Taking a walk on the wild side...
Over-eating, not enough exercise and a lack of free time - sound familiar? The battle of the bulge is no longer just a human problem. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are affecting our pets' waistlines and health. A quick stroll around the block, slotted in after a stressful day at work and before dinner in front of the TV, is neither stimulating nor fat-busting for dog or owner. As part of its campaign to reduce the rising levels of canine obesity, Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced that Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of 52 routes shortlisted for a chance to become one of the UK's 21 Top Dog Walks. According to Hill's, canine obesity affects up to 50% of dogs. By taking your pooch for twice-a-day walkies you can help reduce obesity and the risk of related conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. With the nation looking for ways to be greener and everyone's financial belts tightening up, walking is also a perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint and save some money. It was in 1952 that the Pembrokeshire coast received National Park status. Naturalist Ronald Lockley proposed a long-distance footpath to run through the park but it was not until 1970 that the coast path opened. With 186 miles of rugged cliffs, long sandy beaches, lonely hills and sleepy waterways it's hardly surprising that thousands of visitors flock to the county every year to take advantage of the beautiful landscape. Personally, I think the coast path is always more enticing when the tourists have returned home. Taking on the entire route to put it to the canine test seemed a little too much of a challenge - for me at least, not my dog. Instead of treading a familiar path, I decided to walk a new section. It's easy to take for granted something on your doorstep and having lived most of my life in Pembrokeshire there are still parts of the coastline yet to be discovered.
For some reason, whenever I've been to Porthgain in the past I've always taken the left-hand path from the harbour. So, on a sunny September morning I took to the right with purposeful intent. My sheepdog Corrie trotted on ahead of me, lapping up the sights and smells. It has to be said she's a lot fitter and leaner than I am, so this was literally going to be a walk in the park for her. For our efforts we were rewarded with countless sightings of seals floating in the calm waters and one snowy white seal pup, nestled in the rocks of a sheltered cove. Along the way to Trefin we met a few other canines. Most of them were well behaved and under control, but unfortunately there were a couple of owners walking with their dogs off the lead. Dogs should always be kept on leads along the coast path to avoid disturbing wildlife, livestock and other walkers, and for their own safety. This summer there have been a number of incidents of dogs plunging to their deaths because they weren't on a lead, but why risk it? Walking along the clifftops you leave behind the stresses of everyday life and succumb to the natural world, from the lapping of the waves far below to the cry of the gulls overhead. And it's nice to share it with your best friend, although I'm sure she was more interested in the sheep in nearby fields.
I've now set myself a challenge to discover more of the path in the winter months - we may even tackle all 186 miles from start to finish. So this weekend, instead of the usual amble around the block, why not lace up your walking boots and head for the coast with your dog. And don't forget to take the dog lead!
First published in Pembrokeshire County Living Autumn 2008. |
Come rain or shine our canine companions always need a walk. It's one of the joys of dog ownership and now Pembrokeshire's stunning coast path could be voted as one of the UK's top dog walks. Lisa Soar hits the trail with her energetic border collie Corrie...
I must be a creature of habit because I tend to return to old favourites, including Stackpole, the lily ponds at Bosherston, St Govans, Newgale, Solva and Strumble Head 
After a rest in the sunshine at Aber Draw bay and a look around the ruins of the water mill, we headed back up the hill for the return walk to Porthgain. Arriving home I felt invigorated, relaxed and privileged to live in such a beautiful, unspoilt county. The sea air guaranteed a good night's sleep for both of us.