South West Dog Friendly Walks
Here is a list of dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
Crantock Beach (West Cornwall) – Dogs are allowed all year
Fistral Beach (West Cornwall) - Dogs allowed all year
Harbour Beach – Dogs allowed all year
Towan Beach (West Cornwall)– Dogs allowed all year
Great Western Beach (West Cornwall) – Dogs allowed all year
Porthallow Beach (South Cornwall) – Dogs allowed all year
Mawgan Porth (North Cornwall) – Dogs allowed all year
Watergate Bay (North Cornwall)– Dogs allowed all year
Widemouth Bay Beach (North Cornwall)– Dogs allowed all year
Caerhays Beach, Porthluney beach (East Cornwall)– Dogs allowed all year
Par Sands beach (East Cornwall) – Dogs allowed all year
Pentreath beach, (South Cornwall) – Dogs allowed all year
Walks in the South West
Cornwall
Camel Trail - This dog friendly walk follows the path of a disused railway line. 11 miles of traffic free safe walking, mainly level pathways suitable for cycling and dog walking. The trail joins the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstowe and takes you through beautiful Woodland and Costal areas of Cornwall.
Cotehele - (Near Saltash). Use the National Trust car park which is dog friendly and follow the footpath signs past the old chapel and up to the viewing point where you can see the Taymar. You can follow signs past Cotehele House and then either to the Cotehele Mill or Cotehele Quay.
Kings Wood - Near: London Apprentice nr St. Austell, Cornwall. Size:58.61 ha (144.83 acres) Grid ref:SX007487. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 204, Explorer 105, Explorer 107. Lying on a steep valley side of the Pentewan Valley, Kings Wood is well loved and well used by local communities, thanks in part to its prominence on the local landscape. Visible from local homes, amenities and roads from St Austell to Mevagissey, it is a popular spot for dog walking, recreation and for people with a keen interest in the natural environment. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Cardinham - From Bodmin take the A38 towards Liskeard. 400 metres beyond the Carminnow Cross roundabout follow the brown tourist signs left and then left again into Cardinham Woods. Cardinham is a beautiful mixed woodland, popular with local dog walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. A choice of waymarked trails will take you deep into the woods to discover stunning viewpoints and an intriguing history. Then make your way back and stop in at Woods cafe for a cuppa and some homemade cake. Or treat the family to lunch! This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Herodsfoot - From the B3359 East Taphouse to Looe road turn off at the junction signposted to Herodsfoot. Nestling within the West Looe Valley, Herodsfoot is the place to escape to when it's not beach weather. Bring your family to this quiet woodland and you will be able to walk and cycle safely away from any busy roads. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Idless - From Truro follow the signs to the village of Idless. Continue through the village for a further mile. The entrance to the wood is on the right hand side. Tucked away far down the peninsula, Idless offers a large area of beautiful mixed woodland in which to enjoy a range of both adventurous and more relaxed activities. It is particularly popular with local horse riders, dog walkers and orienteering groups. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Roughtor - From the A39 at Camelford follow the signs to Roughtor. A scenic moorland car park leads you either directly onto Roughtor Moor itself or into the woodland. A great place for a picnic in summer, or a place to shelter from the windswept moor during the winter. Archaeological features are all around the site and provide a stunning backdrop for a day of walking. The views from the tor itself are magnificent, looking across into the heart of Bodmin Moor. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Devon
Antsey's Cove - Situated between Babbacombe and Torquay near the Palace Hotel, Antsy's Cove nesteles between high cliffs and thickly wooded hillside and is the perfect place to start a coastal walk with your dog.
Branscombe beach - Located between Exeter and Lyme Regis and is sign posted from the A3052. An unspoilt shingle beach in a peaceful natural setting. Popular coastal walks are accessible from the beach and dogs are allowed off lead in some areas of the beach.
Dart Valley Trail, Dittisham, South Devon - The trail covers 16 miles of signposted tracks along the estuary and through the valley of Totnes. Parking can be found at Dittisham, Greenway or Kingswear. Enjoy the views as you walk through ancient woodland, along by a steam railway line and along the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers. You can also take a trip over the estuary by a dog friendly ferry.
Haytor Rocks - Parking at Haytor Lower car park (Near Bovey Tracey) Follow the paths across the moors visiting Haytor rocks and Haytor Quarries.
Ideford Common - A network of footpaths around the common which can take you through beautiful heath land and forest. The paths can be rough and muddy.
Lustleigh Cleave (Dartmoor) - (Use a Map) From the church at Lustleigh follow the lane towards Rudge, taking the right fork, then turn right at the chapel. Turn left by oakhurst and follow the signed path turning left past the thatched cottages. turn right at the T junction then left onto the bridlepath for Lustleigh Cleave. Using a map, follow the paths to Horsham Steps then on to Hunters Tor. Then for the return journey follow the ridge path to Harton Chest, then through the woods, making your way back to Lustleigh village.
The Tarka Trail- Over 30 miles of traffic free walking or cycling for you and your dogs. Following the route of a disused railway line, the path stretches between Braunton & Meeth in North Devon. A variety of scenary through unspoil countryside.
The South West Coast Path - Westward Ho to 'The Thatched Inn' at Abbotsham, North Devon - Aprox 4 miles each way (Note: all styles have a dog gate next to them). Travel to Westward Ho by car or by bus from Barnstaple and start the walk heading west along the sea front, with the sea on your right. The first mile of the walk is on a made path so is suitable for pushchairs & wheelchairs. Continue on the path through the gate and after a further mile cross the first style on your left and head up the hill. At the top turn left along the edge of the field until you come to the road. Turn right on to the road, then right at the T Junction following signs to Abbotsham. When you reach the village take a left and you will find 'The Thatched Inn' 50 yards on your left. The pub is dog friendly and serves fantastic food, so it is a great place to stop for refreshments. You can then retrace your steps back to Westward Ho, or jump on a bus. The coastal path follows the coast line for miles, so the walk can be extended if you prefer.
Dorset
Blue Pool - Furzebrook Nr Wareham - Set north of the Purbeck Hills between Wareham and Corfe Castle off the A351. The blue bool is set in 25 acres of woodland interlaced with sandy paths. A tranquil walk with lovely views. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times and are not permitted to swim (Open from 1 March to 30 November).
Chesil Cove - Part of the 18 mile long Chesil beach is dog friendly all year round.
Durlston Country Park - Lighthouse Road, Swanage. 280 acre countryside paradise with 4 clearly marked trails to follow and footpaths passing through meadows, woodland, and coastal areas. Open all year round and dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control or on leads
Langdon Hill Wood, National Trust Golden Cap Estate - Situated off the A35 between Bridport and Charmouth. Partly consisting of a surfaced track but also with
Duncliffe Wood - Near:Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Size:92.16 ha (227.73 acres). Grid ref:ST826222. OS map sheets: OS Landranger 183, Explorer 129. Prominent on the summits of Duncliffe Hill, just west of Shaftesbury, and rising out of Blackmoor Vale, this large ancient woodland site can be spotted from miles around. A designated site of nature conservation interest, it has a rich mix of woodland species, including what are reported to be the oldest living things in Dorset - a scattering of coppice stools of small-leaved limes. Surrounding the woodland, the landscape is characterised by sweeping valleys and rounded hills with woodland dominating the scarp faces. Upper Greens and hills and scarps are a major feature here and often used as the setting for historic parks and ancient woodland. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Gloucestershire
Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury - Follow the footpaths along the River Coln, stop for lunch at the dog friendly pub 'Bilbury Court' then return along the river back to your starting point.
Crickley Hill Country Park - 6 miles east of Gloucester. Crickley Hill has six trails indicated by coloured posts which can be followed (The guide map is available from the visitors centre). As well as fantastic views and a picnic area, there is archaelogical and geological interest. popular with dog walkers.
Neigh Bridge to Somerford Keys - A peaceful walk around the Cotswold Water Park area passing through the beautiful Cotswold countryside along parts of the river and there is even a beach where your dogs can have a swim. Park in the Neigh Bridge Car Park, about 4 miles south of Cirencester, just 25 minutes from Junction 15 of the M4.
Silk Wood, Westonbirt Arboretum - 600 Acres of Dog Friendly Woodland walks (Dogs are allowed off lead throughout the entire woods) Parking can be found at the Arboretum and there are specialy marked trails that can be followed.
Woodchester Park - Dursley Road off B4066 Stroud - A beautiful secluded valley with paths criss-crossing the valley sider offering spectacular views of the valley and the mansion. Follow the trails through picturesque scenary past a chain of five lakes. Dogs welcome but should be kept on leads.
Cadora Woods - Near:Redbrook, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire. Size:111.7 ha (276.02 acres).Grid ref:SO536076. OS map sheets: Explorer 14 The look, character and richness of Cadora Woods, part of the striking landscape of the lower Wye valley, is in the process of change. Among its most notable features is a rich supply of old trees, thought to derive from the original natural woodland and a large number of archaeological features. Split into a number of compartments, a section of the site - Bigsweir Woods, is a site of special scientific interest while Causeway Grove is an ancient coppiced woodland now mainly dominated by sycamore. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Somerset
Cheddar Gorge & Caves - Situated on the B3135 at the top of the Mendip hills. The caves themselves are dog friendly and there is a three mile cliff top walk with spectacular views. Dogs should be kept on leads near the cliff edge.
Bristol Woodlands - Via M5 junction 19, follow the A369 towards Bristol. Leigh Woods is signed off this road after you have passed through Abbots Leigh. The Forestry Commission manages a number of small woodlands in the Abbots Leigh and Ashton area of Bristol. The most popular is Leigh Woods where there are waymarked walking trails and views of the Avon Gorge. West Tanpit and Ashton Hill Woods provide other short walks. Paradise Bottom has historic interest and fine displays of bluebells and ramsons in the spring time. Fifty Acre Wood contains part of the Timberland Trail, an off road cycling route
Quantock Forest - Between Bridgwater and Minehead, just below the highest peaks of the Quantock Hills, lies the magnificent Great Wood. This large mixed woodland is characterised by its hills, steepsided combes and babbling streams. Starting from the car park at Seven Wells, a three mile walking trail through Great Wood winds its way past the brook hopefully giving you the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Wiltshire
Brokerswood Country Park - From the A363, Follow the road through North Bradley as far as the Rising Sun pub, and take a left turn at the roundabout. Turn left off the right hand bend just before Southwick, and follow the lane for 2.5 miles. Brokerswood is on the right. Brokerswood is a magical place enjoyed by dogs, adults and children alike. A precious 80 acre fragment of the ancient forest of Selwood, it's a place where nature provides a new surprise every time you return.
Nightingale Wood - Via M4 junction 15, take the A419 towards Cirencester and follow signs to South Marston. Entrance is opposite the Nightingale Hotel. Nightingale Wood in South Marston is a unique wildlife site. It is a new woodland and wetland area on an ex-agricultural site. The mixed trees here are still in the early stages of growth but already a new woodland can be seen to be emerging. There are hard surface paths throughout. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.