Paws for Accommodation

All of Pembrokeshire's beaches, over 50, welcome dogs. You can choose from wide expanses of golden sand such as Marloes or secluded bays such as Broad Haven south or Barafundle. During the height of summer, 1st May to the end of September, some of the more popular bathing beaches have dog restrictions. (Poppit, Whitesands, Newgale, Broad Haven, Dale, Lydstep, Tenby Castle, Tenby Harbour, Tenby South and Tenby North, Saundersfoot and Amroth). Whitesands and Tenby North and Harbour have a total ban on dogs in the summer.  All the other restricted beaches have areas where you can take a dog.There are notice boards on all of the dog restricted beaches above, with full details of the byelaws and maps of the restricted areas.  During the summer months there are signs out on the beach, which identify the start and end of a dog restriction area.This still allows you access to miles and miles of beach on which your dog can run, with spring and autumn being ideal times to come on holiday, when the beaches are less crowded. Pembrokeshire welcomes your best friend, but please be considerate to other beach users and remember you must always clean up after your dog.

There is nothing more sure to cause arguments than fouling by dogs. The owner  may believe that his or her pet can do no wrong, but to the person who steps in dog mess, or whose children are playing in the area, there is a definite problem that must be sorted out. Fouling is an on-going problem in public places and on beaches. The owner is required by law to clean up forthwith when a dog fouls in a place where the public have access. If you allow your dog to foul and do not clear up after it, you may be issued with a fixed penalty ticket by the Dog Warden. Bagged dog waste can be placed in any litter bin or in bagged domestic waste for collection.Please always read and observe the bylaws and regulations, which apply in public parks, beaches and open spaces. These are displayed at the entrance to beaches and parks or are available from the local authority. Maps showing the byelaw areas are available from Tourist Information Centres.

On the coast there is the 186-mile National Trail that will tire you as well as your dog. It will take almost 14 days to complete in one go or you can tackle a small section each time you visit. With plenty spectacular viewing points to take that well earned rest such as dolphin and porpoise watching off Strumble Head. Why hurry? The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are fitting dog gates to many new and replacement stiles on the path and have decreased the number of stiles from 530 in 1993 to the current total of 135. 40 of those left have ‘dog gates’. Where ‘dog gates’ are fitted they are usually designed to exclude lambs; this construction unfortunately may not allow a big enough gap for the largest of dogs. There is a real possibility that you will come across both wildlife and farm animals in the National Park, so you will need to keep your dog under control. The coast path can also be a dangerous place and an uncontrolled dog may lead to accidents as the path, in some parts, is very close to the cliff edge. Current conservation initiatives within the Park may mean you will find more sheep and ponies grazing on the coastal slopes so be vigilant. All the coastal bus services running from Poppit Sands in the north to Bosherston in the south welcome dogs aboard, providing your dog is clean and on a lead. Call 01437 776313, any Tourist Information Centre or visit www.visitpembrokeshire.com for details of routes and timetables. The National Park covers a third of Pembrokeshire, but isn’t limited to the breathtaking coastline; it also covers the rolling Preseli Hills with its wild ponies and the Gwaun Valley near Fishguard, thought by many to be the most beautiful valley in Pembrokeshire. The Gwaun Valley woodlands, made a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1954, provide a wonderful setting for those long, or shorter, spring walks, with all the flowers in full bloom. A beautiful place in any season.

There are miles and miles of footpaths, rights of way and bridle ways criss crossing Pembrokeshire from the tranquil Daugleddau estuary to the rolling Preseli Hills and we welcome anyone who wishes to explore them. To ensure maximum enjoyment on your holiday, please follow the Country Code and close gates behind you, keep dogs on their lead when near animals.
Cattle sense.
Many rights of way give access to farmland that is grazed by cattle. Unlike certain breeds of bull, cattle are not prohibited from occupying fields crossed by public paths. While a herd of cattle may appear intimidating, they will invariably approach walkers out of curiosity. There have been cases in the past where cattle have been panicked and caused injury to walkers, especially those accompanied by dogs. Farmers are well aware of the public rights of way that cross their land and the need to ensure that livestock will not endanger walkers. It is sensible, however, to treat the cattle that you may encounter with caution. The Ramblers' Association has therefore issued the following advice to assist walkers who encounter cattle:
Move carefully and quietly, walk around cattle. Be particularly wary of situations where you may unintentionally be ‘herding' cattle into a confined space where their only means of escape is back past you.
Never pass between a cow and its calf.
Leave all gates as you found them.
Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have dog with you.
Always keep your dog close and under proper control, ideally on a lead.
Don't hang on to your dog if you feel threatened by cattle - let it go.

Dogs are not allowed into the nature reserves or the Pembrokeshire Islands but are welcomed onto Caldey Island off Tenby. With so much open space for your dog to run and run, they will want to go home for a rest! Pembrokeshire is the perfect choice for your next holiday and weekend away with your best friend.