Canal Cottage, near Skipton

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Canal Cottage, Nr Skipton, North Yorkshire
Reviewers: Nigel and Vesna Kirby

Even before the awful pandemic caused overseas travel issues, we had always looked to explore the UK as we like to take our two Labradors, Yogi and Ella, along with us.

Nigel was born in Yorkshire but neither of us had ever visited this part of England’s largest county and we decided to take a two-night break at Canal Cottage. The first thing to note was the first-class service received by the host who sent through lots of extremely useful information about the cottage, surrounding area, pubs, restaurants, take-aways and walks, so we could make the most of our time in the region. On arrival we had our very own ‘coned off’ parking area which really helped with unloading the vehicle. Access to the cottage – you are advised before arrival – is via an outdoor public staircase that leads to the canal but there is an alternative option that excludes having to use the stairs thus making the cottage accessible to all. On reaching the tow path at the top of the stairs you are literally at the front door and clever security system allows access. 

The immediate first impressions were fabulous with a lovely clean open-plan kitchen and lounge. The cottage also has a fabulous bathroom and bedroom with the option of a pull-out bed on the balcony that looks down into the main lounge. There was a personalised touch of a welcome pack for both humans and dogs which was special, and it was immediately noticeable that the owner, Geraldine, was a keen dog lover herself.

 As it was October, with the darkness getting earlier each evening, we immediately headed off for a leg stretch along the canal. Opening the front door makes you fully appreciate the proximity to the canal and so look left and right before stepping out to ensure there are no walkers or cyclists about to pass. One of the advantages of this is that the front door often opens to the sight of ducks or swans gliding past – or, if they see you, turning around and waiting and hoping for food!

We turned right and headed towards the Keighley/Leeds end of the canal and soon discovered the beautiful St Andrew’s Church, Kildwick where we took time to look at the stunning work of the monks of Eastby hundreds of years ago. We then crossed the canal by the bridge adjacent to the church and walked uphill to Farnhill Pinacle via Grange Road passing The Crag and Coffee Shop at Cragtop, which was sadly closed.

On returning to the cottage, we then headed off for an evening meal and one of the owner’s recommendations, The Dog & Gun Inn located in Sutton-In-Craven which was only a 10-minute drive away. The pub is extremely dog friendly and even has a menu specifically for dogs. Rest assured that Ella and Yogi soon made themselves at home and thoroughly enjoyed their two sausages and gravy. Back at the cottage it was a relaxing evening and special mention must be made to the excellent Wifi and super modern TV.  We are lucky at home to have an enclosed garden and so please be aware that the cottage (and this is clearly acknowledged by the owners on the website and in paperwork sent before the visit) does not have a garden or enclosed outdoor area, so it does mean putting on the autumn clothing and footwear for late night and early morning dog toilet breaks.

The next day was again overcast but, after Vesna had taken the dogs for a morning walk, we decided to jump in the car and do some local sightseeing. We drove the 20 minutes to Skipton and soon found parking near the town centre. While parking we bumped into a friend of Vesna’s. Sue is a taxi driver and both she and Vesna carry out voluntary work for the charity called Labradors In Need. Ella enjoyed a front seat view for a short time while we chatted and we soon learnt that our host, Geraldine, is also a volunteer – what a small world we live in.

We then headed into the charming town centre and took some time looking at the various market stalls and numerous award-winning butchers – all of whom appeared to have won awards for their pies. We stopped at the Farmhouse Fare and bought some delicious pork pies for later in the day; the two ladies in the shop were fabulous with Ella and Yogi who eventually had to be escorted out for drooling at the gorgeous aroma from the enormous selection. It was then time for a coffee and a bite to eat and we simply had to retreat on our steps and visit Kibble Bakery & Coffee House, a café that clearly states in the window that it is a dog friendly café. The ladies were absolute dog lovers and have a stunning family run independent café, bakery and dog spa business designed, as they say, “with human and hound in mind”. We enjoyed a tasty

Columbian/Brazilian blend coffee and hearty freshly made sandwich as the dogs stared adoringly at our sides waiting for any crumbs.

It was then off to look at Skipton Castle. Dogs are not allowed in the castle itself but there is a nice walk to be had following the Skipton Castle Woods Trail and we started this at the Bailey entrance a few yards from the main Castle car park. The walk is a circular route that takes you through woods and pass Dam’s, eventually leading along the side of the castle and back into the main street near the Mill Bridge. We then headed off to visit the Keighley & Worth Valley preserved steam railway.

The KWVR is a unique five-mile branch line railway set in the heart of West Yorkshire and running heritage steam and diesel trains between Oxenhope and Keighley. We went to the station at Haworth and saw an old Heritage Diesel but sadly there were no steam locomotives operational on the day. However, all was not lost, as we then spotted a new restaurant called The Treehouse Bar and Kitchen that was a stone’s throw from the station. The restaurant was dog friendly, so we decided an early dinner was in order and enjoyed a Yorkshire Burrito from their excellent menu.

Day three, Wednesday, and our final morning before leaving the cottage. There was one thing from reading all the notes, that had to be done. A visit to Coffee and Crumbs a short stroll along the canal towpath to meet Danny and Jon and their fabulous mobile catering unit. Both these guys had given up the corporate life to do what they enjoy and were super friendly. We enjoyed a mouth-watering bacon butty and coffee and just wished they had been open on Monday and Tuesday – the two days of the week that they are closed – enabling them to stock up and cook even more goodies. It was fabulous to hear that their business was going from strength to strength with not only passing canal boats but also local clients.

Then it was back to the cottage for one more final time to load the car and head off home. We did this via Ilkley Moor so the dogs could have one final blast before the drive south.

The cottage has everything and more for what you would want from a break with your dogs and the surrounding area, whether by foot or a short drive, has so much to offer.

Pinching with pride, a phrase from the ladies at Kimble, both humans and hounds had a fabulous time.

Canal Cottage, Skipton reviewed by Nigel and Vesna Kirby and appears in DogFriendly magazine issue 71.  For more information on the DogFriendly magazine visit https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/magazine