When it comes to hunting down dog-friendly walks in Devon, it can be tricky to know exactly where to start! This end of the country is well-known for its blissful beach strolls, its magnificent cliff sides and its ice cream. However, you’ll also likely find that it is a genuine haven for dog lovers and pets, too.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Delightful Devon
If you’ve never been dog walking in Devon before, then check out the selection we listed in our search for the best place to walk dogs in the UK. To plan your full day you could head over to our guide on the top dog pubs in Devon and beyond.
The Best Walks in Devon for Dogs to Explore and Enjoy
1. Branscombe to Beer
This adventurous walk is one of the most famous in the Devonshire region, and it’s even hosted by the National Trust! Backing off from the village of Branscombe itself, this is a lovely rugged walk with plenty of slopes – so take caution if walking with pets.
2. Fingle Bridge, Dartmoor
Fancy stepping back in time? There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore Devon’s medieval past. Fingle Bridge is deep in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, offering an amazing stone arch that curves over the blissful flow of the River Teign.
3. The Jurassic Coast
Can you really say you’ve looked at dog walks in Devon and not have thought about the Jurassic Coast? This stretch of cliff and coast extends all the way into Dorset and is millions of years in the making. There are villages, trails and more along the way to explore! Dog friendly beaches in Devon are some of the most popular days out when visiting here.
4. Porlock Vale, Exmoor
Over in Exmoor National Park is the stunning Porlock Vale. This quaint building backs onto exquisite riverside walks, as well as rolling moorland for you and your pet to enjoy strolling along at your leisure. There are tons to see in the National Parks. Take a look around for yourself!
5. The Tarka Trail, Barnstaple
The Tarka Trail is one of the best-loved dog trails in the north of Devon, offering a stunning 180 miles of sheer walking heaven. Don’t take it all on at once! There are towns and scenes along the way in the shape of Bideford and Meeth, too. A great introduction to Devon.
Top Rated and Best Coastal Dog Walks in Devon
1. Thurleston Beach, Kingsbridge
Thurleston Beach is something of a coastal marvel in the south of Devon, as it’s actually several coastal strolls rolled into one. Ideal for pups that love sandy straights, this walk is also great for golf lovers and those looking for quieter family attractions in the southern part of the county.
2. Hope Cove to Bolberry Down
This coastal trail will take you just over five miles to cover in its entirety, and along the way, you can take in the incredible seafront, cove escapes, and lots of little footpaths to literally take you off the beaten track. There are pubs and cafes along the way, too!
3. Westward Ho!
This seaside village with a great name is famous for its perfectly pebbled sands, offering you a glimpse or two of Bideford Bay while linking back towards the A39 – so it’s really well connected. Take a stroll through the village scenery and make sure to spy bracing sea views.
Fantastic Forest and Woodland Walks in Devon with Dogs
1. Ashclyst Forest, East Devon
Backing onto the revered Killerton Estate, Ashclyst Forest remains one of the most picturesque, unspoilt woodland plots you can ever hope to take your dog to in Devon. This magical haven offers you the chance to do some serious birdwatching – it’s abundant with local wildlife.
2. Eggesford Forest, Eggesford
Eggesford Forest is Devonshire woodland with a genuine history behind it. It was actually one of the first forests ‘planted’ by the Commission! It’s a large, sprawling wooded patch that has many connections and pathways weaving in and out, making it a superb dog-friendly adventure you’ll want to see more of.
3. Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
Haldon Forest Park isn’t just popular with dog walkers, but with cyclists, too. This is a beautifully arranged woodland walking and biking zone, offering many different trails and loops for you and your furry friend to explore at your leisure. There are 3,500 acres of it to check out!
Circular Walks in Devon Your Dogs Will Love
1. Dunkery and Horner Wood, Exmoor
This gentle yet memorable three-mile trail will take you around the woodland at this National Trust site in a neat circle, offering you and your pup the chance to take in the wonderful foliage and all the wildlife you can spot. It’s one of many highlights in this National Park.
2. The Plym Valley Walk, Plym Bridge
If you fancy something a little more daring, the Plym Valley Walk offers a moderate stroll for active dogs. This five-mile trail is a bit of an adventure in and of itself, offering glimpses of wildlife, random terrain and canal sides. It runs in a circle, so you’re unlikely to get lost at any point!
3. Heddon’s Mouth Circular, Exmoor
One last trip to the National Park – Heddon’s Mouth’s circular trail is a lovely coastal stretch that only runs for around two miles, but which takes you from the bracing seaside up towards the best of the wildlife thickets of Exmoor. Take your time and take it all in!
Last Word
As you can see, Devon is a county that’s full of surprises. Some people may assume that it is merely a coastal county with heritage sites on offer. However, there are lots of wooded walks, holidays with dogs in Devon and National Trust sites for you to dip into at your leisure.
We also cover Devon dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays here.
The best part is, some of the trails and longer walk here will connect right into Dorset, making for an even larger adventure if you have the time and the inclination! Why not check out some of the best pet friendly days out in Devon while you’re at it? Find something to complement all the best dog walks on this list!
Devonshire is a county that never really ages. It’s wonderfully well-preserved thanks to the National Trust and thousands of volunteers, meaning you and your pets should always have something interesting to do in the local area. Surprisingly, there are still plenty of walks and trails in the county that remain fairly sparse, meaning if you’d like a quiet getaway, you shouldn’t find it too tricky to plan ahead.
We hope you’ve found this guide useful – we’ve based it on our own experience as well as on reviews from other dog lovers! Explore Devon in your own time and see how you get on – there are lots of good places to walk dogs here.