Meet Rodney and Dexter, my two fun loving Basset Hounds from Preston, Lancashire. If you fancy an adventurous walk in Preston, here’s our favourite places to go.
Haslam Park & Nature Reserve, Preston
Haslam Park is a great adventurous walk for dogs. There’s many footpaths to stroll along and you can also walk along the Lancaster Canal. The dogs love to run off lead in the open fields and paddle in the streams. The park offers free car parking, public toilets and children’s play area.
Ashton Park, Preston
Ashton Park is our most local park. The dogs love it here due to the open woodlands and places to hide. There’s two entrances and a circular path which takes you around the park. Car parking is free and there’s a small children’s play area.
Avenham & Miller Parks, Preston
Avenham & Miller Parks are located in the centre of Preston. The parks run alongside the River Ribble. There’s plenty of dog walking to do here, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Japanese Rock Garden and pond is worth a visit. There’s parking nearby and a lovely Pavillion Cafe next to the river. Well mannered dogs are also allowed in the cafe.
Moor Park, Preston
Moor Park is a Grade II listed park, this is the city’s oldest parkland and worth a visit. There’s plenty of paths to explore the park. The park has car parking, public toilets and children’s play areas.
Astley Park, Chorley
Astley Park in Chorley is huge and covers 43 hectares of parkland. There’s beautiful woodlands which the dogs love to run around in. It’s also a good place to shelter in the rain. It’s a lovely day out here, you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring and getting lost. The park has free car parking, cafe, pets corner and large playground area.
Worden Park, Leyland
Worden Park is a huge country park in Leyland. Worden Park has lots of woodlands, open meadows, and a huge maze, so lots to keep you entertained. The park offers free car parking at the main entrance, a coffee shop, craft centre workshops and miniature railway.
Cuerden Valley Park, Bamber Bridge, Preston
Cuerden Valley Park is also one of our favourite parks to walk. We enjoy walking amongst the grassy woodlands and farmland. A group of cows will happily greet you at the path side. The park is set within 650 acres so make sure you give yourself a couple of hours or more to explore. The River Lostock runs through the park, which is great for the dogs to have a paddle, play and cool down in hot weathers. The park also has a cafe and visitor centre, great news is dogs are welcome. There is a charge for car parking.
Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh, Preston
The Beacon Fell Country Park has a whopping 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland. The dogs are in their element here, all the smells of rabbits can drive them a little crazy! The walk is fairly hilly in parts yet don’t let that put you off. The further you walk up the fells gives you the opportunity to view the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. It’s definitely worth a visit and you must remember to take a camera, the views are stunning. The park has free car parking and a visitor centre and cafe.
Brock Bottoms Picnic Site, Claughton, Preston
Brock Bottoms has some lovely picturesque woodlands which take you on an adventure. The photo opportunities are endless here. My first visit here reminded me of a fairytale as it’s so peaceful and tranquil. The loud sound of the river grabs your attention. The river can be shallow and the dogs love to play in the water. If you prefer a longer walk, you can wander along the paths and you’ll come to the mill ruins. You can even head towards Lancaster canal or Beacon Fell. Car parking is free although there isn’t any bins.
‘Rodney and Dexter’ the Basset Hounds are a well known duo from Preston, Lancashire. You certainly can’t miss them. Rodney is a 7 year old tri-coloured Basset Hound and he was a rescue from Manchester Dog’s Home. Rodney is a bit of a diva and has a tendency to bark very loudly! Dexter, aged 6 years on the other hand is much more chilled hound and rarely barks unless he is excited and wants to play. Dexter was also a rescue from the charity Basset Hound welfare.
Pet parents Fran and Billy dedicate all their spare time walking the dogs exploring Preston’s friendliest parks. The Basset Hounds can be followed on Instagram. Pet mum Fran also helps to raise funds for ‘The Basset Rescue Network of Great Britain’, so look out for any future pet parties and outdoor events where you can get your pooch photographed and help raise funds for rescue dogs.
If you’d like to follow Rodney & Dexter and Pet mum Fran you can find us on Instagram @Fransfotos1 and @rodneyanddexter_thebassets