When it comes to dog walks in Cornwall there is so much choice – the South West Coast Path offers miles of fabulous routes to explore with your four legged friend by your side. There are also wonderful woodland walks and country parks. Explore deep into the woods at Cardinham Woods in Bodmin or take your dog for a coastal walk along the Lizard Peninsula to the gorgeous fishing hamlet of Mullion Cove past the sandy beach of Polurrian Cove. Or take a magical trail along five mile circular Tintagel King Arthur Walk – the opportunities are endless.
Here are some of our favourite dog walks in Cornwall.
Padstow to Harlyn Bay
This walk is nearly seven miles long so not to be undertaken lightly and passes along the dog friendly beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove and at low tide there is a fabulous expanse of sand for them to have a good run off the lead. The Old Custom House Inn, the Shipwrights, the London Inn and the Old Ship Hotel in Padstow are all dog-friendly pubs close by.
STAY AT: Trequite, Cornwall
Cawsand to Whitsands Bay
This walk offers plenty of wide spaces for your dog to run around. The route takes in the Rame Peninsula around Rame Head to the lovely sandy beach of Whitsand Bay which is dog-friendly year round. Your dog will love this walk as it passes beaches and pubs along the way.
STAY AT: Westcroft Guesthouse, Cornwall
St Mawes to St Just Church
Take the coastal path from St Mawes Castle continuing north taking the left hand fork which takes you to St Just exploring the history and wildlife of Cornwall’s Roseland peninsula. Don’t forget to stop for tea and cake at Miss V’s teashop in the gardens of St Just.
STAY AT: Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall
Mullion Cove to Poldhu
A short but wonderful walk to the fishing village of Mullion Cove, this route continues along the sandy beach of Polurrian Cove and on the Poldhu Cove. Offering a fabulous expanse of sand, make sure to visit the famous Poldhu beach cafe which is open year round for delicious coffee and cake.
STAY AT: Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa, Cornwall
Cardinham Woods
Cardinham Woods, run by the Forestry Commission, offers four marked paths to explore. Each trail takes you deep into the woods and you can choose from a picturesque route for all abilities, more moderate routes, or a walk along the river with a tough ascent to reach the old lead and silver mines of Wheal Glynn. There are amazing viewpoints, historical landmarks as well as beds of bluebelles. Dog-friendly Woods Cafe serves up delicious tea and cakes and there’s a barbecue area and a picnic area too.
STAY AT: Fowey Valley, Cornwall
The Lizard Coastal Walk
This coastal walk on the most southerly part of coast, the Lizard Peninsula takes you from Kynance Cove with its gorgeous rock cliffs to Lizard Point, a darkly dramatic, rocky promontory. Begin your walk at the National Trust Kynance Cove car park and follow the signs along the South West Coast Path towards Lizard Point. Follow the cliff path and most importantly make sure your dog is kept on its lead as some parts of the walk are unprotected. Discover shipwrecks below the cliffs on Pentreath beach, a shark or two in the deep turquoise waters, beautiful white beaches, and the Victorian lifeboat station at Polpeor Cove. Enjoy fabulous crab sandwiches and Cornish pasties at dog-friendly Kynance Cafe before you head off.
STAY AT: Polurrian on The Lizard, Cornwall
Holywell to Crantock Circular Walk
A lovely walk which combines a visit to the Holy Well, taking you along the sandy beach and dunes of Holywell is the Holywell Bay to Crantock circular walk via Porth Joke and Crantock. The walk returns along the poppy fields of West Pentire and the Cubert Common nature conservation area.
STAY AT: Offshore, Cornwall
Port Isaac to Port Quin
Starting in the historic and picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac this walk takes you along the dramatic coastline of Lobber Point, Varley Head and Pine Haven – where more often than not you’ll spot a seal hiding in one of the secluded coves. Descend down into the sleepy cove of Port Quin for a run on the beach and then take a short cut back across the cliffs through pretty woodlands and fields.
STAY AT: Albany, Cornwall
Idless Woods
Located approximately two miles from Truro, Idless Woods is a stunning woodland with four different wooded areas – Bishops Wood, St Clement Wood, Lord’s Wood and Ladies Wood with 2.8 miles of tracks for you and your dog to explore. The walk is a mix of wonderful secluded woodland with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, ferns and brambles as well as tall pines. It’s a great place for all seasons and will guarantee four-legged fun.
STAY AT: Hawthorn Cottage, Cornwall
Tintagel King Arthur Walk
This is a five mile circular walk around Tintagel, made famous by the Victorian poets such as Tennyson who immortalised it in his ‘Idyll of Kings’. The walk takes you to Tintagel church, along the cliffs, outside the village and then you will follow a series of paths running parallel to the coast going down to Trebarwith Strand. You then return to Tintagel alongside the coast where you pass the historic quarries and the magic ruins of King Arthur’s castle, making this one of our top dog walks in Cornwall.
STAY AT: Hunter’s Inn, Cornwall
Your Top Dog Walks In Cornwall
Let us know your favourite dog walks in Cornwall in the comments below!