The Cwtch, Marloes

The Cwtch is a small cottage in Marloes, a village near the western tip of the Pembrokeshire coast, and it has one of the better-judged dog welcomes on this stretch. Two small dogs are taken without quibble, and arriving dogs have found drinking bowls, blankets, towels and treats already put out for them. The detail guests with dogs mention most is the outside shower: it takes the mud off a dog and a pair of walking boots before either comes through the door, which on the coast path in winter is worth more than most pet packages.

The owners also leave large cotton throws to cover the sofas, which quietly solves the problem of a dog that is not allowed on the furniture at home and cannot be watched every minute while dinner is cooking. Welcome gifts, tea, coffee and provisions in the fridge are standard, and the hosts come across as helpful and quick to answer without being intrusive.

The location does the rest. Coastal walks run to Musselwick Sands, Marloes Sands, Martin's Haven and Dale, the boats to Skomer leave from just up the road, and there is a cafe within walking distance. The cottage has a small sunny courtyard garden rather than a large enclosed one, which is pleasant for sitting out but is not somewhere to leave a dog running loose.

The main constraint is size. This is a compact cottage that suits a couple or a very small party rather than a group, and the sitting room has been described as brightly lit and less homely than the rest of the place. Dog restrictions on the beaches along this coast change through the year, so check those before travelling.

With a 4.7/5 paw rating, The Cwtch suits a couple with one or two dogs who want coastal walking from the door, a hot shower for muddy paws and hosts who have thought the dog side through properly.