Polzeath to Port Isaac Coastal Walk
Cornwall
This is one of Cornwall's classic linear coast days, leaving the wide surf beach at Polzeath, looping around the wildflower-rich headland of Pentire Point and dropping in and out of the lovely small coves of Lundy Bay, Port Quin and Pine Haven before finishing in the slate-grey harbour of Port Isaac. The whole stretch is a dog friendly route with three year round dog beaches en route, although Polzeath itself has summer restrictions.
From 1 July to 31 August dogs are not allowed on the main Polzeath beach between flagged hours, but Port Isaac, Epphaven Cove, Port Quin and Lundy Bay all welcome dogs year round. Leads are needed where the path runs across National Trust grazing and ground-nesting bird country on Pentire, and the route is largely unfenced from the cliff edge throughout. Parking sits at the Lead Mines National Trust car park or behind Polzeath beach, with regular Wadebridge to Rock buses calling at Polzeath, Port Quin and Port Isaac for the return.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 16.0 km (9.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 6 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafes, pubs and toilets at Polzeath, Port Quin and Port Isaac, plus a seasonal kiosk at Lundy Bay.
- Parking
- Pay and display at Polzeath beach or the National Trust Lead Mines car park near Pentire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polzeath to Port Isaac Coastal Walk dog friendly?
Yes, the whole route is dog friendly with a rating of 7/10, and there are three year-round dog-friendly beaches along the way — Port Isaac, Epphaven Cove, Port Quin and Lundy Bay all welcome dogs at any time of year. The one thing to be aware of is that Polzeath beach itself has seasonal restrictions, with dogs not permitted on the main beach during flagged hours between 1 July and 31 August.
Can dogs be off lead at Polzeath to Port Isaac Coastal Walk?
There are sections where leads are required — specifically where the path crosses National Trust grazing land and ground-nesting bird habitat on Pentire Point. It's also worth knowing that the route is largely unfenced from the cliff edge throughout, so even where leads aren't mandatory, you'll want to keep a close eye on your dog near the clifftops.
What should I know before visiting Polzeath to Port Isaac Coastal Walk with my dog?
This is a long linear coastal walk, so it's worth planning your return journey in advance — there are regular buses between Wadebridge, Rock, Polzeath, Port Quin and Port Isaac, which makes the logistics straightforward. Facilities are good along the route, with cafes, pubs and toilets at Polzeath, Port Quin and Port Isaac, and a seasonal kiosk at Lundy Bay, so you and your dog won't be short of pitstop options.
What’s Nearby?
Walk0.5 mi awayPentire Headland Walk
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A punchy headland walk above Polzeath with wild coastal views and clifftop drama, short but exposed and rewarding.
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A proper moorland adventure to Cornwall's two highest peaks, with open, exposed terrain and a real sense of wildness on the summit.
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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.
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A dramatic North Cornwall coast walk from Boscastle harbour along towering slate cliffs to the legendary ruins of Tintagel, dog friendly with leads on for cliffs and livestock.
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A sandy coastal walk linking Holywell Bay with the quieter dunes of Penhale Sands, with big beach space and room for dogs to run.
