Tobys Dog Friendly Walks around Combe House Devon 10 Walks written by a Local Dog for Dogs

ombe House Devon is the first hotel to ask Toby the Dalmatian and his best friend owner Alan Bartlett to write a book on the best coast and country doggie walks for guests and their four-legged friends to enjoy.

Devon’s Hotel of the Year, the magical Elizabethan Country Manor Restaurant and Gardens, near Exeter is hidden on a 3,500 acre estate near Exeter where Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely. The South West Coast Path and beaches between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, and the rugged open spaces of Dartmoor are a short drive away.

Toby had great fun discovering the ten walks featured in the new book along with dog friendly pubs and other interesting places to visit, which made him feel welcome. Graded from easy to challenging and ranging from a half-mile up to a more lengthy six miles, there are walks for older pooches wanting some gentle exercise as well as steep hills and  moorland and beach runs that will tire out the most active youngster.

Some start directly from Combe’s doorstep, others are a car ride away but each walk has icons depicting useful information for doggies such as whether there’s water to play in, space to run, sticks to chew and tricky stiles to negotiate.  Humans will also appreciate the symbols indicating if there is parking and poo bins or livestock present, which means their dog should be on a lead. For water loving dogs there’s also information about dog friendly beaches near to Combe House and any summer restrictions.

Highlights include a challenging walk from the Donkey Sanctuary, which warmly welcomes dogs, down to Weston Mouth Beach; a two-mile outing with stunning views of the Jurassic coast from Golden Cap above Charmouth and an easier route near Bovey river on the edge of Dartmoor. Each walk includes a description written by Toby pointing out doggie delights to look out for on the way as well as something for human walkers to enjoy.

The Combe House book is one of a series of West Country walks written for dogs by Toby and Alan and published by Scriven House Books; it’s available free to dogs staying with their owners at the hotel.  Sadly it was the last book written by Toby who passed away last Christmas but Harry, a roguish Scottish Deerhound, mentioned briefly in the Combe book, is now leading Alan on new adventures.

Back at Combe House dogs are welcome to stay for just £10 a night sharing a room with their paying owners. Some rooms open directly into the grounds, while Combe’s beautifully restored Thatch Cottage has its own large, secure walled garden.

Dogs can join their owners in the Great Hall and curl up in front of the huge crackling log fire; they are also welcome in the comfortable yet elegant sitting rooms and cocktail bar. Complimentary doggie room packs are provided to ensure dogs can enjoy some creature comforts during their stay including water and food bowls, a box of tasty treats, a chewy bone and of course Toby’s book. And in case any bare necessities of doggie life are forgotten, a ‘Canine Survival Box’ is available on special request.

Prices for humans start from £215 B&B per double/twin room per night and a three-course dinner with canapés is £52 per person. For details call Combe House Devon on 01404 540 400 or visit www.combehousedevon.com.