Dalriada Luxury Lodges by Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire has announced the launch of a brand new canine-curated walking guide – Dog Walk Diaries – created by their most loyal staff members: Willow and Raven, the beloved Labrador duo behind the scenes at this five-star self-catering destination.
In a bold move described by some as “barking mad” and others as “paw-sitively inspired,” the four-legged pair are officially stepping into leadership roles as Director of Zoomies (Willow) and Head of Heritage Sniffing (Raven).
“Our guests love that Dalriada is dog friendly,” said Willow, aged 4 (in human years), speaking from her beanbag in reception. “But they needed guidance. Where to walk? What to sniff? How wet can one get before it’s considered ‘too wet’? That’s where we come in.”
She added, “More than a third of UK dog owners* now take their dogs on holiday with them. That’s, like, millions of pups. 84% of us doggos say we’re happier on holiday with our humans – and I personally think the other 16% just haven’t found the right beach yet.”
The new Dog Walk Diaries web pages feature short, scenic trails in and around Stonehaven and Royal Deeside, all described from the dogs’ perspectives. The walks are rated for squirrel sighting potential and wet fur incidents. The walks include local favourites like the Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle circular route, the dramatic cliffs at Fowlsheugh, forest adventures at Loch Kinord and the easy coastal hop to Skatie Shore – just two miles from the lodges.
Dog Walk #001 – Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle Circular
Dog Walk #002 – Crawton Bay to RSPB Fowlsheugh
Dog Walk #003 – Loch Kinnord, Dinnet and Burn o’ Vat
Dog Walk #004 – Dalriada to Skatie Shore
“These are proper reviews,” explained Raven, Senior Labrador and long-time resident. “We evaluate each route based on paw-friendliness, historical interest, and the likelihood of Willow falling in a puddle. Spoiler: very high.”
Guests can explore the trails online via the Dalriada website, alongside existing guides to dog-friendly days out and tips for staying with furry family members. Each Dog Walk Diary includes a distance, walk time, key highlights and two exclusive features: Willow’s What-the-Woof? and Raven’s Reflections – essential reading for dogs of taste and their humans.
Managing director at Dalriada Kelly McAlpine added, “We’re always looking for new ways to make Dalriada more personal, warm and welcoming – and there’s no better way to do that than through the eyes (and muddy paws) of Willow and Raven. They’ve got fans across the world already. Now they’ve got a column too.”
To read the first four walk entries and meet the dogs, visit Dog Walk Diaries.
For interviews, images or further dog-related nonsense, or to donate dog treats to Willow and Raven, contact: info@dalriadalodges.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Beverley Tricker Tricker Communications
Office 01224 64691 Mobile 07702 363039 btricker@trickercomms.com
* PetsPyjamas 2023 Pet Travel Survey – UK dog owners
Picture Caption – Willow Right Raven Left