Walking the Coast Path is an enjoyable experience and if you have a four-legged friend who loves to walk (and what dog doesn’t!) there is nothing more special than taking a hike with your furry companion by your side. With over 630 miles of South West Coast Path to explore we have highlighted six circular walks (one for every 100 miles of the Trail) that are dog friendly because they take in a beach or pub that welcomes them – so plenty of excuses (if you needed them) to get out and explore the Path with your pooch.
Morte Point Walk – NORTH DEVON
Level: Moderate
Distance: 4.6 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/116/
An inspiring walk through an area of rare coastal heathland, where in spring, birds call from bushes laden with blossom and the maritime grasslands are full of wildflowers and early insects. Look out for seals and even dolphins. The deadly ‘devil’s teeth’ rocks along the spine of Morte Point continue underwater and have been responsible for many shipwrecks over the centuries. This walk is particularly good for dogs as it passes a beach and pubs where dogs are welcome.
Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Drive
SOUTH DEVON
Level: Easy
Distance: 4.3 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/91/
The many faces of maritime South Devon in one walk; the wild open sea and rugged coast, a sheltered estuary, wooded riverbanks, and the waterfront villages of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers with their chocolate box charm. To improve the accessibility of this walk, in 2017, funds raised by the South West Coast Path Association enabled us to buy new oak gates that were installed along the whole of this route by the National Trust. A perfect walk with dogs, that is also accessible in parts for wheelchairs, trampers, and pushchairs.
Durdle Door and White Nothe
DORSET
Level: Challenging
Distance: 7 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/60/
A walk to take your breath away in every sense of the word! There are spectacular coastal views from the high paths trodden by people since Stone Age times, with tremendous vistas over the chalk stacks and arches carved by the sea in Jurassic times. A good walk in late Spring and early summer, when the limestone grassland beside the path is full of flowers and butterflies. A good walk, too, for dogs, which are allowed on the beaches at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove throughout the year.
Cape Cornwall
WEST CORNWALL
Level: Moderate
Distance: 5.2 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/701/
A walk through a tumbledown landscape of old mines and mills, as well as ancient forts, barrows and a fifth-century oratory. Starting in St Just – a small town with rich mining heritage and England’s most westerly town – the walk joins the Coast Path at Kenidjack Castle, the site of an Iron Age fort. From here it travels around Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel, to Porth Nanven, also known as Dinosaur Egg beach. This walk passes two beaches and two pubs where dogs are welcome.
Bude Coast and Canal
NORTH CORNWALL
Level: Moderate
Distance: 5.7 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/34/
The walk takes in the Coast Path with lovely sea views, before turning inland across farmland to join the canal towpath back to Bude. An excellent walk for children – if the weather is good, take a picnic and watch the boats and kayaks on the canal – or why not hire one yourself and take your picnic upstream?
A fine route in spring, when there are ducklings and even cygnets on the canal, the hedges are full of primroses and celandines and warblers sing in the blossom-covered bushes. A great walk for dogs as it passes a beach and pubs where dogs are welcome.
Murphy enjoying the view, at Compass Point, Bude. Photo by Alison House
Cremyll Ferry to Kingsand and Cawsand
SOUTH EAST CORNWALL
Level: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles
www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/31/
A walk along a very unusual section of the Coast Path, passing mainly through parkland with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and a wealth of historical interest. Children will love to ramble through the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe, with its many fascinating features, and will enjoy the beach at Kingsand. An especially inspiring walk in early spring, when the National Camellia Collection is in full bloom. There is a beach and pubs on this walk that welcome dogs.
There are many other walks that are listed as dog friendly on the SWCPA website.
Go to DOG FRIENDLY WALKS ON THE COAST PATH
DOG SAFETY
Always keep your dog on a lead when close to cliff edges, wildlife, and livestock.
View Dog Safety Advice
BEACH ACCESS
Some beaches along the south west coastline have dog bans at certain times of the year.
View Beach Access Advice
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
The sights, sounds and smells of the Coast Path make it an absolute haven for our four-legged friends. It’s a great way to make sure they get the exercise they need, along with a healthy dose of mental stimulation, the chance to socialise with other dogs and the opportunity to bond with you.
LEARN MORE HERE
The South West Coast Path 