://www.rothiemurchus.net and the Boat House http://www.theboathouse.rothiemurchus.net

Dylan

My Life 'Tails'

Introducing a Second Dog – Dylan Meets Dexter the Fox Red Labrador Puppy

January 6, 2019June 8, 2026 thetailsofdylan

After keeping a low pawfile…I’m back!

Just over six months ago saw the arrival of my little brother, Dexter, a fox red Labrador puppy – you may have seen him popping up on my Instagram! He arrived and literally turned my life upside down!

At first, I thought hey, this is pretty cool – a little dude to play with, but after 48 hours of him following me around like my actual shadow and sleeping on my head…and I mean SLEEPING ON MY HEAD… I’d had enough! The naughty woofer was getting on my tail!! What were my pawrents thinking getting a puppy! Everyday, I wished that someone was going to pick him up and take him right back to where he came from. But it didn’t happen. Pawsonally, I felt my pawrents were paying far too much attention to this imposter, and the humans that visited were expressing how cute this new little ball of fluff was. It was like my worst nightmare had come true – it used to be me that people fussed over – was I losing my woof-tastic charisma?

After a couple of months, I thought, this isn’t so ruff – he’s actually barking and pretty entertaining too! Some days you’d find him just sitting in a bush and other days he’d be sneaking up the stairs into the ‘dog free zone’. Since then, we’ve got up to all sorts of adventures. I’ve become his partner in crime (implicated by association and not always choice!) The good news is, I’m not even blamed for his mischievious behaviour.

My pawrents just hope that Dexter might learn some obedient behaviour from his extremely well-behaved older brother rather than the little rascal leading me astray! I think they are hoping for too much – but I guess anything is pawsible!

Who will be leading who? Keep posted to find out…

Dylan

My Life 'Tails'

Dogs at Bramham Horse Trials – A Dog’s Guide to a Day Out in Yorkshire

July 8, 2018June 8, 2026 thetailsofdylan

It seems like a lifetime (well in dog years it probably is!) but this time three weeks ago, I was galloping around Bramham Horse Trials trying my best to blend in with my four-legged friends of the horsey variety!!

It was a PAWFECT day for it, if not a little hot for a black lab like me! (pant…pant), but there were plenty of watering holes, including the dapper Dubarry stand. We only popped in to get some boot cream (not for me obviously!) and I couldn’t help but think that the Dubarry staff must have been the only people that felt hotter than me in their very beautiful tweed jackets!!

There were lots of stalls to visit, and luckily, not all of them were human or horse related! We were tail-wagged to find stands for us dogs too, including a pet shop with dog treats – WOOF, WOOF, WOOF – move aside a very waggy dog trying to get through…drool…drool…

After a little bit of shopping, we ventured onto the cross country course where I could hear lots of sharp-sounding whistles. It took me a little while to realise it wasn’t a command for me at all, but instructions for everyone to clear the track ready for the HUGE horses that were coming through!

Curious me decided to check out one of the jumps that the horses were needing to conquer – it was ENORMOUS compared to me and I’m a BIG Labrador (even if i do say so myself!) Absolutely no way could I even start to attempt this course!! BOW WOW WOW for the horses and riders from Dylan – they’re pretty PAWSOME and courageous!!

It was quite a long day at the trials so it is no surprise that I had to find a few shaded areas to cool me down throughout the event, especially when the midday heat was BARKING HOT…pant…chill…pant…chill

A little bit of shade required #hotdoggy

After scoffing lunch (both mine and other peoples of course!), we hunted around for shaded viewing points of the course. I had a WOOFTASTIC time moving around the jumps. From checking out the FETCHING local country style, to getting a pretty close up view of the riders and my four-legged friends – the ground tremored as the horses galloped past. It freaked me out a little the first time but as I got used to it I began to think I might like this adrenaline junky vibe!! Waggy Waggy – wait for me!!

A shaded view showing the horses coming out the water jump…a perfect spot for me!

Bramham Horse Trials is a highly recommended day out – I can’t wait till next year. The 6th & 7th of June are already pencilled in the doggy diary!

Selfie with mama and papa – eh…that’s my biscuit!

Dylan