The best dog walks in Cornwall
Date published: 7 May 2025
Cornwall isn’t just a paradise for pasty-lovers and surf-seekers - it’s heaven on earth for our four-legged friends too. With rugged coastlines, secret coves and miles of countryside to explore, it’s basically one giant playground for dogs (and their humans).
There’s a tonne of variety too. You and your pup will always find an exciting new walk to try, including some great options for off-lead dog walks and dog walks with cafés for those half-way point refreshments.
Whether you’re after wild clifftop stomps or gentle beach strolls, here are some of the very best dog walks in Cornwall to sniff out.
1. Bedruthan Steps, near Newquay
Get ready for some jaw-dropping views. The clifftop walk at Bedruthan Steps is classic Cornwall - dramatic rocks, sweeping sea views and a salty breeze that'll have your dog’s tail wagging overtime. It’s a fairly easy, well-trodden path, and there’s a café nearby for a post-walk cuppa (and maybe a sneaky sausage roll). Just watch those cliff edges - it’s a loooong way down!
2. Gwithian Beach and Godrevy
This glorious stretch of golden sand is a dog's dream. At low tide, there’s miles of space to charge about and plenty of rock pools to investigate. Keep an eye out for seals bobbing in the waves by the lighthouse - just be sure to keep curious noses at a respectful distance. It’s a stunning sunset spot too, so time your walk right and you’ll get that magical golden light glinting off the surf.
3. Cardinham Woods, Bodmin
If your dog loves a good woodland sniff-about, Cardinham Woods is pure bliss. There are several waymarked trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to proper muddy adventures. It's perfect for wet weather days too, as the trees give a bit of cover - and there’s a dog wash station if things get too mucky. The woods also have a cosy café right in the middle, where dogs are welcome and you can refuel with a proper Cornish cream tea.
4. Perranporth Beach
Three miles of sand. THREE. It's like Disneyland for dogs. Perranporth Beach is super dog-friendly year-round (though leads are requested in certain areas during the summer). After your walk, you can pop into The Watering Hole, the famous beach bar that happily welcomes sandy paws. If you're up for a proper adventure, you can even walk from Perranporth to St Agnes across the coast path - just bring water for both of you.
5. The Camel Trail
Flat, traffic-free and utterly lovely, the Camel Trail runs for 18 miles between Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin (and don't worry, you won't find any actual camels). You don’t have to tackle all of it - a gentle wander between Padstow and Wadebridge is perfect for pups and owners who prefer a more leisurely pace. Plus, Padstow’s harbour is packed with dog-friendly cafés and pubs for a post-walk feast. If your dog’s a social butterfly, they’ll love it too - this trail is a hotspot for meeting other four-legged friends.
6. Tintagel to Boscastle Coast Path
Feeling energetic? This rugged coastal walk between Tintagel (yes, King Arthur’s castle!) and Boscastle is steep in places but worth every step for the views. Boscastle itself is wonderfully dog-friendly, with a lovely harbour to explore, and plenty of spots to grab a Cornish cream tea (jam first, obviously). Just watch out for sheer drops along the path and keep dogs on a lead where needed - better safe than sorry on this wild bit of coast.
7. Trelissick Gardens
Owned by the National Trust, Trelissick offers woodland walks with river views - and they're dog-friendly (although pooches aren't allowed in the formal gardens themselves). For a longer ramble, you can extend your walk down to the nearby creeks and ferries that dot the Fal River. In spring and early summer, the woods burst into life with bluebells and wild garlic, making it even more magical for a sniff-filled stroll.
8. St Agnes Beacon
Short but mighty. The climb up St Agnes Beacon is fairly quick, but the 360-degree views from the top are simply incredible - moorland, coastline, countryside, all rolled into one. It's a great place for a breezy afternoon walk, and the nearby village of St Agnes is packed with cosy, dog-welcoming pubs. If you fancy a longer hike, you can easily link it with the South West Coast Path for bigger adventures with sweeping sea views.
9. Loe Bar and Porthleven
This is a classic coast-and-country loop. Start in Porthleven (where there are plenty of dog-friendly cafés) and head towards Loe Bar, a sandbar separating the sea from Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake. If you want a proper adventure, you can loop around Loe Pool itself, following the leafy paths through Penrose Estate. It’s one of those walks where you get everything in one go - beaches, woods, lakes and endless stick-throwing opportunities.
10. Cape Cornwall
Way less touristy than Land's End, Cape Cornwall feels raw and rugged. There’s a short walk up to the cape itself, where you'll get dramatic Atlantic views, plus longer options if you want to roam the wild headlands. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins out at sea - it's not uncommon on a clear day. And if you’re into history, this spot’s packed with stories of tin mining and ancient trading routes.
11. Pentire Head, near Polzeath
This walk along Pentire Head offers some of the most spectacular and unspoilt views of Cornwall’s coastline. It’s a circular route that can be tailored to your energy levels, with sprawling fields perfect for ball-chucking sessions and dramatic cliff vistas where you’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. On a clear day, you can even see all the way across to Stepper Point on the other side of the Camel Estuary. It’s proper postcard stuff.
Cornwall's packed with tail-wagging adventures - and these are just the start. Whether you're after sandy sprints, woodsy wanders or headland hikes, you'll find plenty of places where your dog can run wild and you can soak up Cornwall’s magic. So, get a stay booked at one of our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall and start planning for some epic walking days. Just don’t forget the treats (for both of you).
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
