Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Circular
Cornwall
Trevose Head is a broad, heathy headland west of Padstow, topped by a white lighthouse and looking out over the offshore rocks known as The Bull and The Quies, and every beach along the way welcomes dogs all year round. This 9.7km circular walk follows the South West Coast Path from the sandy sweep of Constantine Bay past the rockpools of Booby's Bay, where the wreck of the sailing vessel Carl sometimes shows at low tide, and out around the headland to the lighthouse and a circular abyss formed by a collapsed sea cave. It continues east past the Padstow lifeboat station to the sheltered sands of Mother Ivey's Bay and Harlyn, then cuts back across the neck of the headland. The paths are graded easy to moderate, on grass and coastal heath rich in wildflowers in spring and summer, with around 150 metres of climbing.
This is a very dog friendly walk, largely because every beach on the route, at Constantine Bay, Booby's Bay, Mother Ivey's Bay and Harlyn, allows dogs all year, giving your dog four chances for a run and a swim. There is usually no livestock on the route, so a dog with good recall can have moderate off-lead freedom on the wider paths, though the cliffs around the headland are unfenced and the collapsed cave is a real hazard. There is one high stile that big dogs will probably need help over. There is no shade on the headland, so carry water on warm days.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafes and a pub near Harlyn Bay; shop near Constantine Bay. Dog policies not confirmed.
- Parking
- Constantine Bay car park; Harlyn Bay car park is an alternative start.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Treligga Farm Cottages - Honeysuckle
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £533 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in CornwallFrequently Asked Questions
Is Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Circular dog friendly?
This walk scores 8/10 for dog friendliness, and it earns that rating largely thanks to the beaches. All four beaches on the route — Constantine Bay, Booby's Bay, Mother Ivey's Bay and Harlyn — welcome dogs all year round, so your dog gets four chances for a run and a swim on a single 9.7km circuit.
Can dogs be off lead at Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Circular?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy moderate off-lead freedom on the wider paths, as there is usually no livestock on the route. That said, the cliffs around the headland are unfenced and there is a genuine hazard in the form of a collapsed sea cave, so leads are strongly advisable in those sections.
What should I know before visiting Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Circular with my dog?
There are a few practical things worth bearing in mind. There is no shade on the headland, so bring plenty of water for your dog on warm days, and note that one high stile on the route may need a helping hand for larger dogs. Cafes, a pub and a shop are available near Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay if you need to stock up, though dog policies at those venues haven't been confirmed.
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Constantine Bay Car Park, Sandy Common, Constantine Bay, Padstow PL28 8JL
50.5317, -5.0186
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