We are an older couple (Chris is 77, I am 68) who are retired with a 28 year old son who is currently in the second year of his training contract to qualify as a solicitor.
We both have bad backs and Chris has heart disease and has had a stroke so although we try to stay fit and active, our days of long walks across Dartmoor are well behind us.
Just over a year ago we moved from a rural bungalow in North Tawton to a house 1/2 mile from the centre of Exmouth so we could be closer to amenities. We are loving living in Exmouth and have made friends and found new activities to get involved in. The girls love it – they have gone from a weekly beach visit to going most days and there are lots of other brilliant places to walk dogs nearby.
When I research dog friendly beaches and walks, most assume that you are able to walk long distances and scramble over difficult terrain “The beach is about 15 minutes walk (not at our speed) down a steep stony track” Hmm, maybe not with two excited dogs who are straining to get there.
So the walks and beaches I suggest are easy to get to, and normally offer a reasonably short walk where the dogs can run off the lead, plus the possibility of a longer walk if you would prefer that. This also makes the walks suitable for the less active dog, whether that is caused by age or illness.
To be honest, it feels quite scary to admit that we don’t take them on the long walks that, if you look at Facebook or read articles about dog walks, seem to be the norm. However, our dogs do have plenty of exercise and are happy, loving girls who, (along with our son) are the light of our lives.
Goldies on tour 