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Nine dog-friendly walks in Cornwall

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Whether you’re looking for enchanting woodlands or dreamy coastlines, you’ll find them both in Cornwall. A haven for dog owners, there’s an abundance of beautiful walks through this scenic region. We’d be here for a very long time if we listed all of them, so here’s just a few of our favourites that you can enjoy from our dog friendly cottages in Cornwall.

1. Tintagel King Arthur Walk

Address and map: Bossiney Rd, Tintagel PL34 0AJ

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Just under three and a half miles

Terrain: Way-marked walking paths, with some rocky and steep gradients in parts

Discover the rich history of Tintagel, a quaint village best known for its castle, which is rumoured to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The scenic Tintagel King Arthur Walk will take you past the historic St Materiana's Church, up to the castle, into the neighbouring village of Bossiney, and back to the Tintagel Visitor Centre.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Stop by Ye Olde Malthouse Inn at Tintagel for a tasty pub lunch or refreshing local ale. Looking to stop off for a pint or some food after your walk? Check out our list of dog friendly pubs in Cornwall!

2. Porthkidney Beach

Address and map: St Uny, Church Rd, Lelant, Saint Ives TR26 3DY

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One mile

Terrain: Soft sand and some dunes

If you’ll be stopping by the coast, be sure to visit Porthkidney Beach with your four-legged friend. This mile-long stretch of golden sand is dog-friendly all throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions for you to worry about. Backed by dunes and with so much space a low tide, your dog will have plenty of room to run and splash about!

Dog-friendly pit stop: What’s a beach walk without a tray of fish and chips to finish it off? Head over to Becks Fish & Chips in St Ives to complete your seaside stroll.

3. Tehidy Woods

Address and map: Tehidy, Camborne TR14 0TW

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Nine miles (across various paths)

Terrain: Flat, designated woodland paths

While many visitors flock to Cornwall for its idyllic beaches, the county also has plenty of lovely woodland walks to offer. The Tehidy Country Park in West Cornwall offers over nine miles of pretty routes through the woodlands, great for walking your dog in all seasons. There’s also a visitor centre and Tehidy Woods Cafe on site to refuel after your walk, but you’ll find plenty of good picnic areas within.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Basset Arms in the nearby village of Portreath is ideal for grabbing a quick lunch or sitting out in the beer garden on summer days.

4. Cawsand to Whitsand Bay

Address and map: Cawsand PL10 1PQ

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Just over five miles

Terrain: Reasonably level paths, yet with some steep descents further along

Discover the beauty of Cornwall’s South East coast with this scenic walking route. The Cawsand to Whitsand Bay Walk offers stunning views over the Rame Head Heritage Coast, as well as taking you through lovely woodland. This route also passes through the soft sands of Whitsand Bay Beach, which is dog-friendly year-round.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Stop off at The Bay Bar & Restaurant in Cawsand for delicious burgers and seafood dishes.

5. Clovelly & Mouth Mill Trail

Address and map: Brownsham National Trust Car Park, Brownsham EX39 6AN

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Just over five miles

Terrain: Coastal footpaths, woodland paths and occasional quiet roads

Yet another gorgeous woodland walk on our list, the Clovelly & Mouth Mill Trail is excellent for scenic dog walks throughout the year. In the spring, blankets of bluebells cover the grounds, an absolute delight to walk through before you reach the coastal section of the route. Part of the breathtaking South West Coast Path, be sure to make the detour into the quaint town of Clovelly for a spot of sightseeing.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Before getting back to the car, pop into the Lower Brownsham Farm Tea Room for a choice of cakes and tasty cream teas.

6. St Just Coastal Walk

Address and map: Botallack Count House, St Just, Penzance TR19 7QQ

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Three and a half miles

Terrain: Grassland and rough tracks

Did you know that Cornwall has its own world heritage site? The Tin Coast is a seven-mile stretch of coastline that offers a number of gorgeous walking routes where you can discover the rich mining history of the county. The St Just Coastal Walk will guide you through many of the historic landmarks of the region, while also rewarding you with excellent sea views.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Queen’s Arms in Penzance is a traditional tavern serving up classic pub grub and a good choice of ales.

7. Lantivet Bay Circular Walk

Address and map:Lantivet Bay National Trust Car Park, Fowey PL23

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Just under three miles

Terrain: Waymarked paths on the headland

You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly beaches here in Cornwall, including the pretty Lantivet Bay. The Lantivet Bay Circular Walk takes you along the stunning bays of Cornwall’s South East coast. Be sure to stop for a while on the sandy beach to let your pooch enjoy a good splash-about on its shores.

Dog-friendly pit stop: After a good walk, head over to the Talland Bay Beach Cafe in Looe for a freshly-ground and well-deserved cup of coffee.

8. Cardinham Woods

Address and map: Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, PL30 4AL

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One and a half miles

Terrain: Waymarked forest path

Cardinham Woods is beautiful protected woodland, just outside the popular town of Bodmin. Inside the woods, you’ll find a choice of four walking routes - including the very scenic Lady Vale Route, which leads you upstream to the Lady Vale Bridge. Somewhat of a hidden gem, this delightful woodland is often quieter than many of the other beauty spots in the region.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Head over to the nearby Woods Cafe for hearty meals crafted from Cornwall’s local produce.

9. River Fowey Route

Address and map: 15 Well Ln, Liskeard PL14 5ED

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Six miles

Terrain: Waymarked forest path

The last of our dog walks in Cornwall, but by no means least. The River Fowey winds 27 miles from Bodmin Moor into the English Channel. You’ll find plenty of great walking routes along its banks, including the popular Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake Walk. During this route, you’ll get to enjoy stunning sights of moosy woodlands - your dog will love sniffing around the trees and riversides along the way.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The nearby Inkie’s Smokehouse in Liskeard serves up tasty wood-smoked dishes.

Looking to get away with your four legged friend? Check out our dog friendly log cabins in Cornwall!