Nine dog-friendly walks in Devon
Devon is one of England’s great treats, with history, culture and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Devon is easy and fun for dog owners, thanks to the many dog-friendly walks, restaurants and cottages available. Here are nine dog-friendly walks that will keep you and your dog entertained.
1. Saunton Beach
Address and map: Saunton Road, Saunton, Braunton
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Just over three miles
Terrain: Vast open beaches, some slopes and sand dunes
Saunton Beach is dog-friendly all year round. The only restriction is that your four-legged friend must be on a lead at the start of the beach. There on, your pooch can enjoy three miles of free-roaming sand. The beach is located just beyond Saunton.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Beachside Grill is a great stop after a walk along the beach. They allow dogs on their terrace so you can both enjoy views of the sea.
2. South Milton Sands to Hope Cove
Address and map: South Milton Sands, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JY
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: One and a half miles
Terrain: Sandy beaches, a cliffside walk and hilly in parts
South Milton Sands to Hope Cove is one of the shorter dog walks in Devon. South Milton Sands is just outside Thurlestone. The walk across the dog-friendly beach is great for a paddle and a game of fetch. Further, towards Hope Cove, you will move onto the South West Coast Path. Hope Cove is a traditional fishing village with postcard cottages. Keep in mind that Mouthwell Sands is only dog friendly in the winter months.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Lobster Pod Bistro in Hope Cove is a futuristic dog-friendly restaurant where you can eat in a pod instead of a table. Looking for other places to eat in Devon? Check out our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in Devon!
3. Haldon Forest Park
Address and map: Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XR
Difficulty: Easy or hard, it’s your choice!
Walk length: One mile or six
Terrain: Flat woodland paths, hills and tough off-road surface
On the outskirts of Newton Abbot is Haldon Forest Park, a huge mass of 3,500 acres of woodland, ideal for a day out walking. Your dog will be allowed to explore the forest in no-lead areas and take in their surroundings with pure delight.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Ley Arms is a cosy, dog-friendly 12th-century pub in the village of Kenn.
4. Torcross to Hallsands
Address and map: Torcross, Kingsbridge
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just under two and a half miles
Terrain: Long, flat shingle beaches, hilly coastal walks and small villages
Beginning this walk at Torcross and finishing in Hallsands takes you through some of Devon’s wide and varied history. Torcross Beach provides excellent dog-friendly fun with long open stretches of shingle beach. You’ll also be able to see a Sherman Tank standing proud in memory of American servicemen. At Hallsands, you’ll have the opportunity to look down at what remains of a village swept away during a storm in 1917.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Cricket Inn is set right on the beach in the village of Beesands. Dogs are welcome but only in the bar area.
5. Killerton
Address and map: Killerton House Exeter EX5 3LE
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Two miles to six and a half miles
Terrain: Flat woodland trails, with some uneven ground and hilly areas
Killerton, near the town of Honiton, is a dog-friendly country park with small areas either being guide dog-only or on-lead zones. The circular routes change from open plains to wildlife-filled woods and even extinct volcanoes. There are good dog facilities at Killerton with water bowl points, dog waste bins and a hose to clean your mucky pup after a fun walk.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Red Lion is a cosy dog-friendly pub, in the village of Broadclyst, dating back to the 16th-century.
6. Salcombe to Bolt Head
Address and map: South Sands Beach, Salcombe TQ8 8LJ
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: A short walk, at just one mile
Terrain: A gradual rise in gradient over the walk
The Salcombe to Bolt Head walk starts on South Sands, in South Devon, which welcomes dogs, off-season, from the 1st of October to the 30th of April. This gradual walk is one of Devon’s easier walking routes but still offers stunning views. You can expect to encounter a panoramic view of the estuary from Bolt Head. There is lots to see and do in Salcombe, so definitely worth a visit.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: East Soar Walkers Hut is not far from Bolt Head and welcomes dogs on leads. It relies on an honesty box and the owners bake cakes and provide hot drinks for walkers.
7. Wistmans Wood
Address and map: Car Park for Wistman's Wood, B3357, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6SR
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: One mile to Wistman’s Woods, then three hectares of exploration
Terrain: Rough and rocky woodland terrain
If you fancy a trip into Dartmoor National Park, Wistman’s Woods is a great choice. With a wood of twisted, ancient trees, haunting rocks and strange tales, both you and your dog can have an adventure. Not far from where you begin your walk is the small village of Postbridge, where you can rest after your exploration.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Two Bridges Hotel is dog-friendly; phone to book a meal.
8. Branscombe to Beer
Address and map: Branscombe, Seaton EX12 3DB
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just over three miles
Terrain: Hilly, steep trails, villages and coastal paths
Beginning in Branscombe and moving down towards the dog-friendly pebble beach for a quick run around, before the climb up to join the South West Coast Path. Once the steep climb is over, you can enjoy the coastal views from Hooken Cliffs and Beer Head. Beer is nestled on the Jurassic Coast near the large town of Seaton. The beach is dog friendly during the winter.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Barrel of Beer is a great dog-friendly pub with excellent beer.
9. Ashclyst Forest
Address and map: Forest Gate Car Park, Long Meadow, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Three miles
Terrain: Forest trails, uneven paths and flat.
Run by the National Trust, Ashclyst Forest is set in East Devon. Although not an official nature reserve, its circular walk acts as a lush sanctuary for a myriad of flowers, insects and animals. Particularly popular with dog walkers alike, this forest provides your sniffing friend with a wide variety of delights.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Red Lion is a nearby quaint 16th-century pub with dog-friendly tables available to book.
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