Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to explore on foot with a dog. From dramatic clifftop paths and sheltered coves to wild moorland and dog friendly beaches, there is a huge variety of walks to suit different energy levels and abilities. Many routes sit directly on the South West Coast Path, while others cut inland to offer quieter, less exposed options.
Below you will find a carefully balanced selection of dog friendly walks across Cornwall. Distances range from short, scenic strolls to longer, more demanding hikes, with a mix of coastal and inland terrain to give readers genuine choice.
1. South West Coast Path: St Ives to Zennor
This classic stretch of the South West Coast Path is one of Cornwall’s most iconic walks. The route hugs the cliffs between St Ives and Zennor, offering sweeping sea views, rocky headlands and dramatic Atlantic scenery. Dogs will love the variety of smells and terrain, though the cliffs mean good recall is essential.
The walk is challenging in places with steep ascents and descents, but the reward is well worth the effort. Many walkers choose to complete it one way and return by bus, making it manageable even if you only want to tackle it in one direction.
- Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Cliff paths, rocky sections
- Off lead potential: Limited in exposed areas
- Parking: St Ives town car parks
2. Lantic Bay Coastal Walk
Lantic Bay is a quieter alternative to some of Cornwall’s busier beaches and offers a stunning coastal walk with turquoise waters below. The route follows grassy clifftops and provides a short but scenic outing that feels much more remote than its distance suggests.
The descent to the beach is steep and uneven, so it may not suit all dogs, but the clifftop path itself is manageable for most. Outside peak summer months, dogs can often enjoy the beach itself with minimal restrictions.
- Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Grassy cliffs and uneven paths
- Off lead potential: Good on clifftops with care
- Parking: Lantic Bay car park
3. Cardinham Woods
Cardinham Woods offers a completely different side of Cornwall, with shaded woodland trails following the River Cardinham. This is an excellent option for warmer days or if your dog prefers forest paths over open coastal exposure.
Multiple waymarked routes allow you to tailor the walk to your dog’s stamina, from gentle riverside loops to longer climbs up through the trees. The café near the car park is also dog friendly outdoors, making this a relaxed and practical choice.
- Distance: 2 to 4.5 miles depending on route
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths and river trails
- Off lead potential: Good with recall
- Parking: Cardinham Woods car park
4. Bodmin Moor: Rough Tor and Brown Willy
For a wilder, more open walk, Bodmin Moor delivers big skies and rugged landscapes. This circular route takes in Cornwall’s two highest points, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, offering expansive views across the moorland on clear days.
The terrain is rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Dogs with good fitness will thrive here, but care should be taken around livestock and in poor weather when conditions can change quickly.
- Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Moorland, rocky paths
- Off lead potential: Good with livestock awareness
- Parking: Rough Tor car park
5. Pentire Headland Walk
The Pentire Headland loop near Polzeath is a superb coastal walk that packs dramatic scenery into a relatively short distance. The path circles the headland with views over sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and crashing waves.
It is exposed in places, so windy conditions can make it feel more challenging. That said, it remains accessible for most walkers and is ideal if you want a memorable coastal experience without committing to a full day hike.
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Cliff paths and grassy trails
- Off lead potential: Limited near cliff edges
- Parking: Pentireglaze Haven car park
6. Tehidy Woods
Tehidy Woods is one of Cornwall’s largest areas of woodland and is perfect for relaxed dog walks. The wide network of paths winds through mature trees and around a large lake, creating a peaceful environment that suits dogs of all ages.
This is a popular local spot, especially at weekends, but its size means it never feels overcrowded. The mostly flat terrain makes it a good option for older dogs or those recovering from injury.
- Distance: Up to 5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland tracks and lakeside paths
- Off lead potential: Excellent with recall
- Parking: Tehidy Country Park car park
7. Lizard Peninsula Coastal Walk
The Lizard Peninsula is the southernmost point of mainland Britain and offers some of Cornwall’s most unspoilt coastal walking. This route explores dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and unique geology, with frequent opportunities to spot wildlife.
The paths are generally well defined but can be narrow in places. Dogs that enjoy long coastal hikes will love the variety, but owners should be prepared for exposure and limited shelter.
- Distance: Approx. 6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Coastal paths and clifftops
- Off lead potential: Variable
- Parking: Lizard Point car park
8. Camel Trail
The Camel Trail follows a former railway line along the River Camel and is one of Cornwall’s most accessible walks. The flat, well surfaced path makes it ideal for an easy day out, particularly if you want a longer distance without technical terrain.
Dogs are welcome year round, and the route passes through several villages where refreshments are available. It is also popular with cyclists, so keeping dogs under control is important.
- Distance: Up to 7.5 miles one way
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Flat, well maintained trail
- Off lead potential: Limited due to cyclists
- Parking: Padstow Harbour car parks
9. Holywell Bay to Penhale Sands
This walk combines sweeping sandy beaches with rolling dunes, creating a varied and enjoyable route for dogs. Holywell Bay is famously dog friendly for much of the year, and Penhale Sands offers space to roam and explore.
The dunes can be tiring underfoot, but the open space and coastal views make this a favourite for energetic dogs. Check seasonal restrictions if you plan to access the beach itself during summer.
- Distance: Approx. 4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Sand, dunes and coastal paths
- Off lead potential: Excellent on beaches
- Parking: Holywell Bay car park
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Cornwall
Explore these dog friendly walks in beautiful Cornwall using our handy map below. Click the pins to bring up more information on each of the walks and get directions to the nearest car park.
This route combines wide sandy beaches with rolling dunes and a short stretch of coast path. Holywell Bay is known for its openness and dramatic setting, while Penhale Sands provides space for dogs to roam.
The dunes can be tiring underfoot, but the scenery and freedom make it worthwhile. Seasonal dog restrictions apply on parts of the beach, so always check signage before setting off.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Sand, dunes, coastal paths
Off lead potential: Excellent on permitted beaches
Parking: National Trust
The Camel Trail follows a former railway line along the River Camel, offering a flat and accessible route through Cornwall’s countryside. It is ideal for relaxed walks, especially with puppies, older dogs or anyone wanting an easier day out.
The trail is shared with cyclists, so dogs should be kept close. There are several access points, but starting from Padstow allows you to combine the walk with harbour views and refreshments.
Distance: Up to 7.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat, well-maintained trail
Off lead potential: Limited due to cyclists
Parking: Pay and display
The Lizard Peninsula offers some of Cornwall’s most unspoilt coastal walking, with rugged cliffs, hidden coves and unique geology. This route explores the coastline around Lizard Point, Britain’s southernmost mainland location.
Paths are generally clear but exposed, with little shelter in poor weather. Dogs will enjoy the varied terrain, but should be kept under control near cliff edges and nesting birds.
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Coastal paths, clifftops
Off lead potential: Variable
Parking: National Trust
Tehidy Woods is one of Cornwall’s largest woodland parks, offering a peaceful setting with lakes, wide tracks and shaded trails. The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.
The network of paths allows you to extend or shorten your walk easily, and it remains a reliable option in all seasons. Expect a sociable atmosphere with plenty of other walkers and dogs.
Distance: Up to 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland paths, lakeside trails
Off lead potential: Excellent with recall
Parking: Free
The Pentire Headland loop near Polzeath packs huge coastal drama into a relatively short walk. The path circles the headland with sweeping views across sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and the Atlantic beyond.
It is exposed in places and can feel wild in windy conditions, but the route is well-defined and manageable for most walkers. Dogs should be kept close near cliff edges, particularly on narrow sections.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Cliff paths, grassy trails
Off lead potential: Limited near cliffs
Parking: Pay and display
This classic Bodmin Moor hike takes in Cornwall’s two highest points, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, delivering wide-open views and a true sense of wilderness. The route crosses open moorland dotted with granite tors and ancient stone features.
It is a more demanding walk, especially in poor weather, and conditions can change quickly. Dogs that enjoy open space will love it, but owners should be mindful of livestock and rocky sections near the summits.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Moorland, rocky paths
Off lead potential: Good with livestock awareness
Parking: Small free car park
Cardinham Woods provides a sheltered alternative to Cornwall’s exposed coastal walks, with riverside trails and tall woodland offering year-round appeal. Well-maintained paths follow the River Cardinham, crossing bridges and winding through mature trees.
Multiple loop options allow you to tailor the walk to your dog’s energy levels, from gentle strolls to longer woodland climbs. It is popular with dog walkers, so expect to meet others, especially at weekends.
Distance: 2–4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland tracks, riverside paths
Off lead potential: Good with recall
Parking: Pay and display
Lantic Bay is a quieter south coast gem, offering a short but stunning coastal walk with turquoise waters and pale sand. The route follows grassy clifftops above the bay before looping back inland through open countryside.
The descent to the beach is steep and uneven, so this walk suits confident walkers and dogs that are steady on rough ground. Outside peak summer months, dogs are often welcome on the beach itself, making this a rewarding outing for energetic pups.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Grassy cliffs, uneven coastal paths
Off lead potential: Good on clifftops with care
Parking: National Trust
This iconic stretch of the South West Coast Path runs between the harbour town of St Ives and the quiet village of Zennor, delivering some of Cornwall’s most dramatic clifftop scenery. The route hugs the coastline almost the entire way, with constant sea views, rocky headlands and secluded coves below.
It is a demanding walk with frequent ups and downs, but well worth the effort if you and your dog are confident near exposed paths. Good recall is essential due to cliffs and occasional livestock. Many walkers complete it one way and return by bus to avoid doubling the distance.
Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Cliff paths, stone steps, uneven ground
Off lead potential: Limited in exposed areas
Parking: Pay and display
Explore even more dog friendly locations in Cornwall and across the UK on our Wildpack Map, an expertly curated map of points of interest for you to explore with your four legged friend.
Advice for Walking Dogs in Cornwall
Walking in Cornwall is incredibly rewarding, but the landscape and coastal conditions mean a bit of preparation goes a long way. The right gear and a few practical considerations will help keep both you and your dog safe and comfortable.
Pack the essentials: Coastal conditions can shift quickly, even in summer. A lightweight waterproof, windproof layer and sun protection are sensible year round. For dogs, consider a drying coat or towel, especially after beach or river walks.
Use suitable leads and harnesses: Many Cornish walks follow clifftop paths or pass through farmland. A secure harness and a short lead are useful in exposed areas or around livestock. Long lines can be helpful on open moorland where recall is good but space is wide.
Bring enough water and snacks: Fresh water is not always available along coastal routes, and saltwater is not safe for dogs to drink. Collapsible bowls are ideal for hikes, and energy snacks can help on longer or more demanding walks.
Check seasonal restrictions: Some beaches in Cornwall have dog restrictions during the summer months. These vary by location and time of day, so it is worth checking local signage or council guidance before setting out.
Protect paws and joints: Rocky paths, hot sand and long distances can be tough on paws. Gradually build up distance if your dog is not used to longer walks, and consider paw balm if you are tackling rough terrain regularly.
Plan parking and return routes: Some coastal walks are linear rather than circular. Check parking options in advance and, where needed, plan public transport or a return route before you start walking.
With a bit of forward planning and the right gear, Cornwall offers some of the most memorable and dog friendly walking experiences in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Cornwall is an outstanding destination for dog friendly walking, offering everything from gentle woodland strolls to demanding coastal hikes. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there is no shortage of varied routes to explore with your dog. Thinking big? Why not take on the Atlantic Highway Road Trip and see the best that Cornwall has to offer!
As always, check local signage for seasonal restrictions, keep dogs under close control near cliffs and livestock, and pack plenty of water, especially on exposed coastal paths. With a little preparation, Cornwall delivers some of the most rewarding dog walks in the UK.