Dog Friendly Walk Bitts Park, Carlisle, Cumbria

Bitts Park located in central Carlisle, Cumbria is a stunning setting for dog walks particularly in the Summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. The striking hanging baskets and flower beds which surround the Statue of Queen Victoria can be walked around with dogs, wheelchairs and pushchairs as paths are well kept.

          

Carlisle Castle can be viewed in the background and there is a tree lined path running parallel to the River Eden which makes a scenic route. As a dog photographer based in Cumbria I know this part of the park is particularly attractive in Autumn when the colours of the leaves change to various shades of orange, red and yellow creating a stunning backdrop for pet portraits.

         

A children’s play area, tennis courts and a high rope course for the more adventurous are adjacent to Victoria Park and there is also a small refreshments kiosk with public toilets nearby. Bitts Park is a short walk (through shopping areas and subways) from Carlisle city centre where Carlisle Bus Station and Railway Station can be found.

Parking is very nearby at Bitts Park Car Park just off Dacre Road (the main entrance) or slightly further away at Devonshire Walk Car Park (located at the opposite side of Carlisle Castle) both are payable public Car Parks.

Public Toilets: Yes

Car Park: Yes

Wheelchair/Pushchair Friendly: Yes if you keep to the paths

Distance: short walk of a few hundred meters around Victoria Park can be extended by taking the riverside path

Railway Station: Yes (approx 1/2 of mile away)

Bus Route: Yes (approx 1/3 of mile away)

 

 

Dog Friendly Walk River Caldew Dalston, nr Carlisle, Cumbria

If you are looking for a scenic and pleasant dog walk in North Cumbria The River Caldew at Dalston is ideal. As it is listed Site of Scientific Special Interest there is plenty of wildlife watching opportunities along the way! Dalston is only a few miles west of Carlisle and has its own railway station and bus route, there is a small public car park opposite the co-op on the main street with easy access to the river walk and public toilets. As a local pet photographer I have taken pictures of lots of dogs here with the River Caldew as a backdrop.

  

Wheelchair/pushchair accessibility is variable depending on the route you take as is the length of the dog walk. If you leave the car park and take the (non-vehicle accessible) narrow road towards the white bridge, walk over the bridge talk a right turn and walk alongside the narrow millrace (stream) the footpath is wheelchair/pushchair accessible. Continuing past Eller’s Mill (the traditional factory which still produces cotton wool) there is an attractive small waterfall on the millrace; at this point it is a good idea to turn around and back track with your dog(s) if you have a wheelchair/pushchair or are unsteady on your feet.

If you continue you will need to cross the road over the busy Bridge at Bridge End, walk a short distance through a housing estate and turn right down a rough track to access the riverside.

This area is a bit rough under foot as there is not an easily accessible path, but is ideal for wildlife watching and photographing – Otter, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Pheasant and Dippers are just some of the species which I have spotted.

        

Depending on the time of year you may also see a stunning blanket of Ramson (Wild Garlic ) or Wild Snowdrops as you walk underneath the trees surrounding the riverbank. You may view/purchase some of my wildlife photography most of which was captured here @ www.dwhitfieldart.wordpress.com/wildlife

Public Toilets: Yes

Car Park: Yes

Wheelchair/Pushchair Friendly: Partially

Distance: 1-2 miles (or more or less-as far as you wish)

Railway Station: Yes (approx 1/3 of mile away)

Bus Route: Yes