Clovelly Village and the Coast Walk
Devon
This dog friendly walk starts at the National Trust car park at Brownsham, threads through bluebell woodland onto the South West Coast Path, and follows the cliff edge above Mouth Mill and Gallantry Bower, where vertical hundred metre cliffs drop straight to the waves. The route then descends through ornamental gates into the famous cobbled village of Clovelly, returning via the inland Hobby Drive and the woods back to Brownsham.
Dogs are welcome year round on the coast path and the wooded sections, but they must be on a lead through the village of Clovelly itself, where the steep cobbles can also be hard going for paws. The cliff edges are dramatic and unfenced, so close control is important, and the long climb out of Clovelly is the toughest part of the day. Free parking is at Brownsham (National Trust members), with toilets and refreshments in Clovelly village (a separate visitor admission applies for the village).
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets and cafes in Clovelly village; picnic spot at Brownsham; village admission charge applies on entry.
- Parking
- Free National Trust car park at Brownsham (members), accessed by a narrow lane off the B3248; main Clovelly visitor car park is the alternative.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clovelly Village and the Coast Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk year round, earning it a 7/10 dog friendly rating on Wildpack Collective. The coast path, bluebell woodland, and Hobby Drive sections are all open to dogs, though the village of Clovelly itself requires dogs to be kept on a lead. Bear in mind that a separate visitor admission charge applies when you enter the village.
Can dogs be off lead at Clovelly Village and the Coast Walk?
Dogs can enjoy more freedom on the wooded sections and stretches of the South West Coast Path, but close control is strongly advised near the cliff edges, which are dramatic, unfenced, and drop a hundred metres straight to the sea. Dogs must be kept on a lead through Clovelly village itself. It's worth having your lead to hand throughout, given how quickly the terrain changes.
What should I know before visiting Clovelly Village and the Coast Walk with my dog?
The route starts at the National Trust car park at Brownsham, which is free for NT members and reached via a narrow lane off the B3248 — a non-member alternative is the main Clovelly visitor car park. The steep cobbled streets of Clovelly can be tough on paws, and the long climb back out of the village is the most demanding section of the day, so factor that in for older or less fit dogs. Toilets and cafes are available in the village, and there's a picnic spot at Brownsham if you'd rather avoid the admission charge altogether.
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