21 Best Dog Walks in Cornwall to Explore and Venture -

Rugged ridges, crisp fresh air, and wind blowing your face almost every step you take. Sounds perfect? There’s a high chance your fur buddy thinks so, too! WWB will give you the secret to the best dog walks in Cornwall!

Whether you’re a resident, visiting tourist, or well-travelled with your pet, sink your teeth (pun intended) into your guide to pet friendly holidays in Cornwall! Take your pick of sandy, grassy, or windy paths in our top choices of dog walks in this ancient Celtic land.

At a glance, the best dog walks in Cornwall are:

1.Tintagel King Arthur Walk

2. Padstow To Harlyn Bay

3. Holywell Bay

4. St Agnes Beach To Wheal Coates

5. Poldhu To Mullion Cove

6. Helston To Loe Bar

7. Kynance Cove To Lizard Point

8. Trelissick Gardens Woodland Walk, Truro

9. Lantivet Bay Circular Walk, Lansallos

10. Gribbin Head Walk, Fowey Estuary

11. Frenchman’s Creek, Helford

12. Cape Cornwall

13. Tehidy Woods Circular Path

14. Botallack, Penzance

15. Nanjizal Beach, Porthgwarra

16. Lanhydrock

17. Idless Woods

18. Cardinham Woods Lady Vale Walk, Bodmin

19. Stowe’s Hill Minions Circular Walk, Bodmin Moor

20. Cawsand to Whitsand Bay

21. Mount Edgcumbe and the Rame Peninsula

DISCLOSURE

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North Cornwall Dog Walks (Coastal And Country Walks)

best dog walk cornwall tintagel king arthur

1.Tintagel King Arthur Walk

Type: Coastal walk

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty level: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: King Arthur’s Arms Inn

Is your dog as adventurous as you are? Then bring your pup to the best coast walks in Cornwall, seemingly from the medieval ages, with a castle (Tintagel Castle) thrown in for good measure! Some parts include steep stairs and may require you to carry your puppy.

Tip: If you are all for romance, Victorian tourists loved to drop by Tintagel because Tennyson, the poet, crafted the setting for the tale of King Arthur here!

2. Padstow To Harlyn Bay

Type: Country and beach walk

Distance: 6.9 miles

Difficulty level: High

Dog-friendly facilities: The Golden Lion, The Cornish Arms

Trek along the extremes from sandy paths of beaches such as Harlyn and Trevone to the rugged coasts up to Stepper Point. Save up your energy for the coves, caves, estuary, and even a “Doom Bar” along the way. Talk about dog friendly beach holidays in Cornwall!

You may let your pooch off-lead for some parts, but note that there are areas with resident cows and sheep grazing.

3. Holywell Bay

Type: Beach Walk

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty Level: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: The Treguth Inn

If your pup is a free spirit at heart, this is the perfect spot to capture that scene where sand sprays from its paws as it gallops against the wind. The backdrop? Perfect golden sand, grassy dunes, bodyboarders, and playing children. Cue one of the best dog beaches in Cornwall!

Need I entice you further? The car park is free for all National Trust members!

Note: There may be adders in the dunes, especially in sunny weather. Keep an eye on your dog and seek immediate attention if bitten.

4. St Agnes Beach To Wheal Coates

Type: Coastal walk

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty level: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: Blue Bar Porthtowan

Did you know that mining landscapes from Wheal Coates are UNESCO World Heritage Sites? This means that these humble mine buildings are on par with The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal! Now that’s one way for your fur buddy to boast that it went on Cornwall dog friendly holidays.

The circular walk includes a gentle climb to Wheal Coates and down the path to Chapel Porth Beach. Make sure that the tide is out before you explore the pools and rock formations.

South Cornwall Dog Walks (Coastal, Beach, And Forest Walks)

5. Poldhu To Mullion Cove

Type: Coastal and beach walk

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: The Old Inn

Talk about a “walk of fame”. Both you and your pup will pass by the location where England’s first transatlantic telegraphy signals were broadcasted (in 1901), AND where John Wesley once preached! If you’re a bird lover, visit in autumn when the elusive marsh harrier may visit!

This walk passes by dog-friendly facilities such as the Poldhu Cove and lunch options such as the Old Inn (Mullion).

6. Helston To Loe Bar

Type: Country walk

Distance: Up to 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: The Halzephron Inn

If you’re a lover of all things green, try this dog walk where you are likely to encroach upon all sorts of trees deep in the country! Heads up, for you are also likely to bump into horses or deers on this well-rounded trail.

Halfway into this walk, you’ll be along the perimeter of the Loe Pool, enjoying great views of the pool and finally into Loe Bar.

Note: Stay out of the tide, for the waters of Loe Bar are known to be treacherous. Also, consider parking your car for free at ‘Fair Car Park’ from Helston Boating Lake!

7. Kynance Cove To Lizard Point

Type: Coastal walk

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: Wavecrest Cafe

Kynance Cove is known as the most iconic beach in Cornwall, and no wonder! The colors are practically jumping with life in the summertime, while wintertime signals freedom for dog owners to bring their buddies to the beach (it is only dog friendly from 1st October to Easter Sunday each year).

The path from the beach to the coastal walk is pretty steep with some slippery rocks, which may require you to carry your dog across.

8. Trelissick Gardens Woodland Walk, Truro

Type: Country walk

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: The Punch Bowl & Ladle

This walk brings you from the car park, past the Fal estuary, the breathtaking riverbank, and fairytale woods. Follow the path and take a left at the fork to bring you back to the car park.

Tip: Visit Crofters, the dog-friendly cafe after your walk–the outside courtyard has water bowls and appropriately-distanced tables.

best dog walks cornwall lantivet bay circular walks

9. Lantivet Bay Circular Walk, Lansallos

Type: Coastal and beach walk

Distance: 2.8 miles

Difficulty: High

Dog-friendly facilities: Blue Peter Inn

This fairly demanding circular walk will bring you crossing streams and descending slopes. You may need to carry your dog over the three-stone nigh stiles after Lansallos church.

The coastline reflects the history of the area, where smugglers were known to land spirits at Lantic Bay. The Coastguard Watch House was erected to prevent smuggling activities.

Tip: Check in with Blue Peter Inn for one of the holiday lodges in Cornwall dog friendly!

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10. Gribbin Head Walk, Fowey Estuary

Type: Coastal, beach, and wood walks

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: The Ship Inn

What makes this one of the best walks in Cornwall is this. Rich with grassy wildflowers, it is no wonder that author Daphne du Maurier chose this area as the setting for many of her books. This walk ends at the spectacular coast at Polridmouth, which is dog-friendly all year! Keep an eye out for the shipwreck that can be seen at low tide.

11. Frenchman’s Creek, Helford

Type: Country walk

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: Shipwrights Arms

This lesser-known dog walk in Cornwall is enchanting and mesmerizing in equal measures. To begin with, head to the Helford Village public car park and walk in the direction of Shipwrights Arms pub. Behind Poppygale cottage is a footpath that will bring you to Penarvon Cove. Drink in the views and find the track that will bring you through Frenchman’s Creek.

To get back to the village, enter the yard at Kestle Barton, cross the bridge, and follow the path to the car park.

West Cornwall Dog Walks (Coastal And Beach Walks)

12. Cape Cornwall

Type: Coastal walk

Distance: 4.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: The Queen’s Arms

Are you a history buff? Get ready to be distracted along this walk, situated in a town that used to be a medieval village and later a mining town. Cape Cornwall is one of England’s two capes – did you know that it was actually purchased by Heinz in 1987 before its donation to the National Trust?

Your dog will definitely enjoy this walk along the coastal path dotted with magnificent views of coastal mines! Not to mention the dog-friendly beaches and pubs along the way.

13. Tehidy Woods Circular Path

Type: Coastal and woods walk

Distance: 4.3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: Tehidy Country Park Cafe (dogs outside only)

With 150 acres of woodland, what’s not to love about this walk? To make it more enjoyable, come with a pocket full of nuts to feed the tame squirrels! If you’d like to include the coastal path along the cliffs, take the route to Coombe, cross the Reskajeage Downs, and re-enter Tehidy Country Park through the bluebell woods.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the route around the lake’s perimeter. Bring your pooch to the wooded areas instead for one of the quiet dog walks in Cornwall!

14. Botallack, Penzance

Type: Coastal walk

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: The Queen’s Arms

Start with the Count House and take the path in the direction of the village. After which, stay on the coastal path dotted with remains of the old tin mining works! This no-sweat route is one of the easiest on this list of best dog walks in Cornwall.

Tip: If you’d like a slightly longer walk, take the Coast Path to Levant and turn back at the cliffs with falcon nests.

15. Nanjizal Beach, Porthgwarra

Type: Beach walk

Distance: 2.2 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: Check with accommodation owners

Nanjizal Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Cornwall but is also reputed as the finest beach on this side of the coast. It’s a straightforward path through the fields into the beach – from Trevescan village, go through Trevilley farm, and take a right to emerge into the seaview!

Note: Place your dog on a lead near to the coastline as the path to the beach may be steep.

Central Cornwall Dog Walks (Country And Woods Walk)

16. Lanhydrock

Type: Country walk

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly amenities: Stable Cafe

Dogs are not allowed on the estate’s main gardens, but they are welcome on all trails here! Take a circular walk from the main car park along the River Fowey by keeping to the pathway.

Return to the car park through the woodland gardens and Lanhydrock House. Keep your eyes peeled for grassland flowers, bluebell woods, and all sorts of wildlife.

17. Idless Woods

Type: Woods walk

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Dog-friendly facilities: Woodman’s Cabin

Another walk for the history buff will be this path with fascinating historical sites such as an old gunpowder factory and an old iron age fort. Although the paths here are well maintained, it may get muddy, so get your boots out and line the car with some newspapers.

Note: Trails here are not waymarked so ensure that you know how to get around the area.

18. Cardinham Woods Lady Vale Walk, Bodmin

Type: Woods walk

Distance: 1.5 miles (purple trail)

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: Woods Cafe

As the name suggests, this is a walk that is lady-like with gorgeous views and breathtaking landscapes. Take the track that follows the river path to the Lady Vale Bridge, with a return stretch that includes a short slope.

19. Stowe’s Hill Minions Circular Walk, Bodmin Moor

Type: Country walk

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Fancy the moors? Take this dog-friendly path that starts with “The Hurlers” from the Bronze age, head to the summit, seek the Cheesewring (rock stack), descend to the valley hamlet of Sharptor, and follow the mining trails to complete the circular route.

Note that there may be sheep and ponies around, so keep your dog on a lead.

South-East Cornwall Dog Walks (Coastal Walks)

20. Cawsand to Whitsand Bay

Type: Coastal and beach walks

Distance: 5.2 miles

Difficulty: High

Dog-friendly facilities: Cliff Top Cafe

This path is perfect for those seeking some adrenaline with their pooch. Take the Coast Path through Penlee Woods, and you’ll find yourself facing the sea! Continue west to get to Whitsand Bay, and end the walk with a drink at the local dog-friendly pub or cafes.

This path can be strenuous due to steep climbs between Rame Head and Whitsand Bay.

21. Mount Edgcumbe and the Rame Peninsula

Type: Country walk

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-friendly facilities: The Stables Cafe

Park at the Barrow Centre and head to Mount Edgcumbe House to the grassy avenue. After passing the Amphitheatre, continue along the coast path to The Earl’s Drive and follow signposts to head back to Barrow Centre. Feel free to take the longer route via Maker church or along to Cawsand.

Tips For The Best Dog Walks In Cornwall

Check If The Area Is Dog Friendly

Some beaches are only open to dogs for certain seasons each year, so check beforehand to find out if they have restrictions! It’ll be a waste to arrive with your excited puppy, only to be turned away at the last minute. Some walks also require your dog to be on lead to avoid disturbances to the wildlife.

Be Safe

There are areas along the coastal paths that are unfenced or involve stiles. Your dog may need to be lifted across such obstacles or kept on a lead to prevent slipping into accidents.

FAQs

What Can You Do With Dogs At Cornwall?

Does your dog enjoy adrenaline-rushed trips or quiet strolls down paths? For both options, you can consider bringing your dog on one of the best dog walks in Cornwall along coastal paths or woody areas. Enjoy refreshments at any dog-friendly cafes or pubs after your adventurous walks!

Where Do You Stop With Your Dog In Cornwall?

Cornwall is not short of fantastic scenes and views. Feel free to stop anytime you spot an idyllic scene to spend time with your dog walking the outdoors or chilling in one of the many dog-friendly facilities in Cornwall! There are also options for pet-friendly accommodation.

Conclusion

From the misty woods to the windy coasts, these are the best dog walks in Cornwall as recommended by WWB! Take note of the difficulty levels and location to determine which adventure to bring your dog on.

Additionally, pay attention to the handy tips and dog-friendly facilities above to make it a memorable outing with your fur buddy.

Know any other avid dog walkers in Cornwall? Other than the amazing chance to meet and connect, grab the opportunity to share this treasure trove of dog walks with them. This way, both you and your dog will have company – all the more reason to go for more walks then!

21 Best Dog Walks in Cornwall to Explore and Venture