Dougal'S Dog Blog. Entry 22: Brighton Sheepcote Valley

Back in August we enjoyed a few decadent days at Brighton's Club Site, Sheepcote Valley.

The Human That I Own was as surprised as most people about the amount of free campers obstructing the access road to the site, but I guess that if the local council is ignoring the protests that are being made about it, there isn't a whole lot more we can do. When talking to the wardens about it, the Human got the feeling that they might have heard it all before - possibly a few thousand times. And it's hardly their fault.

The good news is, once you're on site, there's little reason to need the car again. Buses into town run 24 hours a day (and doggies go free, natch) although we preferred to enjoy the 45 minute walk along the prom to the pier and shops.

What of the dog walk? Well, the site is set within East Brighton Park, so you can guess what that means. Yup, right outside the gate is an area of parkland where me and my canine pals can roam off the lead and have a ball. And chase the ball, too.  There's even a cafe in the park with a terrace where pooches are welcome. Surrounding the site are the South Downs, offering walks a-plenty directly from the site.

Head into town and you'll find plenty of doggy-friendly catering establishments. One that we tried was called 'Mange Tout', a foofy yet friendly French place with an 'earthy' feel that offered amazing and imaginative breakfasts among others. Just what the Human needed on a fragile Sunday afternoon after entertaining in the van on Saturday night.

Within walking distance from the site is Brighton Marina that offers lots of eating opportunities, but it's not the most doggie-friendly of places.

Were there a decent doggie pub within barking distance of Sheepcote Valley, it would get the coveted five bone rating. But for now at least, it most definitely gets a '4+' bones out of five. Definitely a site to head to any time of the year, but especially to lift the winter blues. See you there doggy pals!