September sunshine conquers...

What lovely weather appeared over the weekend just gone, summer has made an appearance at last! September is a fairly reliable month when it comes to the sun shining as far as I can remember - it doesn't preach to be glorious like July and August and then disappoint us all by raining. September just seems to enlighten us all by releasing the rays, bombarding us with clear blue skies making us all smile after a dismal so called summer. I am very much a fan of September.

Saturday was glorious. It was so warm and sunny which made for a great day to explore Willowcot Cottage in Talbenny. The hushful surroundings to this cute property is divine, offering such an undisturbed retreat in Pembrokeshire - your pooch will find a welcoming haven here too. The dog loving owner of Willowcot in Talbenny has a mission to ensure that every dog staying alongside their humans at Willowcot is comfortable, relaxed and has a treat or two for being on their best behaviour! A 'doggie box' is provided by the owner for a booking with a pooch consisting of a few helpful essentials adding a thoughtful and personal touch to your holiday.

A little bit of thought and consideration goes a very long way.

Take a read if you have five to spare...

I never knew how much I would miss my pooch when I finally flew the nest and moved in with my fiance. Yep, it's true I miss him like mad.

I think it is probably because he would lie outside my bedroom door every morning whining until I gave in a let him in my bedroom for a snooze before breakfast, then following me around like my shadow whilst brushing my teeth and then sharing my toast and cereal before I head out for work. It all seems very strange with him not being there.

Of course I visit him as much as humanly possible, take him out for long walks in the sun, wind and rain, pamper, play and adore him as always...I think we must have a date with Freshwater West beach sometime this week. We don't seem to have visited our favourite beach much lately. Yes I think I will do that - good idea Natters.

I thought today of typing away as I seem to have slipped out of my routine to report to you all on a kind of regular basis, for no other apparent reason other than the weeks seem to be flying by like crazy and I'm a busy little bee...though from now on I endeavor to make time.

Here now is a great chance for me to throw a few details into the mix in regards to a sweet property within a pleasant little place known as Dinas.

1 Brynawel is ideally located at Dinas which is comfortably nestled between the bustling both of Newport and Fishguard. A great base for enjoying all that the North of our Pembrokeshire County has to offer to both human and dog.

If your pooch loves playing in the sand, splashing about in the sea and bouncing through muddy puddles then 1 Brynawel is the place to settle.

From your dog friendly property take a stroll and discover the unspoilt beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path leading you to explore the delights of Aberbach Bay - all within walking distance from your property. The stretch between Fishguard Bay and Newport How cool is that?

Not forgetting the short drive taking you to unwind and relax amongst the jagged coves of Pwllgwaelod and Cwm yr Eglwys, both perfect for wind in the fur and sand between the paws.

And yes still there is more to entice you to visit Pembrokeshire and 1 Brynawel, with Fishguard Harbour and Newport town, Sands and Parrog all within a close drive. Plentiful pubs, restaurants, shops, sands and sea await you in either direction - I could seriously type away for hours...but that would surely just get boring!

It is always best on booking to have a chat with a human on the other end of the phone - our reservations team's knowledge of Pembrokeshire is simply priceless, so I say make the most of it. I love to talk, maybe a little bit too much sometimes but I don't see that as a flaw.

Wet doggie heaven!

Any pooch that loves nothing more than taking a dive into the Pembrokeshire waters will be adventure bound at Swn y Mor in Pwllgwaelod. Recently Coastal has received some great comments in regards to this property that I wanted to throw out there and share with you all. (Don't forget to tell your pooch)...

'Peter and I absolutely loved the holiday cottage we stayed on for numerous reasons.

We loved the 'QUIRKINESS' of the wooden chalet.

We loved the beach literally being a hop and a skip from the beach as you said.

We loved the walks all close by.

The garden was great for the dogs...especially the bunnies!!!

The chalet was ideal for the wet dogs being on the beach, morning, noon and night. no carpets!

The log fire was so cosy on the wet nights too.

We really couldn't fault it at all.

Neither of us had been to Pembrokeshire before and would most certainly go back soon, hoping to book this same place again if we can next year sometime.

We would also highly recommend this place to any dog loving friends of ours too'.

With love from Tina. X

Awww...thank you Tina. All your comments are so greatly appreciated. Take a look in more detail at Swn y Mor via my this week featured cottage on the Woof Guide homepage.

As Summer and Sunshine approaches...

So yes, as the warm weather descended on Pembrokeshire recently, my pooch was getting ridiculously hot all day every day and therefore had to be shaved for his own sanity.

As you can tell, since Monday I have had a chance to calm down and think realistically about my beloved having been scalped. I guess my dad was right in bringing him to the pooch parlour for a little cut, but boy was it one big shock when I saw him for the first time! One of the biggest shockers was his tail once long, fluffy and decorative - turned thin, whippy and rat like.

Jed is now around 13 and this is the very first year that the decision has been made to relieve him of his fur coat, but I wonder how many humans make it an annual outing? I suppose it does really make sense doesn't it?

Imagine a Border Collie... Now think Staffie...Does that have any affect?!

The sun is shining again here in Pembrokeshire today which, when I am working from our South County office in Tenby always prompts a long walk down to the Harbour and beach at lunch. I think tonight I will venture into the outdoors and bring Jed to Carew Castle and take the walk around the Mill - though I will walk from Cosheston on the back lane to Milton then onto Carew. Takes me around 2 hours to complete but it is a lovely walk, especially when the tide is in.

Oh gosh, then I may even pop into Carew Inn across the road to sit in the same beer garden as Russell Crowe himself only a few days before! At the moment Freshwater West beach, which is a long stretch of golden sand, blue sea and plentiful sand dunes and dog friendly ALL YEAR ROUND (Jed's favourite) is host to the new Robyn Hood epic.

The Crowe man himself along with a huge cast is therefore down in Pembrokeshire at the moment shooting a few takes down Fresh Water. Russell then only goes and pops in for some grub and a few beers at Carew Inn on Sunday evening!! Must have been his day off...

My Dog is now a Staffie!

You will never guess what has happened - my Border collie cross Springer is no more, he has been shaved! I am going home now to lie down but will fill you in tomorrow!!

Dog's go FREE to explore Porthgain...

Harbour View in Porthgain is a superb dog friendly property that is a welcoming home from home. Sleeping 10, Harbour View is simply perfect for those treasured family reunions or a friendly get together whirlwind and is available at such fantastic value for money for the larger parties.

What is even more appealing about Harbour View is that the dog friendly property welcomes not just one, but two beloved furries to experience the wonders of Porthgain and Pembrokeshire beyond alongside you.

Ideal for dogs who love nothing more than splashing in the sea and digging in the sand or bounding across the headland and jumping in muddy puddles - Harbour View is superbly set surrounded by every pooches paradise.

The harbour village of Porthgain is a thriving community of fishermen with a number of compelling reasons to visit, filling the popular village with plentiful intriguing bustle throughout the year.

No visit to Porthgain is complete without a meal or two in the traditional Sloop Inn, serving wholesome pub grub with the selective seafood dish. More importantly, the picturesque Sloop Inn rustles up a storm for the real ale fanatics who are certain to be content after graciously sipping their well kept Felinfoel Double Dragon Ale, a pure welsh treat quite often on tap for pure pleasure.

Traethllyfn, property of The National Trust is a dog friendly bay surrounded by impressive headland and host to a number of inviting rock pools that your dog will love to play in relentlessly for hours. You can reach Traethllyfn from Porthgain by taking the coastal path to the beach or if you prefer, you can park at Abereiddy and take the 1 km walk along the coastal path also. The choice is entirely yours depending on how adventurous you and your pooch are feeling! I should mention here that the view from the southern side of the coastal path makes for a superb photo opportunity over the harbour - don't forget your camera!

As if the mere pleasantries weren't enough to kick start your plans to visit Harbour View and Porthgain, I have yet another something special to reveal from under my sleeve that may just get your suitcases down from the loft...

I am delighted to present your two delightful dogs with a FREE holiday to Harbour View in Porthgain as they come along free of charge. Simply give a call to a member of our Coastal team, quote 'Woof Blog' and start packing your doggie bag!

Please Note: This alluring offer is available to capture until the end of 2009.

Time for a Pembrokeshire Doggie Holiday!

If your little furry friend is looking up at you with those puppy dog eyes, lying with his head in his paws looking ridiculously sorry for himself and huffing every time you leave the room...maybe it is time to whisk him away on a dog friendly holiday.

What do you think?

Humans tend to shout from the rooftops when they need to pack their bags and get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life until somebody actually starts listening, but little old four legs in the corner can't really express himself in the same way. Well I suppose he could take up barking in that sorrowful high pitched tone but let's face it, we would probably write it off as threatening the poor old postman...yet again!

Let's think Pembrokeshire...sandy and golden beaches, bright blue seas, wonderful woodland and plentiful headland, intriguing coastline, picturesque harbour's, quaint towns and valleys, awesome adventure...need the list really have to go on?! Actually just for the record I have put in a strong request for glorious sunshine this summer too, so there is another to add.

Ok, so we have your destination confirmed as popular dog friendly Pembrokeshire, but I am guessing that you really do now need a place to rest your head and call home for the week or two - anybody would have thought I had this rehearsed!

I would like to bring to your attention a detached property set off the main road in Newport, North Pembrokeshire, Curlew Cottage. If ever you were looking for a home from home you need to look no further, so many amenities right on your doorstep and a perfect paradise full of doggie delights for your beloved to explore.


Newport is home to not just one but two dog friendly beaches Newport Sands and Parrog, which do not incur any restrictions at any time during the year - meaning that Freddie can bound along the beach and splash in the wash as much as he very well likes!


Curlew Cottage is situated only a short 5 minutes away from the Estuary where by a path in front of the house will lead you there...and to carry on even more, by crossing the main road you will be taken up to the Carn Ingli Mountain Fort (Hill of the Angels, Angel Mountain) which is a wondrous spectacle well worth the adventure...you humans might even enjoy it!

I knew you would be impressed with the numerous reasons to visit Curlew Cottage in Newport - actually in thinking on it here is another, take a lunch date to Fronlas Cafe in Newport Town, scrumptious grub and welcoming to dogs!

See they just can't stop flowing...go and see for yourself.