Cornwall is one of the best places in Britain for a holiday with a dog. There are hundreds of miles of coast path, beaches where dogs can run free, moorland to explore and plenty of pubs and cafés that welcome four-legged guests. Here are some of the best dog-friendly places to visit, plus the rules worth knowing before you go.
First, the beach rules
Many of Cornwall's most popular beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, usually from around Easter to the end of September, when dogs are banned for all or part of the day. Outside that period, most beaches are open to dogs, and many quieter beaches have no restrictions at all. The rules vary from beach to beach and can change, so always check the signs at the beach entrance or the council's list of restricted beaches before you set out.
The Camel Trail
The old railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin is flat, traffic-free and runs right beside the Camel Estuary, making it one of the most popular dog walks in Cornwall. The Padstow to Wadebridge stretch is about five and a half miles each way. It is shared with cyclists, so keep dogs close and under control, and bring water on hot days, as there is little shade.
Daymer Bay and the Camel Estuary
Across the estuary from Padstow, Daymer Bay is a sheltered sandy beach backed by dunes, popular with dog walkers. From here you can walk along the sands towards Rock, or over the dunes to St Enodoc Church, which is half-buried in the dunes and is where the poet John Betjeman is buried. Check the current seasonal rules at the beach before letting dogs off the lead.
Perranporth
Perranporth's beach stretches for around three miles at low tide, so there is usually room for everyone. Parts of the beach have long been popular with dog walkers, and the dunes behind it lead to Penhale Sands. Check signs for any seasonal restrictions near the village end.
Rough Tor and Bodmin Moor
For wide open space, head inland. The walk from the Rough Tor car park, near Camelford, up to the granite summit of Rough Tor takes 30 to 45 minutes, with views across the moor. The moor is grazed by cattle, sheep and ponies, so keep your dog on a lead around animals, and if cattle approach aggressively, let go of the lead and move to safety.
The South West Coast Path
Almost all of the coast path around Cornwall is open to dogs. Some favourite stretches include Sennen Cove to Land's End, Lizard Point to Cadgwith, and the clifftops around Botallack in the far west. Keep dogs on leads near cliff edges, where an excited dog can easily go over, and in fields with livestock. In spring, some areas ask for dogs on leads to protect nesting birds.
Gardens and estates
Several of Cornwall's gardens and estates welcome dogs on short leads. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey, has long welcomed dogs on leads throughout its gardens and woodland. Many National Trust places, such as Lanhydrock near Bodmin, welcome dogs in their parkland and woodland, though usually not inside houses. Policies change, so check each place's website before you go.
Fowey and the Hall Walk
The Hall Walk, a circular route of around four miles linking Fowey, Bodinnick and Polruan by two small ferries and a wooded creekside path, makes a lovely half-day out with a dog. The ferries usually carry dogs, and the town has several dog-friendly pubs and cafés. Check ferry times before you set off.
Tintagel
English Heritage has generally welcomed dogs on leads at Tintagel Castle, including across the footbridge to the island. The coast path south to Trebarwith Strand is another good walk. The steps around the castle are steep, so it suits fit, confident dogs best.
Keeping your dog safe
- Never let your dog chase seals, seabirds or livestock.
- Take plenty of fresh water. Dogs that drink seawater can become ill.
- On hot days, walk early or late, avoid hot sand and never leave a dog in a car.
- If your dog goes over a cliff or into the sea, don't go after it. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Clear up after your dog, and keep the details of a local vet handy while you are away.
Photos: Daymer Bay by Val Pollard, CC BY-SA 2.0; Daymer Bay at low tide by Eleanor Oakley, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
