In the Vale of Glamorgan there are lots of lovely places to walk your dog, from our famous Barry Island beach to our calming country side. The possibilities are endless!
In this blog, our local fostering families share their favourite dog walks in the vale.
Dogs in the fostering family
Before we share our favourite walks, lets quickly dispel a myth – yes you can be a foster carer if you own a dog.
There are a range of positive influences having a dog can have within a foster family.
- teaches responsibility for other living things
- builds self confidence
- therapeutic benefits
- a friendly welcome to a strange new place
Many of our foster families have a furry family member which we welcome! It does not stop you from being able to foster. Find out more about who can foster here
Here are some of the best places to walk your dog as a family within the Vale
1. Along the coastal path from Penarth to Sully
It has amazing views of the Bristol channel and it can be as short or long as you like. The full route is 5 miles which would take roughly two and a half hours to complete. However there are many locations points throughout the walk you can stop off at if you feel like something shorter!
Along the walk you will come across Lavernock Point, a famous landmark in history where the inventor of radio Marconi made radio signals across the sea for the first time!
If you get a little thirsty, why not stop off at The Captain’s Wife pub or even treat yourself to a bite to eat. This is a dog friendly pub with a fantastic beer garden over looking the sea.
The terrain is fairly level, with quiet pavement public walks and lanes.
The starting point is at Hayes Road in Sully which has a car park available. The ending point is at Penarth Pier. But again, you can make it as shorter if you like!
2. Dinas Powys Woodland
Cwm George & Casehill woods is a mixture of open fields and woodland. It has amazing countryside views with lots of wildlife to see if you pay attention! It is made up of four woodlands – Cwm George Wood, Casehill Wood, Pen-y-Turnpike Wood and Casehill Meadow. They also have a car park available to use for easy access.
There are lovely, flat public footpaths throughout the woods which also give you signs with option to go on other trails, which gives you the opportunity to explore other places. You won’t get lost either!
These woodlands are known for the amazing wildlife you can find here from butterfly’s, birds and squirrels (watch out the dogs don’t catch the squirrel’s!)
Take a look at this page from the Woodland Trust, explaining how to preserve the wildlife and keep your dogs safe!
3. Watch Tower
This is a lovely beach in Barry that is open for dogs throughout the year. It is a wide, sandy and pebbly beach with cliffs on either side. It is one of the quieter beaches in Barry, so plenty of room for your furry friend to run around!
On a high tide it is a pebbly beach, on a low tide a huge expansion of a sandy beach appears which stretches towards Friars Point. So if you prefer a shorter or longer walk, keep an eye on the tide!
It has a car park available to use just a short walk away from the beach. Find the beach here
4. Knap Gardens
Birdlife fans should definitely visit here. They often visit the lake, and it has beautiful gardens. It’s an ideal place for wheelchair users, buggies, and our four-legged friends! It has even been awarded as a Green Flag Park
Dogs must be kept on a lead as there are swans and ducks. But this still makes it a great day out for your foster family and dog with all the amazing wildlife surrounding you.
This is one of the most popular places in the Vale all year round as you can enjoy its beauty summer or winter time.
It’s easily accessible for all find it on the map here
5. Jacksons Bay
This is another lovely spot that is open all year for dogs. It’s a small yet beautiful beach which is quiet and secluded. Perfect for quality time with the family.
The Vale of Glamorgan is a great place for children and families of all shapes and sizes, including our furry friends.
This is a lovely sandy beach with street parking available just a five minute walk away. It is accessed by a steep pathway and has high cliffs surrounding it. It’s a great spot if you want a more relaxed walk, where you can just take in the scenery.
Find it on the map here
Interested in being a foster carer?
Can you be a foster carer if you own a dog? Yes. Why not get in touch with your local authority fostering team today? They will help you work out if now is the right time for you to foster.
If you live in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
Living in the Vale, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Choosing Foster Wales is a decision to work with real people in your community, who care.
