Colemere and the Llangollen Canal
Shropshire
Cole Mere is one of the glacial meres of north Shropshire, a deep hollow left by the retreating ice and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, three miles south east of Ellesmere, and a gentle lead walk for a dog around its wooded shore. Mature woodland and hay meadows surround the water, which is known for snipe, curlew, goldeneye and pochard, dragonflies in summer and the rare least water lily. This 2.4km loop, the Colemere Collywobbles route from Shropshire Council, crosses grassland from the free car park into Yell Field, follows the water's edge into Yell Wood, climbs gently through the trees to the Llangollen Canal and runs along the towpath before returning through Little Mill Meadow and Boat House Wood past the sailing club, with a view of Blake Mere on the way. The paths are level, easy and can be muddy, with several gates but no stiles.
This is a dog friendly walk with lots to sniff and see, but it needs a lead for much of the time. Shropshire Council asks for dogs to be on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July to protect nesting birds, and cattle graze some of the fields around the mere, so dogs should be on leads across those at any time of year. Outside the nesting season the woodland stretches give a little more freedom for a dog with good recall. The trees give shade in summer. Keep your dog close on the towpath, which runs right beside the canal.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 50 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland, Canal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No toilets or cafe on site; pubs and shops in Ellesmere and Welshampton.
- Parking
- Free Shropshire Council car park at Colemere Country Park; do not park on the narrow lane.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Colemere and the Llangollen Canal, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in ShropshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Colemere and the Llangollen Canal dog friendly?
Colemere and the Llangollen Canal is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 2.4km loop is flat and easy underfoot, with plenty of interesting woodland, meadow and waterside smells to keep your dog engaged. It's worth knowing that leads are required for much of the route, so it suits dogs who are comfortable walking close to you.
Can dogs be off lead at Colemere and the Llangollen Canal?
Dogs need to be on a lead for most of this walk. Shropshire Council requires dogs to be kept on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds, and wherever cattle are grazing in the fields around the mere this applies all year round. Outside the nesting season, the woodland sections offer a little more freedom for dogs with reliable recall, but keep your dog close on the canal towpath, which runs right alongside the water.
What should I know before visiting Colemere and the Llangollen Canal with my dog?
The paths are level and manageable but can get muddy, and there are several gates along the route — no stiles, which is good news for larger dogs. There are no toilets or café on site, so stock up before you arrive; the nearest facilities are in Ellesmere or Welshampton. Parking is free at the Shropshire Council car park at Colemere Country Park — avoid leaving your car on the narrow lane leading to it.
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