Dartmoor: Grimspound and Hookney Tor Circuit

Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs and earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It's open access moorland with plenty of space to roam, no stiles to negotiate, and a route that takes in Hookney Tor and the fascinating Bronze Age enclosure at Grimspound.

Dogs can enjoy good off-lead time here when livestock isn't close by, but there are some important restrictions to be aware of. Between 1 March and 31 July, dogs must be kept on a short fixed lead of no more than 2 metres across this stretch of moor, to protect ground-nesting birds and young lambs. Outside of that period, you'll still want to keep a close eye out for Dartmoor sheep, ponies and Highland cattle that graze freely in the area.

The terrain is classic Dartmoor — tussocky moor grass, granite scrambles around the tor and a stream crossing at Grims Lake — so paws and footing are worth keeping an eye on. Livestock roam freely across the area year-round, and the seasonal lead rule from 1 March to 31 July applies across the moor. There are no facilities on the walk itself, so it's worth stopping in Widecombe-in-the-Moor beforehand for any supplies, and parking is free in the small layby on the B3212 with space for around fifteen cars.