The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot offers a great selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 18 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

The terrain around Newton Abbot is quite diverse. You'll find gentle riverside paths along the River Teign and River Lemon, woodland trails in areas like Bradley Woods, and more open, rolling landscapes leading towards Dartmoor. Many trails are well-maintained, but some can be muddy after rain, especially in wooded or riverside areas.

Yes, there are several easy and short dog-friendly options. For a gentle riverside walk, consider the View of River Teign – Town Quay Bridge loop from Newton Abbot, which is just over 2 km. Decoy Country Park also offers accessible trails around its lake, perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Absolutely. For a longer, more moderate hike, you could explore the Town Quay Bridge – View of River Teign loop from Haccombe with Combe, which covers over 8 km. The Templer Way, though longer than a single day's walk, offers sections that can be explored for extended periods, tracing historical routes through varied landscapes.

Many of the dog-friendly trails around Newton Abbot are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Town Quay Bridge – View of River Teign loop from Newton Abbot and the Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park – Waterfall on the Stream loop from Newton Abbot, which offers a moderate challenge.

You can encounter a variety of natural features and landmarks. Trails often follow the scenic River Teign and River Lemon. Decoy Country Park features a lake and woodlands, while Stover Country Park boasts a lake and an aerial boardwalk. For impressive natural rock formations, consider trails leading towards Dartmoor, where you can see tors like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor.

Yes, several trails feature water. The River Teign and River Lemon provide picturesque riverside walks. For a trail that includes a specific water feature, check out the Waterfall on the Stream – Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park loop from Newton Abbot, which takes you past a charming waterfall.

Newton Abbot is excellent for family-friendly dog walks. Parks like Decoy Country Park and Stover Country Park offer well-maintained paths, open spaces, and amenities suitable for families with children and dogs. The mostly level ground along the River Lemon is also a great option for all ages.

Spring and autumn are often ideal for hiking with dogs in Newton Abbot, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be lovely, but remember to bring plenty of water for your dog and be mindful of warmer temperatures, especially on more exposed trails. Winter walks can be invigorating, but some paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Newton Abbot and its surrounding villages are generally welcoming to dogs. Many pubs and cafes in the area are dog-friendly, especially those catering to walkers. It's always a good idea to check with individual establishments beforehand, but you'll find options to refresh yourself and your canine companion after a hike.

Newton Abbot has good public transport links, including a train station and bus services, making many trailheads accessible. For trails within town limits or at popular country parks like Decoy, public transport is often a viable option. For routes further afield, especially towards Dartmoor, a car might be more convenient.

Parking is generally available at popular trailheads and country parks. Decoy Country Park, for instance, has dedicated parking facilities. For town-based walks, various public car parks are available. When venturing into Dartmoor, look for designated car parks near tors or trail starting points.

The dog-friendly trails around Newton Abbot are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied scenery, the peaceful atmosphere of the riverside and woodland paths, and the overall suitability for enjoyable walks with their dogs.