Nine dog-friendly walks in Devon
Date published: 7 May 2025
Devon really does have it all - rolling countryside, rugged moors, dramatic coastline, and enough cream teas to keep you happily fuelled for a week. It’s the kind of place where dogs can stretch their legs, chase a few waves, and possibly steal your scone when you’re not looking.
From wild adventures on Dartmoor to lazy seaside strolls along golden beaches, Devon is basically dog-walk heaven. And when the walk’s done? You’ll find more than enough pubs, cafes and cottages that’ll welcome your muddy-pawed mate with open arms (and maybe even a biscuit or two).
We’ve rounded up nine of the best dog walks Devon has to offer, to help you plan your next tail-wagging day out. Whether you’re after windswept cliffs or woodland walks, there’s something here to get both you and your four-legged pal grinning from ear to ear.
1. Saunton Beach
Address and map: Saunton Road, Saunton, Braunton
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Just over three miles
Terrain: Vast open beaches, some slopes and sand dunes
Saunton Beach is a sandy paradise that doesn’t get sniffy about dogs. While your pup will need to be on a lead for the first stretch, it’s soon all systems go - with three glorious miles of leash-free sand to tear across. It's just past Saunton village and yes, it's as dreamy as it sounds.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Beachside Grill is the spot to refuel. Dogs are welcome on the terrace, where you can both take in sweeping sea views - paws on the deck, pint in hand.
2. South Milton Sands to Hope Cove
Address and map: South Milton Sands, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JY
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: One and a half miles
Terrain: Sandy beaches, a cliffside walk and hilly in parts
South Milton Sands to Hope Cove is a short and sweet seaside stroll with plenty of wag-worthy moments. Starting just outside Thurlestone, the sandy stretch is perfect for paddling paws and a round of beach-side fetch. Follow the South West Coast Path as it climbs toward the charming village of Hope Cove, all thatched roofs and chocolate-box charm. Just be aware that Mouthwell Sands only rolls out the welcome mat for dogs in winter.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Lobster Pod Bistro is paws-itively quirky, with futuristic dining pods where you and your pooch can cosy up with some seriously good seafood and sea views.
Looking for more fido-friendly food spots? Check out our favourite dog-friendly places to eat in Devon!
3. Haldon Forest Park
Address and map: Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XR
Difficulty: Easy or hard, it’s your choice!
Walk length: One mile or six
Terrain: Flat woodland paths, hills and tough off-road surface
On the outskirts of Newton Abbot is Haldon Forest Park - 3,500 acres of tail-wagging paradise. With towering pines, leafy trails and off-lead areas galore, it’s a dream come true for energetic pups and their nature-loving humans. Whether you're sticking to the marked walking routes or letting your dog choose the way, there's plenty to explore (and sniff).
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Ley Arms in nearby Kenn is the perfect post-walk wind-down. This 12th-century pub is proper cosy, dog-friendly and serves up hearty classics that’ll make both tails and tummies happy.
4. Torcross to Hallsands
Address and map: Torcross, Kingsbridge
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just under two and a half miles
Terrain: Long, flat shingle beaches, hilly coastal walks and small villages
Beginning this walk at Torcross and finishing in Hallsands takes you through some of Devon’s wide and varied history. Torcross Beach offers plenty of dog-friendly shingle to sprint along, and you’ll pass the famous Sherman Tank – a sobering tribute to WWII troops. As you approach Hallsands, pause to peer down at the eerie remnants of the village lost to the sea in 1917 – it’s fascinating, if slightly haunting.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Cricket Inn is set right on the beach in the village of Beesands. It’s dog-welcoming in the bar and perfect for soaking up the salty air with a pint in hand and pup at your feet.
5. Killerton
Address and map: Killerton House Exeter EX5 3LE
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Two miles to six and a half miles
Terrain: Flat woodland trails, with some uneven ground and hilly areas
Killerton, near the town of Honiton, is a dog-friendly country park with small areas either being guide dog-only or on-lead zones. The circular routes change from open plains to wildlife-filled woods and even extinct volcanoes! The park has some handy facilities you can make use of, including water bowl points, dog waste bins and a hose to clean your mucky pup after a fun walk.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Red Lion is a cosy dog-friendly pub, in the village of Broadclyst, dating back to the 16th-century.
6. Salcombe to Bolt Head
Address and map: South Sands Beach, Salcombe TQ8 8LJ
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: A short walk, at just one mile
Terrain: A gradual rise in gradient over the walk
The Salcombe to Bolt Head walk starts on South Sands, in South Devon, which welcomes dogs, off-season, from 1st of October through to 30th of April. This gradual walk is one of Devon’s easier routes but still offers stunning views. The panoramic views of the estuary from Bolt Head in particular are *chef's kiss*. There loads to see and do in Salcombe, so definitely worth a visit.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: East Soar Walkers Hut is not far from Bolt Head and welcomes dogs on leads. It relies on an honesty box and the owners bake cakes and provide hot drinks for walkers.
7. Wistman's Wood
Address and map: Car Park for Wistman's Wood, B3357, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6SR
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: One mile to Wistman’s Woods, then three hectares of exploration
Terrain: Rough and rocky woodland terrain
If you fancy a trip into Dartmoor National Park, Wistman’s Woods is a great choice. It's like stepping into a fairytale – or a ghost story, depending on the weather. The gnarled old oaks and moss-covered boulders give it an eerie charm that your dog will love darting through (while you try not to imagine you're being watched by woodland spirits). It’s a short but spectacular walk that feels miles from the real world.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Two Bridges Hotel is dog-friendly - in fact it's been described as "too dog friendly" in some reviews, whatever that means. Best to phone to book a meal.
8. Branscombe to Beer
Address and map: Branscombe, Seaton EX12 3DB
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just over three miles
Terrain: Hilly, steep trails, villages and coastal paths
Beginning in Branscombe and moving down towards the dog-friendly pebble beach for a quick run around, before the climb up to join the South West Coast Path. It’s a bit of a leg-stretcher, but you’ll be rewarded with epic views from Hooken Cliffs and Beer Head that are worth every step. The village of Beer is a charming little end point, nestled on the dramatic Jurassic Coast.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Barrel of Beer is a great dog-friendly pub with excellent beer.
9. Ashclyst Forest
Address and map: Forest Gate Car Park, Long Meadow, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Three miles
Terrain: Forest trails, uneven paths and flat.
Run by the National Trust, Ashclyst Forest is set in East Devon. Although not an official nature reserve, its circular walk acts as a lush sanctuary for a myriad of flowers, insects and animals. Particularly popular with dog walkers, the forest provides your sniffing friend with a wide variety of delights - including other pups to greet.
Dog-friendly pit stop: The Red Lion (the one we mentioned above, near the Killerton walk) is your best option again.
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.
