Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington)
Devon
Torrington Commons wraps around the hilltop town of Great Torrington in North Devon, offering a 5.6 km circular through ancient common land overlooking the Torridge Valley. The route follows woodland paths beneath mature oak and beech before opening onto grassy commons where the views stretch across rolling Devon farmland toward Dartmoor. With just 82 metres of climbing, the terrain is gentle and the paths are well-established, though the commons have a wilder feel than a managed park — rough grass, scattered gorse and the occasional scramble down to the old canal path along the river below. This is inland Devon at its most quietly appealing, sheltered from the coastal wind and far quieter than the tourist-heavy routes.
This dog friendly walk offers moderate off-lead potential with low livestock risk, making the commons sections ideal for dogs who enjoy exploring open ground at their own pace. The woodland paths carry rich scent from damp leaf litter and fungal growth, while the open commons shift to grass and gorse with rabbit activity in the rougher patches. The old canal path along the Torridge provides water access for drinking and paddling. The sheltered valleys make this a good option in breezy weather when exposed coastal walks become unpleasant. Great Torrington itself has several dog-friendly pubs for post-walk refreshment.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Town facilities nearby
- Parking
- Free parking at Torrington Commons car park
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington) dog friendly?
Yes, Torrington Commons is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The 5.6 km circular route offers a mix of woodland paths, open common land and access to the River Torridge for drinking and paddling, making it enjoyable for most dogs. Great Torrington also has several dog-friendly pubs nearby if you fancy a post-walk stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington)?
The commons sections offer good off-lead potential, with low livestock risk making them well-suited to dogs who like to roam and explore at their own pace. The rougher patches of grass and gorse see rabbit activity, so if your dog has a strong chase instinct it's worth keeping that in mind. The woodland paths and canal section along the Torridge are more enclosed, so recall reliability will help you make the most of the route.
What should I know before visiting Torrington Commons Circular Walk (Great Torrington) with my dog?
The terrain is gentle with only 82 metres of climbing, but the commons have a wilder, less manicured feel than a managed park , expect rough grass, scattered gorse and some scrambling down to the old canal path by the river. There's free parking at Torrington Commons car park, and town facilities are close by. The sheltered valleys make this a particularly good option on breezy days when exposed coastal walks in the area become less appealing.
What’s Nearby?
Walk8.5 mi awayTarka Trail: Fremington Quay to Instow
Devon
A flat estuary trail along the Taw Estuary with big sky views across the water, excellent for dogs and straightforward year round.
Walk12 mi awaySaunton Sands and Braunton Burrows Walk
Devon
A dog friendly North Devon loop combining the three mile sweep of Saunton Sands with the wild dunes of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO biosphere reserve where dogs can usually run free.
Walk13 mi awayClovelly Village and the Coast Walk
Devon
A dog friendly North Devon coast and woodland loop from Brownsham to the cobbled fishing village of Clovelly, with cliff top viewpoints over the Bristol Channel.
Walk16.2 mi awayMorte Point and Bull Point Circular
Devon
A dog friendly North Devon headland circuit around Morte Point and Bull Point, with rocky finger cliffs, basking seals offshore and far views over to Lundy.
Walk17.4 mi awayHartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth Walk (North Devon)
Devon
One of Devon's most dramatic coastal walks along a wild, dark cliff section with sea stacks and a spectacular waterfall descent.
Walk17.6 mi awayDartmoor: Yes Tor and High Willhays from Okehampton
Devon
A challenging climb from Meldon Reservoir to the highest points in southern England, Yes Tor and High Willhays, dog friendly with leads on for sheep and a check of military firing times.
