With the warm weather briefly arriving in the U.K. our walks have started to revolve around water so that the dogs can have a splash and keep cool. Of course when I share these on our Instagram stories lots of people want to visit, so I thought I’d list them all in one place for you to check back and read.
These are public walks but please visit with caution. If the weather has been hot for a period of time I’ll stick to moving water, as lakes and ponds can grow Blue Green Algae which is toxic to dogs. Also be careful of currents, even the fittest of dogs can get into trouble. I had a scary experience with Woody being washed away down a river. If they’re swimming for a period of time I’d recommend using a canine life jacket. This will help save some of their energy from staying afloat so they can swim for longer. Try the Ruffwear Float Coat or Kurgo Life Jacket.
- Miserden Lake
There is a lovely circular walk that you can follow through the woods, along the stream and down to the lake. There is a sign with a map at the start situated on the road just next to the Miserden Estate. Be cautious there are sometimes Sheep and Horses in the first field you walk through so keep your dogs under control near livestock.
Finish off your walk with coffee and cake at the wonderful Little Ginger Deli who have a cafe on the Miserden Estate.
Free parking: At the Miserden Estate or on the street nearby – Miserden, Stroud GL6 7JA
2. Lake 6 – Cotswold Outdoor, South Cerney
Circular walk around lake 6 in south Cerney. Paths are easy to follow and you turn around whenever you want. Dogs can swim in lake and surrounding stream. You can also follow the canal path (It isn’t a working canal so no boats to dodge)
Cafe, Bar and Pizzeria at the visitor Centre where you start/finish
Free parking: Cotswold Outdoor / Gateway Visitor Centre Cotswold Water Park, Gateway Visitors Centre, Spine Rd E, Cirencester GL7 5TL
3. Lake 86
This is just next door to Lake 6 as above, but with a different vehicle entrance. Here you need to book activities in advance online; but they welcome dog friendly Paddle Board & Kayak hire or you can launch your own crafts and just use their lake.
They provide you with human life jackets and I highly recommended you take your own for the dogs. It makes it so much easier lifting them on and off boards and saves their energy and keeps them safe from long amounts of swimming with no easy exit on land.
Free parking: CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5TL
4. Fairford
From the centre of Fairford you can follow the footpath along the River Coln. The path is well maintained and whilst walking past the houses dogs stay on lead, but it then opens up into big fields where they can run free. The first field has a gentle slope into the river, perfect for dogs who want to paddle and not jump in off the side.
The water levels can get quite high in the winter so be careful with the flow and where you let your dogs swim.
Free Parking: Fairford Town Car park, 1 Park St, Fairford, GL7 4JJ
5. Felt Cafe
From the Felt Cafe you can walk in either direction along the canal. The scenic route towards Cirencester, through Chalford; or seeing more civilisation towards Stroud and past Stroud Brewery. Both routes are beautiful but I’d say the Stroud route has better footpaths for walking, and the Chalford way is a little more wild and overgrown.
When you pause at the Felt Cafe for food or drinks there’s a lovely shallow spot in the river where your dogs can paddle. They often run weekend Wild Swimming here for humans if you want to try the cold water as well.
Free Parking: Bourne Mills, London Road, Brimscombe, GL5 2TA.
6. Tetbury Goods Shed
Walk along the old railway line and you’ll soon get to an open field on your left. This can turn into a circular walk coming out further along the railway track or just make it up as you go along! Along the bottom of the field is a stream for the dogs to paddle in. In the summer this does seem to get very low on water, but follow it along and there’s lots of good spots to splash in.
It’s a short walk up the hill into the town of Tetbury, although you may want to do this first rather than with a wet dog!
Free Parking: Old Station yard, Cirencester Rd, Tetbury GL8 8EY
Enjoy the walks! Let us know which ones you try.
Megan, Woody, Wilma and Wyn
The Cotswold Spaniels 