RUFFIAN WOOD
By appointment only, Ruffian Wood is 10 acres of secure young woodland with lots of shaded paths and a pond
It is surrounded by a 6ft deer fence, with chicken wire, so is completely secure.
There is a map here showing the main dog walking area, and parking etc. The Shepherd’s Hut is adjacent but separate to the dog walking area, and it can be rented alongside a double booking at an extra £16/hr, so long as the dogs are not a restricted breed. If you’re interested please Whatsapp Xandie for more information.
Have a look at our reviews at the bottom of the page, we’ve got hundreds of happy customers, both canine and human.
Due to unprecedented rain in recent months, the paths are very muddy, please bring appropriate footwear, and if you’re unsteady on your feet, consider waiting until the ground dries out. Please note, there may be dogs in the garden and they may bark. There is a skid pan nearby, so there may be some car noise, and very occasionally there may be shooting in the distance from October to the end of January.
IMPORTANT UPDATE
I do not want to exclude any dogs from enjoying Porters Farm, Ruffian Wood, and in light of the change in legislation over XL bullys, and as directed by my insurance, I have made the fencing 6ft around the whole of the enclosed area, which is now around 10 acres in total. The pond is still accessible, and there are still benches and picnic areas, see the new map here. For full details of the terms and conditions, please see here.
BOOK A WALK
PRICES:
WEEKDAYS
£13.50 for 55 mins – for up to 4 dogs from 1 household
£16 for 55 mins – for up to 8 dogs from 1 or 2 households
£7 per household for 55 mins as part of a group of between 3 and 5 households and up to a maximum of 10 dogs
Double bookings are for 110 mins, and are double the costs above
WEEKENDS & BANK HOLIDAYS
£15.50 for 55 mins – for up to 4 dogs from 1 household
£18 for 55 mins – for up to 8 dogs from 1 or 2 households
£8 per household for 55 mins as part of a group of between 3 and 5 households and up to a maximum of 10 dogs
Double bookings are for 110 mins, and are double the costs above
For enquiries for groups of more than 5 households or more than 10 dogs, or if you want to be put on the waiting list for a cancellation on a certain day, please Whatsapp Xandie
If you are a dog trainer and interested in booking the Dog Training Area or The Barn for 1:1 training or group classes, please Whatsapp Xandie for Trade Pricing and more information
FAQs
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The dog walking area is completely enclosed. There is 6ft deer fencing with chicken wire all around.
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No, it is exclusive use by appointment only. From time to time, we may need access to make repairs, but we will always warn you in advance and we will never have other dogs in the wood
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Please contact Xandie right away so she can warn the next user and help if needs be
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No, please wait until your booking slot time, as there might be other people in the wood who have accessed from a different gate
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If you want to change your booking and it is more than 24 hours before your slot, you can cancel or reschedule using the button at the bottom of your confirmation email. If it is less than 24 hours, please contact Xandie, I’m afraid we can’t give refunds at such short notice
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Yes, if it is free, the Shepherd’s Hut can be rented out with a double booking of 110 mins or more for an extra cost of £15/hour, so long as you don’t have any restricted dogs. Contact Xandie for more information
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If there is a serious weather event like a major storm or it is dangerously hot, then we can of course rearrange your booking. If it is just wet and miserable, dogs still need a walk, remember to bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella
HOW IT WORKS
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Book Online
Book your walk using our scheduling tool, choose between a weekday or weekend slot and 55 or 110 minutes
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Booking Confirmation
Receive your email confirmation with details on where to park and how to access Ruffian Wood
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Arrive
Arrive for your walk at the correct time, park where directed and let yourself in. Don’t forget your poo bags!
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Walk
Have a lovely walk. Please be back in your car by the end of your slot, to allow the next user to access the wood on time
The Shepherd’s Hut
A charming, off-grid Shepherd’s Hut with a king-sized bed, a mezzanine double bed, a shower and a cosy wood-burner. An idyllic eco-friendly retreat in the heart of Ruffian Wood
The Barn
A beautifully restored 18th century traditional Essex Barn, perfect for indoor dog-training classes. It can be booked in conjunction with the dog-training area
