Heddon’s Mouth Trail
Devon
Heddon's Mouth Trail follows the River Heddon through a steep-sided wooded valley down to the dramatic North Devon coast, where the river meets the sea between towering cliffs. This 3.2 km out-and-back route descends 256 metres through beautiful mixed woodland before emerging at the rocky cove of Heddon's Mouth, where the landscape opens up to crashing waves and salt air. The combination of sheltered riverside woodland and exposed coastline packs remarkable variety into a short distance. The well-maintained path makes the descent straightforward, though the climb back requires steady effort.
This dog friendly walk is superb for dogs who enjoy both woodland and coast. The high off-lead potential and low livestock risk make it one of the most relaxed walks on this stretch of Devon coast. The River Heddon provides water access throughout the descent, and the rocky cove at the bottom is a brilliant spot for exploration. Dogs respond immediately to the transition from sheltered forest to open sea air, and the varied terrain — soft woodland floor, riverside rocks, coastal shingle — keeps noses and paws busy throughout. The climb back up provides good exercise without being punishing.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Coastal, River
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Hunter's Inn (dog-friendly hotel with restaurant and bar); The Pantry café near the car park; National Trust shop
- Parking
- National Trust car park at Heddon Valley (EX31 4PY); pay and display; free for NT members
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heddon's Mouth Trail dog friendly?
Heddon's Mouth Trail earns a 9/10 dog-friendly rating, making it one of the best walks for dogs on this stretch of Devon coast. The route offers a brilliant combination of woodland, riverside, and rocky cove , all of which dogs tend to love , and the low livestock risk means a genuinely relaxed outing. After your walk, Hunter's Inn is dog-friendly and serves food and drinks, so there's no need to leave your dog outside while you recover.
Can dogs be off lead at Heddon's Mouth Trail?
Off-lead potential here is high, which is one of the reasons this trail stands out in the area. The low livestock risk along the route means most dogs can roam freely through the woodland and down to the cove without the usual concerns. The River Heddon runs alongside much of the descent, giving dogs plenty of opportunity to splash and drink along the way.
What should I know before visiting Heddon's Mouth Trail with my dog?
The trail is a 3.2 km out-and-back route with a 256-metre descent to the coast, so be prepared for a steady climb on the way back , it's manageable but worth knowing about. Parking is at the National Trust car park in Heddon Valley (EX31 4PY), which is pay and display, though free for NT members. Facilities are good, with The Pantry café near the car park and the dog-friendly Hunter's Inn with its restaurant and bar at the trailhead.
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