Par Sands and the Gribbin Head Circular
Cornwall
Gribbin Head is the great red-and-white striped daymark above Fowey, and this circular links it with the secret cove of Polridmouth, the village beach at Polkerris and the wide flat sands of Par. It is a dog friendly route with a spread of beach options for paws on the route, including Polridmouth which welcomes dogs all year.
Readymoney Cove and Polkerris beach both have summer dog restrictions broadly in force from Easter to October, but Polridmouth is open year round and the cliff path between the headlands has plenty of off lead potential where livestock and cliff edge are not nearby. Leads are needed across the working farmland sections where the path crosses cattle and sheep ground, and around the woodland sections near Polkerris which can be busy with families in summer. Parking is best at the National Trust Coombe Farm car park near Menabilly, and there are pubs and cafes at Polkerris and Par for a midway stop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.7 km (7.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pubs and cafes at Polkerris and Par Sands, with a seasonal kiosk at Polridmouth.
- Parking
- National Trust Coombe Farm car park, free for members, with overflow at Par Sands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Par Sands and the Gribbin Head Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited route for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The circular takes in several beach options, including Polridmouth Cove which welcomes dogs all year round, making it a reliable choice whatever the season.
Can dogs be off lead at Par Sands and the Gribbin Head Circular?
There's good off lead potential along the cliff path between the headlands, away from livestock and cliff edges. However, leads are required across the working farmland sections where cattle and sheep are present, and in the woodland areas near Polkerris, which can get busy with families in summer.
What should I know before visiting Par Sands and the Gribbin Head Circular with my dog?
The key thing to be aware of is that Readymoney Cove and Polkerris beach both have summer dog restrictions roughly from Easter to October, so Polridmouth is your best beach option if you're visiting during that period. Parking is available at the National Trust Coombe Farm car park near Menabilly, free for members, with overflow parking at Par Sands, and there are pubs and cafes at both Polkerris and Par if you need a mid-walk stop.
What’s Nearby?
Walk1.7 mi awayFowey to Polkerris Coastal Walk
Cornwall
A circular from Fowey out along the cliffs past Readymoney Cove and Gribbin Head to Polkerris, returning inland along the historic Saints Way, dog friendly with seasonal beach rules.
Walk3.1 mi awayLantic Bay Coastal Walk
Devon
A short but steep coastal walk down to one of Cornwall's most beautiful hidden beaches, quieter than the headline bays.
Walk9.6 mi awayCardinham Woods
Devon
A Forestry England woodland walk with well-marked trails, a cafe and dog wash on site - the reliable option when weather pushes you off the coast.
Walk18.6 mi awayCamel Trail
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A flat, easy trail along a disused railway beside the Camel Estuary, shared with cyclists but wide enough to feel relaxed with dogs.
Walk19.3 mi awaySt Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula Walk
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A peaceful Roseland Peninsula circular linking St Mawes with the famously beautiful churchyard at St Just-in-Roseland, dog friendly with mostly easy paths and a couple of stiles.
Walk19.4 mi awayRough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor)
Devon
A proper moorland adventure to Cornwall's two highest peaks, with open, exposed terrain and a real sense of wildness on the summit.
