Bude Canal and Coast Circular

At a Glance

Distance

6.3 km (3.9 miles)

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1 hr 40 min

Walk Type

Canal, Coastal

Route Type

Circular

Off Lead Potential

Moderate

Livestock Risk

None

Facilities

Cafes, pubs and toilets throughout Bude; pubs on or near the route include the Barrel, the Brendon Arms and the Carriers Inn. Dog policies not confirmed.

Parking

The Crescent car park beside the canal, Cornwall Council, pay and display; Summerleaze car park is an alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Bude Canal and Coast Circular dog friendly?

  Yes, this is a great choice for dogs of almost any age or fitness level — it rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack. The route is flat, stile-free, and free of livestock, making it especially well suited to puppies and older dogs. There are two beaches at the end of the second loop, and Bude itself has plenty of cafes and pubs to round off the walk.

• Can dogs be off lead at Bude Canal and Coast Circular?

  Dogs with reliable recall can enjoy some freedom on the wider stretches of the canal towpath, but you'll want to keep a lead handy. Swans, ducks and geese live on the canal, cyclists share the path, and the low cliffs above the beaches are unfenced in places. Summerleaze beach allows dogs all year, while Crooklets has seasonal restrictions, so it's worth checking current rules before you head onto the sand.

• What should I know before visiting Bude Canal and Coast Circular with my dog?

  The walk is 6.3km in a figure-of-eight shape and can be split into two shorter loops of around two miles each if you'd prefer a gentler outing. All paths are surfaced and there's only around 40 metres of climbing across the whole route, so it's genuinely manageable for older or less mobile dogs. Parking is available at The Crescent car park beside the canal or at Summerleaze car park, both pay and display.

The Crescent Car Park, The Crescent, Bude EX23 8LB

50.8271, -4.5459