The Midden, Warton

The Midden is a converted farm building at Yealand Conyers, a hamlet just north of Warton on the edge of the Arnside and Silverdale hills, and it is one of the more genuinely dog-shaped cottages in this corner of Lancashire. The draw is the garden: south-facing, fully enclosed and private, so a dog can be let out to potter about off-lead without anyone standing at the gate.

Inside, the cottage sleeps four and has kept its character, with a mezzanine level, round windows and an upstairs sitting room. Guests travelling with dogs describe it as warm, clean and quirky rather than polished, and the owner meets people on arrival with local walking notes and pub recommendations.

The walking is what makes it work. Footpaths and a small wood start close to the door, RSPB Leighton Moss is within walking distance, and there is a dog-friendly pub round the corner. Morecambe Bay, Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and the southern Lake District are all short drives, so a week here does not mean the same walk twice.

The building is old and that shows in a few places. There are two flights of about six steps with no handrail, and dog owners have found them steep and slippy underfoot - worth a thought with an older or less sure-footed dog. The sofa bed is the weak link for a fourth guest, the thick walls hold heat so the bedroom can be uncomfortable at the end of a hot spell, and some of the furniture is showing its age.

Best suited to a couple or small family with one or two dogs who want a secure garden, good walking and a quiet base for Morecambe Bay and the Lakes. It earns a 4.4 out of 5 paw rating.