If you and your pooch are looking for dog-friendly walks in Polperro and its surroundings, then you are not going to be disappointed. You can be sure too that you will be treated to a choice of the best dog-friendly pubs in Polperro and its neighbouring coastal villages.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Polperro
It is said to be one of the prettiest coastal villages in the country and it is clear why it has earned its reputation. South from the fishing village of Looe, this smaller harbour has remained unchanged for centuries, the streets so narrow that cars are banned. This hidden gem has long been discovered by tourists but that hasn’t detracted from its charms.
Due to its absence of cars you and your buddy can explore this Cornish enclave on foot, past the Polperro dog friendly cottages, before heading further afield to embark on one of the best dog walks.
The Best Walks in Polperro for Dogs to Roam
1. Polperro Beach
This is ideal for dainty dog walking in Polperro, perfect for pampered pooches who aren’t up for too much of a trek. You can walk the half-mile down to the village or take a tram and head past the harbour down to the sandy bay for free-roaming on the shoreline.
2. Village Venture
Even though Polperro is not car-friendly it makes up for it with its dog friendly stand. Take the opportunity to give your pooch a treat with a walk through this colourful village. You can pause the “pedometer” frequently by visiting an art gallery, watching the Clog Dancers or simply relaxing in a dog-friendly pub.
3. Polperro to Looe
If your four-legged friend is not paw-shy to a moderate meander, then this 5.7-mile coastal walk is a must. There are plenty of places to explore and rock pools for Rover to investigate. The walk takes in a sixth-century monastery and in autumn you can spot migrant birds.
4. Rollercoaster Walk
This 6.8-mile hike is a strenuous three and a half hours that is not for faint-hearted Fidos. Agile breeds such as Border Collie, greyhound and Jack Russell will relish this up-hill-and-down-dale ramble. Starting at Polruan and ending at Polperro it is a challenge on the cliff tops that have an abundance of wildflowers and butterflies and stunning sea views.
5. Chapel Cliff Walk
It’s only a mile along the cliff path above Polperro harbour and shouldn’t take you more than an hour. A gentle ramble with lots of places to sit and admire the view along the coast of Devon and down to Cornwall, it is perfect for pooch princesses. Look out for smuggler’s caves along the way.
The Best Circular Walks in Polperro for your Dog
1. Forgotten Corner
This circular 6.8-mile walk above Whitsand Bay and along ancient routes will take you high above sea level to woodland and heathland pathways, wetland and a natural reservoir teeming with wildlife. In Cornwall’s “forgotten corner” it is worth the half-hour drive because it is one of the best coastal dog walks in Polperro.
2. Two Coombes of Lansallos
Pack the picnic and the pooch and start up the engine to take the eight-minute drive from Polperro to Lansallos where this circular walk begins. You’ll visit the coves where farmers collected seaweed and sand to improve their soil and into the wooded valley of West Coombe then past Parson’s Cove to East Coombe.
3. St Nunn’s Holy Well
Under a 10-minute drive from Polperro this walk descends from Pelynt into broadleaf woodland following the river. Lassie will need to be lifted over Hobb’s Park stile but if she is small enough, she can squeeze under the gate. At St Nun’s Well, famous for its healing powers, turn back and return via country lanes.
Best Dog-Friendly Coastal Walks in Polperro
1. Talland Bay
Considered moderate to strenuous it follows the coastal path around Talland Hill to Polperro. On this 2.5-mile trek, you and your canine companion will come to the War Memorial with its purple poppies commemorating the eight million horses, donkeys and mules and the million dogs that lost their lives during the two world wars. There are a number of majestic pet friendly beaches in Polperro, so browse the rest for other terrific days out.
2. Lansallos
Prepare for a day out of stunning sea views from the clifftops, down to the two dog-friendly coves at Lansallos. The 7.1-mile route from Polperro dips and climbs into hanging slate valleys and is free of stiles but has some unfenced cliff edges. The walk back to Polperro is along country lanes giving those weary paws a break.
3. Looe
Leave from the south side of Polperro harbour where you and your canine chum will climb above the shoreline on this 5-mile coastal trek that is brimming with ancient history. Steep in places but generally moderate this walk takes in clifftops and bays and has an early Christian holy site and medieval chapel ruins.
Country Park Walks
1. Hall Walk
This four-mile circular walk requires a bus or car trip to either Bodinnick, Polruan or Fowey. Ferries run between all three ports and once on terrafirma your terrier and you can enjoy harbour views before heading through ancient woodland teeming with wildlife. Stop for a break at the majestic Fowey Hall hotel.
2. Church Bridge
Starting out in Duloe this peaceful 4.6-mile riverside ramble follows the West Looe for a mile and involves a wooden bridge. Once in the meadows, you and your buddy will have to negotiate a few stiles. For a true taste of Cornish countryside this route, only a 20-minute drive from Polperro, is a winner.
3. Lavethan near Bodmin
On the edge of Bodmin Moor, famous for its elusive beast, this is a perfect walk for medium-sized pooches that won’t require too much muscle hoisting over stiles. From Bisland village, half an hour drive from Polperro, you start this circular 2.7-mile trail that leads you through two stretches of the Woodland Trust reserve of the magical Lavethan Wood.
Last Word
Coastal walks are the order of the day here but there are also some woodland walks and pet friendly pubs in Polperro surroundings that are up there with the best. Inland, beyond the cliffs and even amongst them you will come across inlets and streams swathed in ancient woodland. When you emerge from you can pick and choose from some of the pubs in Polperro to experience true Cornish hospitality.