Surrounded by beautiful countryside and plenty of coastal vistas, Dartmouth is a fantastic dog-friendly destination to visit, be it for a day, a week or even longer! Whilst enjoying your dog-friendly break, it’s important that your four-legged friend is able to stretch their legs and exhaust some energy! (It’s also pretty important for owners too!). There are lots of excellent dog walks in and around Dartmouth, here’s our top picks!
Little Dartmouth
Starting your walk at Dartmouth Castle, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll to Little Dartmouth on the South West Coast Path. Little Dartmouth is a National Trust site, with wonderful views, wild flowers and the ruins of an old Civil War fort from the 1640s. Upon this walk, you’ll see our gorgeous coastline which stretches from Dartmouth, all the way down to Start Point, past Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands. We’d really recommend visiting the sheltered bays and beaches of Sugary Cove and Compass Cove near Dartmouth Castle for pooches who love to take a dip in the sea!
The Daymark
Located on the opposite side of the River Dart from Dartmouth is The Daymark. The tall tower is a navigational aid that juts some 80ft from the clifftop in Kingswear and was built in 1864. You can get up close to the Daymark by following the South West Coast Path from Froward Point or Brownstone Car Park. The walk from Brownstone National Trust Car Park is a smooth stroll with incredible views across the Dart Estuary and Start Bay. Further down, past the Daymark you will find Brownstone Battery which was built in 1942 and used as a defence against the German Navy. This walk is very popular with tourists and locals alike, so your furry friend will be sure to make a friend or two.
Dart Valley Trail
The Dart Valley Trail is the 12-mile walk that connects the thriving market town of Totnes to Dartmouth, running along the River Dart. This trail is an ideal route if you’re looking for a long but scenic walk with your pup; you can also stop off in the beautiful nearby villages of Dittisham and Ashprington which can provide you with a selection of traditional, warm cosy pubs and riverside restaurants.
Dartmouth Community Orchard
Sitting between College Way and Ridge Hill in Dartmouth town centre is Dartmouth Community Orchard, an unspoilt area with ancient woodland, two paddocks and is home to over 50 varieties of apple trees. It’s a popular spot amongst local dog walkers as it’s a fairly secluded and quiet area of the town, but offers beautiful views of the estuary. It’s an ideal location if you have a small or elderly pup who would much rather a leisurely stroll than a long hike! Owners are urged to act responsibly and clean up any mess left by their dogs to ensure the conservation area is pristine.
Sandquay Woods (Old Mill Woods)
Part of the Radleigh Estate, Sandquay Woods is a peaceful woodland near Britannia Royal Naval College, ideal for dog walking. Known locally as Old Mill Woods (due to being located on Old Mill Road), the trail around the woodlands is roughly 2 miles long, but the intricate paths can take you on a longer walk. It’s certainly worth packing your binoculars as the area is rich in wildlife, particularly in the summer. As the woods sit adjacent to the estuary, there are plenty of spots which can offer you beautiful views of the water. We ought to point out that some areas of the woods are quite narrow and close to the edge so it’s possible for dogs to fall in, so please keep this in mind when walking.
Slapton Sands and Torcross
Slapton Sands and Torcross is a beautiful 3-mile stretch of shingle beach, and can be accessed from Dartmouth by car, bus or even on foot if you’re feeling energetic! The area is often referred to as the most picturesque area of the UK, and fortunately for our four-legged pals, it’s dog friendly too! The beach is backed by a beautiful freshwater lake and nature reserve, meaning there’s an abundance of wildlife to explore. It’s also a very popular spot with watersports-lovers due to its calm, clean waters, so you know your pooch will certainly enjoy splashing around in the sea!
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