Loe Pool and Penrose Estate Circular
Cornwall
Loe Pool is the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, formed where the River Cober was dammed by Loe Bar, a broad bank of shingle thrown up by Atlantic storms between Porthleven and Gunwalloe, and a dog with good recall can potter along its wooded shore off the lead. The lake and the surrounding Penrose estate are cared for by the National Trust. This 10km circular walk from Penrose Hill car park follows the lake shore through mature broadleaf woodland in the Cober valley, across marshland at the head of the pool near Helston, and back along the far side past the Stables cafe in a 1780s stable block, before crossing Loe Bar itself. The wreck of HMS Anson on the bar in 1807 led to the invention of the rocket lifesaving apparatus. The paths are mostly broad and well surfaced, with no stiles and only about 100 metres of climbing, though low sections can flood after prolonged rain.
This is a very dog friendly walk. The National Trust welcomes dogs across the whole Penrose estate, including the seating area at the Stables, where there are water bowls outside and dog biscuits on the counter. There is moderate off-lead potential in the woods for a dog with good recall, but dogs should be under close control and on a short lead where livestock is grazing. The woodland gives good shade. Loe Bar allows dogs all year, but the sea there is dangerous, so do not let your dog swim off the bar.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.0 km (6.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Stables cafe (National Trust) on route, with water bowls and dog biscuits; pubs and cafes in Helston and Porthleven.
- Parking
- Penrose Hill car park, National Trust, free with donation box. Alternatives in Helston and at Degibna.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Loe Pool and Penrose Estate 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 Loe Pool and Penrose Estate Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a highly dog-friendly walk, rated 8 out of 10. The National Trust welcomes dogs across the whole Penrose estate, including the seating area at the Stables cafe, which goes the extra mile with water bowls outside and dog biscuits on the counter. Loe Bar is also open to dogs all year round.
Can dogs be off lead at Loe Pool and Penrose Estate Circular?
There is moderate off-lead potential in the woodland for dogs with reliable recall, where they can enjoy exploring the wooded shores of the lake. Where livestock is grazing, dogs should be kept on a short lead and under close control, so it's worth being prepared to pop the lead back on at various points along the route.
What should I know before visiting Loe Pool and Penrose Estate Circular with my dog?
The paths are mostly broad and well surfaced with no stiles, making this a comfortable walk, though lower sections can flood after prolonged rain. One important safety note: the sea off Loe Bar is dangerous, so don't let your dog swim there. The woodland provides good shade on warm days, and parking at Penrose Hill car park is free with a donation box.
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What’s Nearby?
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