Greetings from the road (or rather, the back seat)! Pawlock here - senior sniffer, chief navigator and full-time biscuit supervisor - reporting on our latest adventure: a dog-friendly day out in Emsworth, Hampshire.

Joining me, as ever, is my young apprentice Fetchson - full of beans, short on patience and always one sniff away from chaos.

No motorhome this time - just a day trip by paw and by snout to the lovely coastal town of Emsworth, set along the Solent Way. This little harbour gem is a paradise for pups who love salty air, splashing in shallows and stopping at every pub in sight (which, it turns out, is Fetchson’s true talent).

Coffee & Cake at JJ’s Café ☕

Our first stop was JJ’s Café - a bright and friendly spot right by the water. Humans had coffee (and a suspiciously good-looking slice of cake), while we waited patiently under the table, pretending not to notice the crumbs.

JJ’s is dog-friendly inside and out, with bowls of water and staff who seem genuinely pleased to meet four-legged customers - always a plus.

Walkies Along the Solent Way 🌊

Fueled by caffeine (humans) and biscuits (us), we set off along the Solent Way, a scenic coastal path with views across Chichester Harbour.

Top tip: check the tides! We didn’t… which is how Fetchson ended up with wet paws and a slightly soggy tail. (“It’s called adventure, Pawlock!” he said. I call it a bath waiting to happen.)

Still, the route is glorious - wide open skies, friendly ducks, bobbing boats and plenty of spots to stop and sniff.

The Blue Bell Inn – Much Needed Drink 🍺

We made our way to The Blue Bell Inn, a lovely dog-friendly pub right by the harbour. Water bowls, friendly humans and a cracking view.

Dinner & Rugby at The Ship Inn 🍔🏉

A short stroll later, we found The Ship Inn, another dog-friendly gem. Humans tucked into hearty pub food while we settled in for an evening of live rugby (Fetchson woke up every time someone scored — patriotic spirit, apparently).

Later, we wandered back for a nightcap at JJ’s before heading home - tired paws, full bellies and plenty of memories.

Why Emsworth is a Dog-Friendly Delight 🐾

• The Solent Way offers flat, scenic walking with harbour views.
• Dog-friendly pubs & cafés at every turn - perfect for refuelling.
• Water access for paddling pups (just watch those tides).
• Compact and walkable — ideal for a day out with dogs.

Pawsome Plans for Next Time

We’ll definitely be back to explore more of the Solent Way, catch lunch on time at The Blue Bell, and maybe even test the tides again (Fetchson insists he’s a “strong swimmer,” I remain unconvinced).

Until next time - stay waggy, travel safe and remember: when in doubt, follow your nose!

Pawlock (the wise one) & Fetchson (the muddy one) 🐶🐶