Further Information
Pricing
Dog friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge which is charged per dog per walking day. This is to cover additional charges made by the accommodations to cover the cost of cleaning after a dog's stay, which means that you will not be charged any extra fees by your accommodation during your stay. The Daily Dog Charge also includes the cost of an extra item of luggage for your dog, plus any additional transfer costs that may be incurred getting you to and from your dog-friendly accommodation.
If you plan to walk with two dogs, we are more than happy to waive most of the Daily Dog Charge for the second dog if you can combine their luggage into one bag, reducing it to £5 per day. Please keep in mind that your dogs' joint luggage must abide by our usual weight limit of 20kg per bag for this to be an option.
If you require a second dog bag, please contact us for a quote. There may also be an additional supplement charge if your accommodations charge per dog staying, rather than per room.
Kindly note that 2 dogs is the maximum we can accommodate on our trails.
Accommodation
All dog friendly walking holidays with Contours Walking Holidays have been carefully selected because there is dog friendly accommodation available along the route. However, despite our best efforts, the number of accommodations that welcomes dogs is still very limited and availability can be restricted. As a result, the accommodation that we use may not be our usual choice, but will always be comfortable, clean and provide the best service for you and your dog.
To avoid disappointment, we encourage early booking on all dog friendly holidays.
In order to secure dog friendly accommodation, it may occasionally be necessary to transfer you and your dog from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning to resume your walk. Any such transfers required are included in the holiday cost.
Many establishments have different dog friendly policies and you are likely to encounter different arrangements for your dog. Wherever possible, we will arrange for your dog to sleep on the floor of your room, but it may be necessary for your dog to sleep in an en suite bathroom, in a lounge, porch or other allocated room. We do not expect your dog to sleep outside in a kennel.
Dogs are rarely allowed in dining rooms and areas where there is food. For this reason, it may become necessary to leave your dog alone in an allocated room or in your bedroom. To avoid unnecessary stress on your dog and out of respect for the accommodation, your dog should be suitably behaved at all times. For more information, read our leaflet, Responsible Walking With Your Dog, which is included in your holiday pack.
We will do everything that we can to arrange the perfect holiday for you and your dog. On the rare occasion that we cannot find availability, or we encounter other related difficulties, we will contact you immediately to advise you of this and to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take my dog's own food and bedding?
Yes. Neither Contours Walking Holidays nor your accommodations are responsible for feeding your dog or providing bedding. We strongly advise taking enough of your dog's regular food to last for the duration of your walk, as it may not be available along the trail. Our Daily Dog Charge takes into account the additional cost of transferring these items for your dog.
Is there a maximum number of dogs that I can bring on one of your holidays?
Unfortunately, we are only able to cater for two dogs in any walking group.
I have an assistance dog; can I still do one of your holidays?
Assistance dogs have access to areas where other dogs are not allowed, including hotels and land where dogs are otherwise forbidden. For this reason, assistance dogs may not be restricted to dog friendly walking holidays. If you have an assistance dog and are interested in walking one of our trails, please telephone us and we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and the options available to you.
What should I do if my dog becomes lost?
If you decide to walk one of our dog friendly trails with your dog, you should take every precaution to ensure that your dog stays safe. For more information, read our Responsible Dog Walking booklet included in your holiday pack
What should I do if my dog gets injured?
It can be an upsetting experience to see your dog get injured, but there are steps that you can take to prepare for an emergency should one arise. For more information, read our Responsible Dog Walking booklet included in your holiday pack
What should I do if my dog gets dirty on the walk?
It is inevitable that with mile after mile of countryside to enjoy, your dog will end the day a little muddy. The accommodations that we use work hard to give you the most pleasant environment, so we ask that you pack a towel to wipe your dog clean before arriving at your accommodation.
Will I encounter stiles or other obstructions on a dog friendly walk?
Yes, all of our walks are likely to feature stiles, gateways and uneven surfaces at some stage. Some stiles may not have a dog friendly mechanism and some may require some climbing. For this reason, your dog should be familiar with different stiles, or you should be prepared to lift your dog over them.
How fit should my dog be?
Your dog should be prepared for a long distance walk in much the same way as you should be. Start by gradually building the length and duration of your dog's walk until you think that he or she will be comfortable with the mileage involved. Introduce your dog to the sights and sounds of the countryside, including meeting sheep, scrambling over rocks and crossing stiles.
You should also pay attention to your dog and his or her age. Dogs under 12 months old are still growing and should not be walked for long periods of time. If it looks like your dog is struggling, stop for a rest. The more time you spend training your dog, the more time you will have to appreciate the walk.
If you have any doubts about your dog's ability to walk long distances, contact your vet for advice.
Will I have to keep my dog on a lead?
Legally, dog owners are not required to use a lead on public paths as long as the dog is under control. It is an offence to allow a dog to chase sheep or livestock, so it is strongly advised that dogs are kept on a lead in any area where there are farm animals.
If you have any doubts about your dog's obedience, always use a lead.
Is it necessary to clean up after my dog on a dog friendly trail?
By law, anyone who allows their dog to foul on public land and does not clean up after them could be fined up to £1000. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 does not apply to land used for agriculture, woodlands, marshland, moor or heath, but Contours Walking Holidays strongly suggests that you clean up after your dog at all times.
If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
Back in 1997, Contours was amongst the first companies to offer dog friendly walking holidays, and we have the creation of these adventures down to a fine art. We'll ferry your dog's food and accessories from point to point each day, and you can be sure every dog-friendly trail we offer is perfect for your pooch.
