Massive haven for dogs near Ruthin offers acres to explore

Maes Barcio is a four-acre dog walking field in the idyllic Clawddnewydd area created by Tash Walker.

"Prior to Covid the field was a grazing field for our sheep," she said. "Sadly not everyone who visited to walk their dog during the pandemic was a responsible dog owner and we had some incidents of sheep being frightened or hurt by dogs. 

"I felt that the field could no longer be used for grazing as a result, so we looked for alternative uses. One of those was offering a secure dog walking space and it has really taken off."

You can book Maes Barcio by emailing maesbarcio@gmail.com. It costs just £7.50 for up to three dogs - there is a £1 charge for each additional dog after that - dog owners can have the entire field to themselves for an hour.

And it's not just a field. the sloping, undulating terrain has two shelters and a bench in case of bad weather, an old water trough, piles of logs and an agility corner to entertain your furry friends. 

There is also a sensory corner filled with dog-friendly plants to stimulate their sensitive sense of smell.

The field is secured by a 6ft fence all the way around and there are no restrictions on the type of dogs who can use it - including breeds that are subject to strict ownership conditions like XL Bullys.

"All dogs are welcome here," said Tash. "With dogs like XL Bullys we do need to see their documentation and insurance to ensure they are legally owned.

XL Bullys are welcome at Maes Barcio so long as they have all their documentation. (Image: Tash Walker) "Owners of these dogs have been thrown into a situation where they can no longer play with them with the freedom they once had. I believe not every dog is highly reactive, many are well trained, but I understand why the Government put legislation in place.  

"That's why Maes Barcio is great. It's an affordable way for them to enjoy that time with their pet and we have so much space to explore it's great for the health of the dogs."

Maes Barcio also runs Pack Play group sessions to which all are welcome, although dogs classed as 'dangerous' in law must be on a lead and muzzled. It also operates a 'Pet Taxi', where dog owners with mobility issues or work commitments can pay for their dogs to be collected and walked at Maes Barcio.

"There are so many dog owners who have come to us since we opened," said Tash. "We have had people travel from as far as the Wirral, Bangor and Wrexham because we have one of the biggest spaces in North Wales for them.

"We offer more space at an affordable price and now we are already looking at plans to make things even better for dog owners!"