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Top 10 Dog Walks in Devon

There are a myriad of wonderful dog walks in Devon that you and your best furry friend will love from the South West coast path which stretches across 205 miles to the forests, moorlands, valley trails and craggy landscapes of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks as well as Castles and country parks too.

Embark on one of these countless trails and enjoy the fantastic views, fresh air and off lead frolics. You may even discover some interesting haunts and historic sites along the way. Here are 10 of our favourite dog walks in Devon!

Porlock Woodland to Coastal Walk

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Image source: Porlock Weir

 This walk takes you along the South West Coast Path where you can enjoy a woodland walk as well as a stroll along the beach. Begin your walk along the western side of Porlock Bay wending your way along the hills above Porlock Weir ending the walk on Porlock Beach.

STAY AT: The Northfield Hotel, Somerset

Thurlestone Beach

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Image source: Visit South Devon

This National Trust beach is close to Kingsbridge and offers a mix of hilly and flat beach walks. You could also take a walk along the South West Coastal path from Thurlestone to Bigbury with three dog-friendly beaches along the way.

STAY AT: Thurlestone Hotel, Devon

Castle Drogo and Cod Wood

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Image Source: Visit Devon

This is a truly stunning circular walk which includes fabulous views as well as areas where your dog can be let off the lead. Start the walk at Lutyens designed Castle Drogo, follow the footpath from the car park into the valley, past Fingle Bridge, stopping for a drink in the Fingle Bridge Inn. Enjoy your riverside walk before going up the hill through Cod Wood with its incredibly conifer trees and crossing the bridge picking up the path back to Drogo.

STAY AT: Bovey Castle & Spa, Devon

Berry Head, Brixham

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A fairly easy but delightful headland walk with amazing views across Torbay, a Special Area of Conservation and a National Trust preserve. There is plenty to sniff out and see on this walk. It is popular with naturalists as well as bird spotters and there is a guillemot colony which you can see in the cliffs. 

STAY AT: Beach Cottage at the Cary Arms, Devon

Kingswear Circuit

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Image source: South West Coast Path

A gorgeous four mile circuit that takes in Brownstone Battery and offers some astonishing views of the River Dart and the sea. The main section of the walk runs between Kingswear and Coleton Fishacre and you can still see the observation posts of the Battery used in WW2 which was built to protect the Dart Estuary and the nearby beaches of Slapton and Blackpool Sands. After your walk, repair to a dog-friendly pub like the Ship Inn.

STAY AT: Beach Cottage at The Cary Arms, Devon

Branscombe to Beer

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Image source: South West Coast Path

This three mile coastal walk takes in some fabulous countryside and cliffs. You start at the centre of Branscombe Village and pass the historic forge, the Old Bakery and the Manor Mill before arriving at Branscombe beach. Follow the Jurassic Coast path to Hooken Cliff with its stunning views and arrive at the delightful village of Beer, where you will find numerous dog-friendly pubs including the Anchor Inn. You could return on the South West Coast Path, making this one of our most scenic dog walks in Devon.

STAY AT: Mill End Hotel, Devon

The Tarka Trail

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Image source: Visit Lynton and Lynmouth

Definitely one of the best loved dog-friendly routes – the Tarka Trail is a 32 mile long path which runs from the North Devon coast to Meeth in Mid Devon. The route wends its way from Braunton to Barnstaple, then to Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and finally Meeth. There are wonderful views along the way as well as plenty of pubs and cafes. Try the Barnstaple to Bideford route which you can stop off at Instow or Fremington Quay for something to eat.

STAY AT: The Fox & Hounds Country Hotel, Devon

Ashclyst Forest

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Image source: National Trust

 A gorgeous forest in East Devon which forms part of the Killerton Estate, Ashclyst Forest is perfect for woodland walks with your best furry friend in tow. Your dog will love running along the woodland trails between the trees taking in all the new sights and smells. If the path gets a bit muddy you can wash down your dog at Killerton House. Afterwards just a short drive away, head to a dog-friendly pub to repair after a busy day of walking.

STAY AT: Barley House, Devon

Eggesford Forest

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Image source: Forestry England

Situated between Exeter and Barnstaple, this easy circular walk of about a mile and a quarter long follows forest tracks. If you decide to walk clockwise then there is a somewhat steep climb towards the end of the walk. The walk starts with a track to a bridge over a stream where your dog can splash about and have a drink, then you return on the other side on a rough track back to another bridge back to the beginning of the walk.

STAY AT: Lewtrenchard Manor, Devon

Northam Burrows

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Image source: Explore Devon

Northam Burrows is a semi-wild country park which lies at the western edge of the Taw Torridge Estuary and is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which consists of grassland, salt marsh and coastal plains. Take your dog on a circular walk to explore the countryside and you will also have the chance to take a beach trip to Westward Ho. After your walk, pop into Waterfront Inn or the Pig on the Hill.

STAY AT: Chapman House, Devon