Key Takeaways:
- South East Cornwall offers diverse, dog friendly walks from coast to woodland within minutes of Kernock Cottages.
- Many Cornwall dog walks near Kernock Cottages are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
- Local dog walks combine scenic views, wildlife, heritage sites, and year round dog friendly beaches.
- Several routes include dog friendly pubs and cafés, perfect for relaxed walking breaks.
- Free and low cost parking makes exploring Cornwall dog walks easy and convenient.
The Best Dog Walks in Cornwall – Accessible, Scenic & Dog-Friendly
If you’re looking for the best South West Coast Path walks for dogs, you’re in the right place. We are very proud to have won lots of awards for our dog-friendliness (including Dog-friendly Business of the Year in both Cornwall and the South West in 2017) and are always looking for ways to make our doggy guests (and their well-behaved owners) welcome.
We thought it might be useful to list a few of our favourite dog walks in the area. We are spoilt for choice around here, and in your cottage you will find a compilation of walks around Pillaton (with maps), accessible straight from your door, which you can also find here.
These all handily converge on the village, where our local pub is dog-friendly.
Some of these are accessible walks (so good for wheelchairs or buggies) and have accessible facilities. There are access notes where applicable below.
For more choice, there are some great apps with downloadable walks which you may find useful. Firstly, the Walk Finder on the South West Coast Path’s website, which is a free resource, and covers all 630 miles of the Coast Path. The app grades walks by difficulty, so can be useful if you are using a buggy or wheelchair. Secondly, IWalkCornwall, which has over 230 walks all over Cornwall.
Walk from the Door – Polborder Woods (4.5 miles circuit)
A lovely circular woodland walk to Polborder and back, looping through the village before returning to Kernock with the option of a well-earned pub stop along the way.
From the top of the drive, head right, then right again at the bottom. Take the first left and follow the lane down the valley and up past Smeaton Farm. Before the bridge, use the gate on the left into Duchy forestry land. Follow woodland paths, rejoining the lane near the barns, then re-enter the woods before descending towards the road. Continue uphill past Rowse Farm into the village. From here, either head back via Kernock Lane or detour to the pub.
Walking boots or wellies are recommended, as woodland sections can be muddy after rain.
Access
This route includes country lanes, woodland paths and uneven ground, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies
Parking
Kernock guests can use cottage facilities.
Woodland & River Dog Walks in the Tamar Valley
Newbridge through Cadsonbury Woods – 4 miles from Kernock – PL17 7HL
This is a delightful walk, with several loops to suit different abilities, including wheelchairs on the section of river closest to the (free) car park. The path follows the River Lynher, and has plenty of little beachy points for doggy paddling opportunities. There is abundant wildlife here – otters are occasionally spotted in the river, and in the Spring there are carpets of bluebells and clumps of flag iris. If you’ve got the legs for it, then it is worth crossing the road and climbing up Cadsonbury Hill to the Iron Age hill fort, from where you get excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Access
There are 3 colour-coded circular walks of varying length, and the shorter walk from the car park along the river is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Newbridge car park.
Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve – 5 miles
The Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve covers 61 hectares at the confluence of the Lynher and Tamar rivers, offering stunning views upriver towards Antony Passage and Forder Creek, and down towards Devonport and Plymouth. You rarely meet more than one or two other walkers, and there is access onto the beach in several locations. Enjoy views of the Brunel viaduct and Trematon Castle, with great photo opportunities for Cornish wildlife and scenery. Please keep dogs on a lead in signposted areas during ground-nesting bird season.
Access
Not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies due to the nature of the terrain and presence of stiles. There are no facilities at Churchtown Farm.
Parking
Free in the layby opposite the entrance gate.
Scenic Riverside & Heritage Walks
Cotehele to Calstock – 6 miles
Park at the Cotehele Quay car park and take the footpath to the right, which climbs gently around the contours of the river to a viewing point. From here, you get a first glimpse of the elegant Calstock Viaduct, which is the largest viaduct in Britain. There are a couple of pubs here, and also the delightfully quirky (and dog-friendly) Lishe teashop-come-cafe, where you can indulge in some delicious homemade soups, bread and cakes.
Back at Cotehele Quay, enjoy a Cornish cream tea (jam first, of course!) at the dog-friendly Edgcumbe; cosy by the fire on blustery days or outside overlooking The Shamrock in the sunshine.
Access
There are accessible loos at Cotehele Quay, but the walk itself is steep in parts and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Parking
£3 per day, or free to NT members at Cotehele Quay car park.
Kit Hill – 7 miles
Now a 400-acre nature park – was donated by Prince Charles (Duke of Cornwall) to the people of Cornwall to celebrate the birth of Prince William. Follow the path north to reach the old quarry, where dressed granite still lies scattered. The quarry supplied stone for several major Thames bridges and operated until the 1950s. It is now a popular wild swimming spot, but the water is very deep, extremely cold, and unsuitable for children or inexperienced swimmers. If you’re feeling peckish and the weather’s nice (no dogs inside, but welcome outside), then stop off at Louis’ Tea Rooms on the way down.
Parking
Free at the summit car park.
Access
Paths are generally wide but uneven in places, with gravel and slopes. Some sections may be difficult for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Coastal Dog Walks in South East Cornwall
Maker Church to Kingsand – 16 miles
This is a beautiful walk of around 90 minutes on the Rame Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water. From Maker Church, enjoy sweeping views up the Tamar Estuary towards Devonport and Torpoint. Drop through the deer park onto the South West Coast Path for views across to Plymouth, with bluebell-filled woods in May.
Follow the path to the twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. From there, take the steep footpath uphill towards Maker Heights and stop at The Canteen, set in restored Nissen huts, for excellent food and stunning views. Dogs are welcome outside.
Access
This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or buggies, as it includes uneven coastal paths and a steep uphill section from Kingsand and Cawsand to Maker Heights.
Parking
There is an honesty box (their other car parks are £1) in the Maker Church car park.
Whitsand Bay – 10 miles
This is a favourite local beach. There are no facilities, and the path down is a little steep, but you’re rewarded with four miles of golden sand that often feels wonderfully quiet. The beach is dog-friendly all year round. Check tide times before visiting, as access can be cut off at high tide.
If red flags are flying due to army range activity at Tregantle, the beach will be closed. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at The View, which serves excellent food, although it isn’t dog-friendly.
Access
Steep(ish) path with steps in parts from the road down to the beach, and no facilities.
Parking
Free if you park in the layby at Tregantle Fort
Rame Head – 17 miles
The Rame Peninsula is perfect for dog walks, offering a variety of routes rather than a single trail. Known as Cornwall’s “Forgotten Corner”, it features dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife-rich countryside, and historic sites. The South West Coast Path circles the peninsula, with sweeping views over Whitsand Bay and access to dog-friendly villages such as Kingsand, Cawsand, Antony, Cremyll, and Millbrook.
Access
Many coastal paths are steep and uneven, so they may not be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, though some village areas and shorter sections offer easier, more level walking.
Parking
For the Chapel Walk, park at PL10 1LH
Looe, Talland & Polperro – 17 miles
This is a lovely section of the South West Coast Path. Drive to Looe and park in Marine Drive, which is close to the footpath proper, but if you want more excitement, then park at Liskeard Station and take the 8 3/4-mile Looe Valley Line train (dog-friendly), which is one of the great scenic railway routes of the UK and follows the estuary as the river flows to the sea.
The full route from Looe to the charming fishing village of Polperro is 5.7 miles each way, but there are pit stops at Talland, and Polperro has lots of watering stops in its narrow winding streets. You can also shorten the walk by just doing the Looe to Talland leg, or take the bus back from Polperro to Looe.
Access
This section of the South West Coast Path is not accessible for wheelchairs or buggies due to uneven paths, steep sections, and steps.
Parking
Looe at Marine Drive
Moorland & Open Space Walks
Bodmin Moor / Minions – 11 miles
Just outside the village of Minions, there are three Neolithic standing stone circles. These are The Hurlers, so called because legend has it they were village men turned to stone for playing hurling on the Sabbath. Close by is Rillaton Burrow – a very large early Bronze Age burial barrow. About a mile away you will find the famous Cheesewring, which has stunning views over South East Cornwall and into Devon. The area is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and is perfect for a scenic walk with your dog.
Access
Access may be challenging for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although short distances from nearby roadside parking make the site relatively easy to reach for many visitors. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Parking
Free car park PL14 5LL
Siblyback Lake – 14 miles
Part of the South West Lakes Trust, Siblyback is a popular watersports centre on top of Bodmin Moor, with wonderful views and an abundance of bird life. The walk is about 3 miles of graded track around the perimeter of the lake, making it easily accessible for buggies and bicycles (bike hire available).
Access
Tramper hire is available, and they also have a self-drive wheelyboat (wheelchair accessible boat). There is designated accessible parking, and there are accessible loos at the centre.
Parking
Parking is chargeable. Use PL14 6ER for Siblyback Lake car park.
Golitha Falls – 12 miles
On the edge of Bodmin Moor is an ancient oak woodland called Draynes Wood which follows the river Fowey as it hurries down the valley in a series of cascades known as Golitha Falls. This is a magical walk (watch your step with all the exposed tree roots), and the falls are spectacular after heavy rainfall. There are plenty of flatter areas on the route for a spot of doggy paddle.
In the car park you’ll find Inkie’s Smokehouse BBQ, which serves up huge portions of delicious home-cured bacon sandwiches and pulled pork, and there’s a great little farm shop that sells their home-cured bacon and Cornish cheeses.
Access
Most of the route is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, as there are lots of exposed root systems, which are great fun for exploring but do form trip hazards.
Parking
Park at the Golitha Falls car park near Draynes Bridge, which gives direct access to the woodland trails and waterfalls.
Tamar Trails – 10 miles
This isn’t strictly speaking South East Cornwall, as you do have to stray over to the Dark Side (Devon!) – it is just over the River Tamar. However, if you are looking for a cool walk for your hot dog on a sunny day, then it is well worth the (short) excursion, as the forest canopy provides welcome shelter.
Tamar Trails is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forms part of the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. There are 25 km of graded trails, ideal for walking or cycling, and if that seems a bit too tame, then you can also go treesurfing, canoeing and do archery here (booking recommended for those activities). The trails are dotted with interesting mining heritage such as old engine houses and mine workings (beware of letting the dog drink from puddles, as there are also old arsenic workings, and you can get mineral concentrations in the groundwater).
Access
There is tramper hire at Tamar Trails, and some of the trails are accessible. The Café has accessible loos.
Parking
£1 for 2 hours in the car park. SN – PL19 8JE
Cardinham Woods
There is plenty of space to explore, with 650 acres of mixed woodland at Cardinham. Four dog-friendly trails are available, including one easy route suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, two moderate walks, and one harder trail leading to the old Wheal Glynn mine. There is often a themed family trail for children, plus the popular Cardinham Woods Café for refreshments.
Access
Designated disabled parking (payable). The Lady Vale Walk is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. The car park has accessible The Café loos are not accessible (but the car park is close by).
Parking
£2 for 2 hours, or £5 all day
Why South East Cornwall is Perfect for Dog Walkers
South East Cornwall offers exceptional variety for dog owners. Within a short drive you can access:
- Woodland trails with shaded paths
- Dog-friendly beaches open year-round
- Historic mining landscapes
- Riverside and estuary walks
- Coastal paths with panoramic sea views
The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the South West Coast Path make this region particularly appealing for visitors seeking diverse, scenic and rewarding dog-friendly walks in Cornwall.
Planning Tips for the Best Dog Walks in Cornwall
Before heading out, consider the following:
- Check tide times for coastal walks (especially Whitsand Bay).
- Observe seasonal signage regarding ground-nesting birds.
- Bring water during warmer months.
- Use leads in livestock areas.
- Check accessibility notes if using a buggy or wheelchair.
Explore Dog Walks in Every Direction
South East Cornwall is a remarkable destination for dog owners who love variety, scenery and heritage. From woodland trails and mining landscapes to coastal paths and sandy beaches, there are outstanding dog walks in every direction.
Whether you prefer a short riverside stroll or a full-day coastal adventure, you’ll find something to suit both energetic pups and leisurely wanderers.
Planning your stay? Explore our dog friendly cottages and enjoy direct access to some of the region’s best dog walks in Cornwall.
FAQs
What makes South East Cornwall good for dog walking?
South East Cornwall offers a mix of coastline, woodland, moorland and riverside paths within a short distance of each other. This variety means you can choose between sheltered forest trails, open hilltop views or beach walks depending on the weather and your dog’s energy levels.
What should I know about seasonal restrictions?
Certain nature reserves may require dogs to be kept on leads during bird nesting season. Coastal areas may also close temporarily due to military use or tide conditions, so checking ahead is recommended.
Can I combine walking and local food stops?
Many routes include nearby pubs, cafés or tea rooms. Cotehele Quay, Calstock, Maker Heights and Kit Hill all have places to stop for refreshments, though dog policies vary between indoor and outdoor seating areas.
What should I pack for a dog walk in Cornwall?
It’s sensible to bring water, waste bags, a towel for muddy paws, and a lead for livestock areas. For coastal walks, checking tide times is essential. In woodland areas, sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain.
