Towpath mud and Georgian hills.
- Local authority
- Bath and North East Somerset Council
- Postcode district
- BA1
- From Bristol
- 11 mi southeast
- Main roads
- the A4, the A36 and London Road
- Where dogs walk
- Royal Victoria Park, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the hills of the Bath Skyline
The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath is one of the most popular walks in the city, and after rain it turns to a slick of clay and leaf mould. Dogs that wade into the edge come home with brown legs and stained feathering. A towel rub is not enough on long coats, because the damp clay dries into small tangles around the elbows and hocks. A quick rinse and a comb through while the fur is still wet is far easier than prising it apart later.
The Bath Skyline path and the slopes above Royal Victoria Park involve long climbs and descents, which suits spaniels, collies and golden retrievers. These breeds grow feathering on the legs, ears and chest that catches bracken, burrs and seed heads. Check under the front legs and behind the ears after every outing, because that is where a small snag becomes a mat within a few days.
Many households live in tall terraces with steep stairs and little outdoor space, so small dogs such as cavapoos, shih tzus and Yorkshire terriers are common. Their silky or curly coats grow quickly and need a regular trim to stay comfortable. Visitors also fill the streets for much of the year, so a dog that is calm about being handled and dried will find a busy day at the salon much easier.
Bath water is hard, with plenty of dissolved minerals, and it can leave some coats feeling dull or dry after a home bath. Using a conditioner and rinsing thoroughly helps, and a groomer can suggest products suited to the skin. When you compare prices around the city, ask what the quote includes and whether a heavily muddy towpath coat costs extra.
General estimates, not quotes. Each groomer sets their own fee, and prices vary by dog and market.
Bath and Brush£30 to £60 per visit→Full Groom£40 to £90 per groom→De-matting£50 to £110 per session→Where to begin.
- Note what your dog's coat does after a wet walk: tangles, holds mud, sheds or stays silky.
- Ask any groomer how they handle a nervous dog, what the price includes and whether they work around Bath.
- Brush your dog for a few minutes after walks near Royal Victoria Park, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the hills of the Bath Skyline for two weeks, and see how the coat changes.
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Good questions
Before you begin.
How do I get towpath clay out of my dog's coat?
Let the mud dry, then brush it out before bathing. Wet clay smears into the fur, but dried clay lifts away more easily. Finish with a rinse and a comb through.
Which coats suffer most on Bath hill walks?
Spaniels, retrievers and collies with feathering collect burrs and seed heads on the legs, ears and tail. A comb through after each outing catches small tangles early.
Does the hard water in Bath affect my dog's coat?
It can leave some coats feeling dry. A good conditioner and a thorough rinse help, and a groomer can recommend products that suit your dog's skin.