The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around West Buckfastleigh

There are 10 dog-friendly hiking trails around West Buckfastleigh featured in this guide. Most of these, 9 out of 10, are rated as easy, making them suitable for a relaxed outing with your canine companion.

When walking your dog in Dartmoor National Park, it's important to keep them under close control, especially near livestock and ground-nesting birds. During lambing and bird nesting seasons (March 1 to July 31), dogs must be kept on a short lead on open moorland. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly. For more detailed information on responsible dog walking in the National Park, you can visit the Visit Dartmoor website.

The dog-friendly trails around West Buckfastleigh offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find paths winding through ancient woodlands like Hembury Woods, along picturesque river valleys such as the River Dart, and occasionally venturing onto the fringes of the open moorland with its granite tors. Expect a mix of well-trodden paths, some potentially muddy sections, and varied gradients.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes around West Buckfastleigh are circular, providing convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Hembury Woods loop to Hembury Castle is a great option, as is the Hiking loop from Buckfast Abbey, both offering scenic circular walks.

Absolutely. Several trails incorporate interesting landmarks. The Hembury Woods loop takes you to Hembury Castle, an Iron Age Hillfort. You can also explore routes that pass by iconic Dartmoor tors like Combestone Tor or Haytor Rocks, offering stunning views. Remember to keep dogs on a lead around historical sites and livestock.

A highly recommended dog-friendly hike that includes a notable landmark is the Hembury Woods loop to Hembury Castle. This 3.7 km easy route not only offers beautiful woodland scenery but also leads you to the historic Hembury Castle hillfort, providing a blend of nature and history for you and your dog to enjoy.

Yes, the area around West Buckfastleigh is crisscrossed by rivers like the Dart, Mardle, and Aune/Avon, offering lovely riverside walking opportunities. While specific routes are not named in this guide, local loops often follow these waterways, providing tranquil environments and chances for dogs to cool off. The Wooden Gate on Dartmoor Trail loop offers sections near water features.

The dog-friendly trails around West Buckfastleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from ancient woodlands to open moorland, and the clear paths that make for enjoyable walks with dogs. The sense of tranquility and the opportunity to explore historical sites are also frequently highlighted.

Many of the easy-rated trails around West Buckfastleigh are suitable for families with dogs. The Hiking loop from Buckfast Abbey, at just under 3 km, is a gentle option. The Hiking loop from Hembury Castle Site is another easy, slightly longer option that offers varied scenery without being too strenuous.

Parking is generally available at popular trailheads. For example, routes like the Hembury Woods loop often have designated parking areas nearby. For trails starting from Buckfast Abbey, parking facilities are usually available at the Abbey itself. Always check specific route details for the most accurate parking information.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for dog-friendly hikes around West Buckfastleigh. The weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with spring blooms or autumn colors. Summer can be pleasant, but remember to carry extra water for your dog and be mindful of warmer temperatures. Winter offers crisp, quiet walks, but paths can be muddy or icy, so appropriate gear is essential.