The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in South West England

South West England offers a vast network of dog-friendly trails. Our guide features over 2700 routes, ensuring a wide variety of options for you and your canine companion.

You'll find incredibly diverse landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches of the South West Coast Path to the wild, windswept moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. There are also rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and unique geological formations like Cheddar Gorge. Many trails offer stunning coastal views or serene countryside strolls.

Absolutely! The region is famous for its extensive coastline. You can explore sections of the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking sea views. For example, the Polperro to Looe Coast Path provides a wonderful coastal experience with your dog.

The trails cater to all abilities. Our guide includes over 1100 easy routes, around 1400 moderate options, and over 200 more challenging hikes. You can find everything from gentle strolls through charming villages to more strenuous climbs across moorlands.

Yes, South West England boasts several beautiful natural attractions that can be incorporated into dog-friendly walks. You might discover waterfalls like Golden Valley Nature Reserve Waterfall or Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall. The region also features impressive tors and summits such as Haytor Rocks and Golden Cap Summit, offering fantastic viewpoints.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in South West England, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable outings with their dogs.

Yes, many dog-friendly routes in South West England are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Tarr Steps & Withypool loop in Exmoor National Park, which offers a scenic return to your starting point.

Absolutely. Many easy dog-friendly trails are accessible with parking nearby, especially in popular areas and around villages. These routes are often well-suited for a relaxed walk with your dog without extensive travel to the trailhead.

Yes, the region offers numerous family-friendly walks where dogs are also welcome. Look for routes with gentler terrain and shorter distances, often found in country parks, woodlands, or along less strenuous coastal sections. These are perfect for an outing with both children and pets.

Spring and autumn are often considered ideal, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great for coastal walks, but be mindful of heat and potential restrictions on beaches for dogs. Winter offers crisp, quiet walks, but some moorland paths can be challenging due to weather conditions.

Many towns and villages across South West England are very welcoming to dogs. You'll often find dog-friendly pubs and cafes, especially in popular hiking areas like Dartmoor or along the coast, where you and your dog can refuel after a walk.

While many areas are dog-friendly, it's always best to keep your dog under control, especially around livestock or wildlife. Some nature reserves or specific sections of trails may require dogs to be on a lead. Always check local signage and be prepared to pick up after your dog.