Dog-friendly holiday review: Stallion Valley, Ceredigion

Accommodation: Self-catering cottages.

Cost: From £300 – £700 (two bed) and £350 – £800 (three bed) per week.

Tested by: Susan Stevens and Jay Langdon with English Springer Spaniel Cassie.

The accommodation

Stallion Valley Holiday Cottages consist of three cottages: The Farmhouse (sleeps six), The Mill (sleeps six), and The Byre (sleeps four). They have been converted from an old farmhouse and outbuildings and are surrounded by fields and woodland.

We stayed in The Mill which has an open plan lounge with woodburner on the ground floor, dining and kitchen area, a double bedroom and bathroom, slate flooring throughout (great if your dog comes in with wet or muddy paws), plus underfloor heating. Upstairs there are two twin bedrooms and a large shower room. All the accommodation is decorated to a good standard and is very clean.

Dogs are allowed on the furniture if covers are placed on it first. If guests like to have their dogs on the bed then this is fine, as long as they bring their own bedding.

How dog-friendly was your reception?

Owners Mick and Julie Baross have two friendly dogs of their own who we met on our arrival. Folders containing information about the local area, walks, and beaches close by that you can visit with your dog are available. Mick also told us about the local pub, The Gwarcefel Arms, which is dog friendly, and we were given fresh eggs from Mick and Julie’s chickens.

Any added extras dor dogs/owners?

There is an enclosed garden with a seated patio area. Lots of birds and squirrels visit the garden which was dog heaven for Cassie, who wouldn’t move from her vantage point by the patio doors.

In the courtyard there is a hot water shower installed for dogs so they can have a lovely warm wash. Dog shampoo and towels can also be provided. In The Old Dairy there are spare dog bowls, blankets, and laundry facilities. There is a good-sized paddock which allows you to exercise your dog within an enclosed area.

There are some beautiful walks immediately from the cottage and also within 5 – 10 minutes drive, notably Coed Y Foel woodland walk.

Out and about in the area

*We enjoyed a beautiful walk along the Ceredigion coastal path from Llangranog.

*The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy is a small slate quarry, now flooded by the sea.

*Sculpture Heaven — the garden contains a variety of sculptures among the planting. There is a tea room, workshop, and a shop. Dogs on leads are welcome.

At a glance

Charge for dogs? £25 per dog, per week/break.

Maximum number of dogs allowed: No limit.

Enclosed exercise area/garden? Yes.

Can dogs be left unattended? Yes, by pre-arrangement. The owners provide a dog-sitting service if needed. There is also an outside kennel and crates are available too.

Want to find out more?

Contact Stallion Valley Holiday Cottages, Prengwyn, Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 4LR; call 01559 363444; email [email protected]; visit www.stallionvalley.com