We’re so lucky to have Monty in our pack and he’s helped us to explore Bedford since moving here a year ago. Bedford has green space in abundance and is perfect dog walking. I’m going to share some of our favourite dog walking spots in Bedford, parks to visit, coffee stops and local businesses who can make your (and your dogs) life better!
I’m writing this during the lockdown in 2021 and dreaming of the day we can sit in a pub again! When things are back open, our quick guide to the best dog-friendly pub in Bedford may come in use. The list will be updated as soon as we can try some pubs out first-hand (someone has to, right?!).
Dog Walkers in Bedford
Bedford is full of dogs! With so many four-legged residents, there are lots of local companies who offer dog walking and training services. Monty goes on 2 pack walks a week with the amazing team at Fetch Club Bedford. I can’t express how much of a difference these have had on Monty (and us!).
I really do believe that Jen and the Fetch Club team are the best choice for dog walking in Bedford. On top of the walks, we’ve had some 1-to-1 sessions with Jen to help Monty’s loose lead walking, reactions to other dogs and door response. It’s amazing what can be achieved in an hour!
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Parks in Bedford
Russell Park, Bedford
Living in the Castle Road area of Bedford means that we’re fortunate to have Russell Park on our doorstep. If you venture in to the park between 7-9am then you’ll find it is doggy happy hour! Monty’s confidence has increased hugely in the past 9 months but it can still be slightly overwhelming with tennis ball launchers and excitable dogs.
The good news is that you are next to the Embankment which opens up lots of different walking routes of varying busyness. My top pick would be to cross over to the other side of the river and keep going til you are on the far side of the Longholme boating lake. It is typically much quieter than the main river paths and has lots of stimulation for dogs and humans alike!
A ~20 minute casual walk down the path towards Bedford Town Centre is a convenient, natural loop. At this halfway point, I can’t recommend popping into Bridges Espresso Bar enough! Bridges is perfect for a morning coffee, tasty lunch wrap or evening cocktail. The lovely Bridges team will make the whole party feel very welcome and are equipped with dog bowls.
Priory Marina, Bedford
This is, for me, the jewel in the Bedford dog walking crown! Easy to access at the heart of Bedford, Priory Marina is much more than a lovely lake walk. There are acres of fields, woods and streams that make it easy to find your own corner away from the hustle and bustle of the main paths.
On a hot day, the beach at the top end of the lake is water dog heaven! A quick word of warning to look out for signs that let you know if any dangerous algae is present in the water. You don’t want a fun day out to turn in to a medical nightmare!
Looking for a longer walk? You can walk from Priory Marina to the Embankment thanks to some direct paths that connect the two without the need to worry about any busy roads. Signs are present throughout Priory Marina and you’ll quickly find the right path to take. If all else fails, there is always Google Maps!
Bedford Park
Another park that is easy to access from the town centre! You can nearly see the main entrance gate from the top of town. The walk up the Victorian wide-pathed, tree-lined De Parys Avenue is like a step back in history. Stop off for a coffee at Pavilion At The Park in the heart of park to fuel you up for the rest of the walk.
It’ll be no surprise that this park can get very busy at peak walking times. If off-lead running in a busy park isn’t your dogs “thing” then the outer path walk is still very much worth doing! There is a small wooded area that’s great for discovery at the top end of the park where the Cemetery meets the park.
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As we discover more dog walking routes in Bedford, we’ll update the post!
