Devon is built for walking with a dog. From long coastal paths that cling to red cliffs, to quiet river valleys and open moorland where the land feels endless, the county offers a huge amount of variety without ever feeling overcrowded. It’s a place where you can switch between sea air and woodland shade in the space of a day.
These walks explore different sides of Devon, taking in coast, countryside and moorland through routes that are well suited to four-legged companions. Some are easy-going and ideal for slower days, others ask a bit more of you, but all offer space, scenery and the kind of routes that reward taking your time.
Teign Gorge Circular Walk (Dartmoor Fringe)
Teign Gorge – Photo Credit: David Smith
Teign Gorge is one of Devon’s most underrated walking landscapes. This circular route follows the River Teign as it cuts through a steep-sided wooded gorge, creating a walk that feels secluded, immersive, and surprisingly wild given how close it sits to Dartmoor. The combination of rushing water, mossy woodland, and elevated viewpoints makes it one of the most atmospheric valley walks in the county.
The paths are well established but can be uneven and muddy in places, especially after rain, so it suits dogs that are confident on varied terrain. There are short climbs and descents as the route moves between river level and higher woodland paths, but the effort is rewarded with quieter trails and far fewer crowds than many better-known Devon walks.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, riverside trails, uneven ground
- Dog restrictions: Steep drops in places, dogs should stay under close control
Beer to Branscombe Coastal Walk (East Devon)
Coastal path between Beer and Branscombe – Photo Credit: Nick Cotter
This classic stretch of the Jurassic Coast offers some of the finest walking in East Devon. Starting in the village of Beer, the path climbs steadily onto the cliffs before rolling west towards Branscombe, delivering sweeping views across Lyme Bay for much of the route.
It’s a brilliant walk for dogs that enjoy longer distances and sea air, with enough space to keep things relaxed even on busier days. The climbs are steady rather than steep, and the reward comes in the form of quiet coves, grassy headlands, and a proper sense of journey from village to village.
- Distance: 5.5 miles / 8.8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Cliff paths, grass tracks
- Dog restrictions: Seasonal livestock in fields
Haldon Forest Discovery Trail (Near Exeter)
Trail leading through Haldon Forest – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
If you’re after a calmer woodland walk with reliable paths and year-round accessibility, Haldon Forest is a strong choice. This circular route winds through tall conifers and mixed woodland, with plenty of shade in summer and firm ground in wetter months.
It’s an especially good option for dogs that prefer predictable terrain and owners who want a stress-free walk close to the city. Waymarking is clear, gradients are gentle, and there are plenty of variations if you want to extend the route.
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Forest tracks, compacted paths
- Dog restrictions: Dogs should be kept under control around cyclists
Sharpham Estate and River Dart Walk (South Devon)
The River Dart viewed from Sharpham Estate – Photo Credit: Simon Cobb
This peaceful riverside walk explores the Sharpham Estate above the River Dart, combining gentle woodland paths with open meadows overlooking the water. It’s a quieter alternative to some of the busier Dart Valley routes and feels wonderfully secluded once you’re away from the access points.
The route suits relaxed walking, with plenty of places to pause and take in the views. Dogs can enjoy woodland scents and open stretches, but care is needed near the riverbanks, particularly after heavy rain.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, grassy fields
- Dog restrictions: Livestock present on parts of the estate
Bolt Head to Bolt Tail Coastal Walk (South Devon)
Bolt Head – Photo Credit: Bill Boaden
This section of the South West Coast Path delivers everything you’d expect from Devon’s coastline. Rugged headlands, turquoise water on calm days, and a sense of exposure that makes the walk feel adventurous without being extreme.
It’s a longer, more energetic route that suits dogs used to sustained walking. The path is generally clear but undulates constantly, so it’s worth pacing yourself. On quieter days, it feels wonderfully remote despite being close to Salcombe.
- Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Terrain: Coastal paths, uneven ground
- Dog restrictions: Cliffs and livestock in places
Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk (Dartmoor)
Fernworthy Reservoir – Photo Credit: Chris Andrews
Fernworthy Reservoir sits on the edge of Dartmoor and offers a gentler introduction to the moor compared to the more exposed tors. This circular walk loops the water through ancient woodland and open moorland edges, with a real sense of space without constant climbing.
It’s ideal for dogs that enjoy variety and water-side wandering. Unlike many Dartmoor routes, this one feels contained and sheltered, making it a good option in less settled weather.
- Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Woodland trails, moorland paths
- Dog restrictions: Ground-nesting birds seasonally
Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk (East Devon)
The River Otter – Photo Credit: Derek Harper
This gentle riverside walk follows the River Otter through meadows and quiet countryside near the coast. It’s a relaxed, low-level route that works well year-round and is particularly good for older dogs or recovery walks.
The path is mostly flat and well-trodden, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the slower pace. After wetter periods, some sections can be muddy, but it adds to the rural feel rather than detracting from it.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Riverside paths, fields
- Dog restrictions: Livestock in surrounding fields
Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk (South Dartmoor)
Avon Dam Reservoir – Photo Credit: Des Blenkinsopp
Avon Dam sits high on the southern edge of Dartmoor and offers a more contained, quieter moorland experience than many of the classic tor routes. This circular walk loops the reservoir before pushing gently out onto open moorland, where wide views stretch across the surrounding hills and valleys.
The route feels remote without being overwhelming. Paths are generally clear, gradients are manageable, and the reservoir edge provides a calm contrast to the exposed sections beyond. It’s a good option if you want a sense of Dartmoor’s scale without committing to a long or technical hike. Dogs will enjoy the space, but should remain under close control due to grazing livestock.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Moorland paths, reservoir tracks
- Dog restrictions: Sheep and ponies present, control required
Tarka Trail: Fremington Quay to Instow (North Devon)
Tarka Trail head into Fremington Quay – Photo Credit: Roger A Smith
This section of the Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line along the Taw and Torridge estuaries, delivering a flat, traffic-free walk with wide open views across mudflats, saltmarsh and tidal water. It’s a very different Devon experience to moorland or cliffs, with big skies, birdlife, and a calm, unhurried feel.
The surfaced path makes this route ideal for relaxed walking and for dogs that prefer predictable footing. Despite its accessibility, it never feels urban, and the estuary setting changes constantly with the tide. It also works well year-round and is easy to shorten or extend depending on energy levels.
- Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Flat, surfaced trail
- Dog restrictions: Dogs should be on lead around wildlife and cyclists
Hartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth Walk
Hartland Quay – Photo Credit: Asriel Wilde
This rugged coastal walk explores one of the wildest sections of the North Devon coastline, following the South West Coast Path south from Hartland Quay. The route passes sheer cliffs, folded rock formations, and crashing surf, delivering a dramatic walk that feels properly remote.
It’s a demanding but rewarding route, with steep ascents and descents that will suit confident walkers and energetic dogs. Paths are generally clear but exposed, and conditions can change quickly, making this best tackled in settled weather.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Terrain: Coastal paths, steep gradients
- Dog restrictions: Cliffs and livestock present, close control required
Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington)
Torrington Commons – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
Torrington Commons offers a quieter, inland North Devon walking experience, with a network of woodland paths and open commons overlooking the Torridge Valley. The landscape feels spacious but sheltered, providing a strong contrast to the exposed coastal routes elsewhere in the county.
The terrain is varied but manageable, making this a good everyday walk for local exploration or a gentler option alongside more demanding coastal hikes. Dogs will enjoy the woodland trails and open ground, though care is needed around livestock grazing areas.
- Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, open commons
- Dog restrictions: Grazing livestock present
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Devon
- Teign Gorge Circular Walk
- Beer to Branscombe Coastal Walk
- Haldon Forest Discovery Trail
- Sharpham Estate and River Dart Walk
- Bolt Head to Bolt Tail Coastal Walk
- Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk
- Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk
- Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk
- Tarka Trail: Fremington Quay to Instow
- Hartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth Walk (North Devon)
- Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington)
Our interactive map of these walks will help you plan routes, parking, and nearby adventures across the county, simply click the pins to uncover more information.
Find even more dog friendly walks across the UK on our Wildpack Map, as well as beaches and other points of interest.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog Friendly Walks on Dartmoor National Park– deep-dive guide to forest trails, tors and moorland routes
- Dog Friendly Walks in Exmoor National Park – Spoilt for choice on National Parks with Exmoor nearby too
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Devon – coastal options for post-walk swims
- Dog friendly walks in Dorset – Explore chalk hills, wooded valleys and coastal paths
- Dog Friendly Walks in Cornwall – perfect if you’re extending your trip west
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Cornwall – Exmoor and countryside routes to the north
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Somerset – A short drive brings you to Somerset’s open, less crowded beaches
- Dog Friendly Walks in Somerset – A varied mix of hill walks, canals and flat wetland trails
Final Thoughts
Devon’s strength lies in its variety. You can tailor walks to the weather, your dog’s energy levels, or simply the kind of day you want to have. Whether that’s a quiet riverside wander, a lung-filling coastal hike, or a moorland ramble with space to breathe, there’s always another route waiting.
If you’re planning to explore Dartmoor in more depth, our dedicated guide dives deeper into its forests, tors and wide-open landscapes, making it easy to build longer adventures around this list.