The Best Dog Walks in Devon

Dog walks in Devon

Owning a dog is pretty special, but one of the high points has to be the daily walkies. Providing essential exercise and sensory stimulation for dogs and owners alike, walks are essential for maintaining a strong and happy relationship with your pup.

With 500 miles of spectacular coastline, quaint fishing towns, wild woodlands and rolling moors, Devon is the perfect destination for your canine companions. Home to two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, there are plenty of fantastic dog walks in Devon. Here are some of our favourites:

A stone bridge with ivy-covered arches spans a shallow, rocky stream surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a peaceful woodland setting.

Teign Gorge Circular, Dartmoor National Park

The largest open space in the South of England, Dartmoor spans an impressive 368 square miles. It’s a paradise for dog walks in Devon with plenty of treks to enjoy year-round. There are several guided walks and this circular route ranks as one of the best.

Beginning and ending at the Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteighton (ideal for a pre and post-walk drink), this route is well-signposted and takes in the atmospheric National Trust-owned Castle Drogo.

Walk length: 6km - allow 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: Steep ascent to Teign Gorge then easy onwards

Terrain: Mostly flat with paths

Parking: Plenty at Fingle Bridge EX6 6PW

Doggy Dos: Keep your dog on a lead around livestock and in car parks. Look out for the marked dog splash points when crossing rivers. Be sure to check for seasonal signage.

A path covered in fallen leaves winds under a stone archway, framed by dense, colorful autumn foliage in a tranquil woodland setting.

The Tarka Trail

This 180-mile, figure of 8 loop trail follows the route taken by Henry Williamson’s fictional character Tarka the Otter. Encompassing clifftop walks, moorland and rivers, you can enjoy walks of varying lengths year-round. The Tarka Trail officially starts at Barnstaple but you can join the trail at any point.

Walk length: Various lengths

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Exmoor is the hilliest section, Staunton to Braunton the flattest.

Terrain: The Tarka Trail is varied and includes tarmac paths, grassland, woodland and rugged coastal paths.

Parking: There are two car parks at Barnstaple and various parking options at other locations along the route including Braunton and Meeth.

Doggy Dos: Dogs must be kept under close control on the shared-use path between Braunton and Meeth and around farmland, but dogs can be off lead for much of the trail.

A scruffy brown dog walks closely beside its owner on a gravel path, looking up attentively. The scene is bathed in soft, warm light.

Dart Valley Trail

Stretching for around 12 miles between Totnes and Dartmouth, this long, beautifully scenic walk offers incredible views. As far as dog walks in Devon go, this is one of the best and there are many dog-friendly pubs to visit along the way.

Walk length: Various lengths; Dartmouth to Dittisham is 3 miles, Dittisham to Totnes 8.5 miles.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Terrain: Mixed: grassland, lanes and woodland

Parking: There are car parks at various points between Totnes and Dartmouth.

Doggy Dos: The Dart Valley Trail is open year-round, do keep dogs on a lead in conservation areas and take care around the fast-flowing River Dart.

A fast-flowing river winds through a rocky valley with green, grass-covered slopes, under a clear sky with a few clouds.

Heddon Valley

The National Trust-owned Heddon Valley is a deep-wooded river valley that stretches to the sea. There are various walks to enjoy from the steep hikes to Hangman Hills and Highveer Point and the trek down to Woody Bay.

Walk length: Various lengths

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The track down to the pebble beach is steep.

Terrain: Mixed: Heathland, pebble beaches, woodland paths

Parking: There is a car park at Heddon Valley, NT members can park for free.

Doggy Dos: The Heddon Valley is one of a few 3-pawprint-rated National Trust dog walks in Devon, meaning dogs are welcome in most areas, including the cafe and pantry (which serves doggy ice creams). Dogs may need to be kept on a lead in certain areas and must always be under close control.

A vast sandy beach with gentle waves and scattered visitors stretches along a coastline, with distant green hills under a clear blue sky.

Saunton Sands

This 3-mile-long stretch of golden sand is the perfect place for letting your dog play and splash in the sea. Dog-friendly throughout the year, this UNESCO-protected beach is well worth a visit.

Walk length: up to 6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Terrain: Sandy beach

Parking: There is a pay-as-you-go car park by the beach

Doggy Dos: Although Saunton Sands is dog-friendly all year round, remember the golden rules of picking up after your pooch and keeping your pup under control.

A scenic view of a curved sandy beach bordered by lush green fields and rolling hills, framed by a rustic wooden fence and wild vegetation in the foreground.

Slapton Sands to Torcross

Dogs and their humans will enjoy this invigorating dog walk in Devon that takes you along the stunning Slapton Sands Beach. You can return via the Slapton Nature Reserve and pretty Slapton village.

Walk length: 3.1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Terrain: Shingle beach

Parking: Park at Slapton Sands

Doggy Dos: Slapton Sands Beach is dog-friendly year-round.

Leonards Cove

We know how important your four-legged friends are and that you’ll want to bring them on holiday too. With its sea view setting and proximity to beautiful beaches, Leonards Cove Holiday Park is one of the best dog-friendly places to stay in South Devon.

From our cliff-top cottages to the spacious farmhouse, we offer a range of dog-friendly, self-catering accommodation to suit all budgets and all breeds!

Click here to view our current offers. We look forward to welcoming you.