Dale House, Lorton

Dale House is a large, warm holiday house in Lorton, a small village in the quieter western corner of the Lake District, and it makes an unusually comfortable base for walking with a dog. Crummock Water and Loweswater are a few minutes away, the Whinlatter forest trails are just up the road and the fells start more or less at the end of the lane, so the daily drive that eats into most Lake District dog holidays largely disappears.

The house is set up for wet dogs and wet walkers. There is a utility room that guests use for drying boots and cleaning muddy paws before anyone reaches the carpets, an open fire in the sitting room with starter fuel left ready, and a welcome pack waiting on arrival. The garden is generous and is where most dog owners spend the odd half hour between walks.

Two things to know about that garden. It is described as fully fenced, but the front gate has enough of a gap for a small dog to step through onto the road, so check it before letting a dog out unsupervised. And while the kitchen is consistently well cleaned, guests have reported dog hair left on the sofas and rugs and mess in the garden from earlier stays. If your dog will be on the furniture, or a small child will be on the floor, give the place a look over when you arrive.

The village works in the property's favour. The shop is well stocked with local produce and the Wheatsheaf is an easy walk for supper. The house is characterful rather than newly fitted, with a small shower cubicle and a dated bathroom, but it is warm, spacious and very well equipped.

Best suited to a family or a walking group bringing one well-behaved dog to the western lakes, who will be out on the fells daily and want somewhere to dry off afterwards. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.