Telly presenter on her beloved pet and falling in love with Solway Coast
bypass this part of the world but it really rewards exploration. Barney is almost as nosy as me.”
Barney, a cross between a dachshund and red setter, had a difficult start in life after being rescued in Ireland. He was found tied to a crash barrier.
Former Blue Peter presenter and Countryf i le star Helen traces the coastline to take in the breathtaking views before crossing the muddy planes to Rough Island and joining volunteers who help to preserve the bird sanctuary.
Barney has been with Helen since she moved to London. She admits she got the dog because she felt lonely when she moved to the city to become a presenter.
She said: “Once I got him, I found my social life really picked up and he came with me everywhere. Dogs bring love into your life.”
Helen and her husband, Perpignan rugby play Richie Myler, now live in France with their son Ernie. They are expecting their second child later this year.
Helen and Barney’s walk begins in the Urr estuary and ends at the windy coves of Sandyhills Bay.
She said: “People travel from all over the world to find views half as impressive as these, yet it’s an area so many people bypass on the way to the Highlands.”
The TV host, whose brother Gavin plays for Annan Athletic, opened up last month about the pressure to be a perfect mum – after her son was thrown out of a playgroup.
She revealed how 19-month-old Ernie was banned from his toddler group for screaming.
She said: “I had loads of women message me and say, ‘ That exact thing happened to me.’ That’s so nice as we’re all under pressure to be amazing mums.”