Take in the stunning scenery of dog-friendly Derbyshire

SOME might say the whole of a pet dog’s life is a holiday — but that doesn’t mean you have to put them behind bars when you go away.

So we took Miss Mollie Moo, the Cockapoo, on our three-night break to Wheeldon Trees Farm, Derbyshire.

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Here’s a ruff guide — sorry — to her break.

The farm sits in stunning scenery, perfect for spectacular dog walks.

Right at the top of its own valley with views across the rolling hills to the nearest village of Earl Sterndale, it is the perfect country retreat.

There are nine cottages set around the edge of a pretty courtyard opposite the owners’ own period farmhouse.

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Converted from the old stables and barns, each cottage has been beautifully refurbished.

They are the right mix of luxury and homeliness. Ours, Sheldon, certainly had the wow factor when we entered, with open-plan living and exposed beams.

Suffice to say, Mollie Moo loved it. Wheeldon Trees Farm prides itself on being environmentally friendly.

All the produce it sells and uses is sourced locally, you get recycling suggestions and it uses ground source heat pumps.

So while you relax, you are also saving the planet. Good news. On arrival, we were met by the lovely owners Martin and Deborah and their two managers Nigel and Karen, who made us feel very welcome.

If you are after insider knowledge of the best places to eat and visit, they are the people to ask.

There is plenty to do in this part of the world, especially with a dog, and walks extend from the farm in all directions.

Some of these are laid out on handy cards in the cottages.

They range from easy to fairly demanding and start directly from your cottage’s door, so there is no need to use your car — another green tick.

We decided to visit The Royal Oak, on one of Martin’s lovely walks and only an hour away from the farm. There is excellent food and great staff — definitely worth a visit.

You are spoilt for choice in this area, with many fabulous pubs and restaurants on the doorstep.

It’s a foodie’s paradise and you must visit Bakewell, 20 minutes away, to sample the famous tart.

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But if you don’t want to eat out, Deborah and Martin provide home-made treats for you to cook yourself from the small shop on site. This proved a godsend when the weather took a turn for the worse.

It can change quickly in the Peak District so it’s always good to have the right gear with you. If you don’t have weatherproofs, Wheeldon Trees Farm can provide.

They also offer breakfast baskets, ready in your cottage on arrival. I would definitely recommend them — and the bread is baked on the farm.

One local destination that stands out as a must-see is Chatsworth House, only 30 minutes (by car) from the farm.

Already a magnet for visitors, the stately home became even more famous after its appearance in 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.

Dogs are very welcome, so walks around the magnificent park, designed by Capability Brown, are worth undertaking.

We stuck to the rules and kept Miss Mollie Moo on her lead.

The Peak District is a great place to get away from it all and recharge the batteries. It’s almost the perfect holiday to take your dog on.

Definitely a canine out of ten.

GO: Peak District

STAYING THERE: A week’s stay in Wheeldon Trees Farm’s Ollerenshaw Cottage for two starts at £391 and a three-night break starts at £274. To book, go to or call the owner on 01298 83219.

MORE INFO: Premier Cottages’ collection features almost 1,000 4-star and 5-star self-catering cottages across the UK. Properties range from small, romantic boltholes to large family-friendly country estates. The collection includes pet-friendly and glamping accommodation.