Hi there, I have some friends that are moving from Massachusetts to just south of Coventry and they will be bringing their 2 labs with them. They are looking forward to be able to give their dogs a bit more freedom on their walks (as they have very strict 'leash laws' where they are from in the US) and they have asked me if I know any places that are good for walking and possiby letting their dogs swim. I have no knowledge of the area as I live quite far away, I think because the UK is relatively small they assume I know all of it! Does anyone know of some lovely places I can recommend for walks with their dogs?

Whereabouts south of Coventry?

It's 'something' on Dunsmore from what I remember, I'm just having a look at maps and gather it is either Stretton on Dunsmore or Ryton on Dunsmore! I will check next time we speak!

If it's Ryton it's near me. Ryton Country Pools is a few minutes down the road and there is Coombe Abbey to. Newbold Comyn in Leamington is quite good and there's also behind the Saxon Mill.

Depends what sort of walking they want - Ryton pools is nice but can be very busy with non dog people. I used to walk alot along the river running around the stonleigh show ground where you rarley met a sole, Slightly further away theres also a nice walk round Kenilworth castle although again depending on the time of year can be busy with non dog people

Plus of course if they get an Ordnance Survey map of the area it'll show all the public footpaths that they'll have access to, many of which will be fine for off-lead walking (lifestock permitting).