Crackington Haven to The Strangles Circular
Cornwall
Crackington Haven sits in a steep-sided cove on the north Cornish coast between Bude and Boscastle, where the cliffs are made of dark shale and sandstone buckled into zigzag folds, and a fit dog on a lead is rewarded at the end with a swim at The Strangles, which allows dogs all year. This 6.9km circular walk climbs south out of the haven on the South West Coast Path to Cambeak, a narrow headland where the folded rock formations are at their most striking, and past Tremoutha Haven, where the wreck of a Second World War ship lies in the cove. It continues along the clifftops to The Strangles, a long sandy beach reached by a steep path, then turns inland and returns through the bluebell woods of East Wood beside the Ludon river. The route is graded moderate to strenuous, with steep climbs and descents on the coast path adding up to an estimated 350 metres of ascent, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
This is a dog friendly walk for a fit dog that enjoys a climb. The Strangles allows dogs all year and makes a great mid-walk run, while Crackington Haven beach has seasonal dog restrictions. The cliffs are high and unfenced, so keep your dog close on the coast path, and put it on a lead crossing any fields with livestock. Most dogs can manage or bypass the stiles. East Wood gives shade and a stream on the way back. The Coombe Barton Inn is beside the car park at Crackington Haven.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.9 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Coombe Barton Inn and a cafe at Crackington Haven; toilets at Crackington Haven. Dog policies not confirmed.
- Parking
- Car park beside the beach at Crackington Haven, pay and display; the Burden Trust car park is the alternative.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Crackington Haven to The Strangles Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CornwallFrequently Asked Questions
Is Crackington Haven to The Strangles Circular dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The Strangles allows dogs all year, the woodland return gives shade and a stream, and most dogs can manage the stiles. The score is held back by the high unfenced cliffs, the steep climbs that are hard on older dogs, and seasonal dog restrictions on the beach at Crackington Haven.
Can dogs be off lead at Crackington Haven to The Strangles Circular?
In parts. The wooded return along the Ludon valley suits a dog with good recall, and The Strangles beach allows dogs off lead all year. On the coast path the cliffs are high and unfenced, so keep your dog close or on a lead, and put it on a lead through any fields where livestock is grazing.
What should I know before visiting Crackington Haven to The Strangles Circular with my dog?
This is a tough walk for its length, with several steep climbs and descents, including the path down to The Strangles and back up. Carry water for your dog on the coast section, where there is no shade. Crackington Haven beach has seasonal dog restrictions. Parking is by the beach at Crackington Haven and fills quickly on sunny days.
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Crackington Haven Car Park, Mill Ball Hill, Crackington Haven, Bude EX23 0JG
50.7409, -4.6325
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