Parracombe and Heddon Valley Circular
Devon
This dog friendly Exmoor walk starts at the National Trust base in Heddon Valley and climbs through hanging oak woodland onto the open coast path, where the cliffs above Heddon's Mouth are some of the highest in England. The route can be extended inland over moorland and quiet lanes to the picture-postcard village of Parracombe with its medieval St Petrock's Church, before dropping back down into the valley alongside the River Heddon to the pebble cove at the mouth.
Dogs are welcome throughout, with the wooded valley itself fairly enclosed and great for off-lead time when no livestock is in sight, but the open Exmoor sections above Parracombe carry sheep, cattle and ponies year round, so leads are needed up there. The river and pebble beach are paw-friendly and good for a paddle in summer. Parking is at the Heddon Valley National Trust car park (free for members), and the Hunter's Inn is a dog friendly pub right at the start.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Moorland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Hunter's Inn pub (dog friendly), National Trust shop and toilets at Heddon Valley; St Petrock's Church at Parracombe.
- Parking
- National Trust car park at Heddon Valley (EX31 4PY), free to members and pay and display for non-members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Parracombe and Heddon Valley Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DevonVisitor Reviews
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What’s Nearby?
Walk0.1 mi awayHeddon’s Mouth Trail
Devon
A gentle NT valley walk to a dramatic rocky cove with high off-lead potential and excellent facilities at Hunter's Inn; one of the most rewarding short walks on Exmoor.
Walk3.4 mi awayValley of Rocks Coastal Loop
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Spectacular rock formations and feral goats on a dramatic coastal loop; moderate off-lead potential but sheep and cliff edges require attention.
Walk4 mi awayLynton, Lynmouth and Watersmeet Circular
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A spectacular Exmoor river valley walk with dramatic gorge scenery and excellent National Trust facilities; the steep terrain and livestock require care throughout.
Beach4.4 mi awayLynmouth Beach
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A shingle beach at the foot of Exmoor in the dramatic village of Lynmouth, year-round dog friendly and directly below the famous Victorian Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway with pubs and shops just steps away.
Beach4.8 mi awayCombe Martin Beach
Devon
A narrow beach at the foot of dramatic cliffs near the village of Combe Martin, with summer dog restrictions making it a winter and shoulder-season option for dog owners visiting North Devon.
Walk5.3 mi awayWatersmeet to Ash Bridge
Devon
A gentle riverside walk through ancient oak woodland with excellent National Trust tea-room; the easy terrain and good water access make it ideal for relaxed dogs.