Are OS maps or walking guides available at Kernock Cottages?

Yes. OS maps and local walking information are provided in each cottage at Kernock Cottages to help guests plan routes and explore the surrounding countryside safely. Guests can also use resources such as the South West Coast Path Walk Finder and iWalkCornwall for additional inspiration.

Are there accessible walks near Kernock Cottages for wheelchair users or buggies?

Yes. Some routes near Kernock Cottages, including areas at Siblyback Lake and sections of Cadsonbury Woods, are suitable for wheelchair users and buggies.

Which walks near Kernock Cottages are best for winter days and bad weather?

Woodland and sheltered valley routes are ideal near Kernock Cottages in winter, including Cadsonbury Woods, Tamar Trails and Cotehele, where tree cover helps protect from wind and rain.

The Great Outdoors

Q: What outdoor activities are available near Kernock Cottages?

Guests staying at Kernock Cottages can enjoy walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, horse riding, and clay pigeon shooting, with countryside, moorland and coastal routes all within easy reach.

Q: Where are the best walking areas near Kernock Cottages?

Some of the best walking areas near Kernock Cottages include the Tamar Valley and Rame Peninsula, Bodmin Moor, Cardinham Woods, Cotehele, and the South West Coast Path around Looe, Talland and Polperro.

Walks, Riding and Shooting

From peaceful woodland paths to coastal hikes and moorland adventures, Kernock Cottages is perfectly placed for walkers of all kinds. Discover our favourite local routes and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors right from your doorstep.

Walkers Are Drawn To Cornwall All Year Round

The Kernock estate lies in the Lyner Valley on the edge of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor and the Rame Peninsula (known as Cornwall’s forgotten south east coastal corner). With fabulous moorland, country parks, beaches and unspoilt coastal towns, in addition to the glorious South West Coast Path, walkers are spoilt for choice within the area.

Here are some suggestions for winter walks and nearby pubs, all less than 25 miles from Kernock, to help you plan your stay at Kernock Cottages. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, just a few of our local favourites. You don’t have to venture far and many of our guests choose to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and nature around the Kernock Estate.

Access – there are some great specialist websites with good information on walks in Cornwall. Try www.accessiblecountryside.org or www.walkswithwheelchairs.com/Cornwall as a good starting point. Several locations including Tamar Trails and Siblyback http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/ also do tramper hire, which makes some of the more challenging walks more accessible (although there is wheelchair access around the whole lake at Siblyback, which is a stunning walk).

Our Top 5 Walks

Bodmin Moor

Golitha Falls, Siblyback Lake and Minions.

The Rame Head

Maker Church to Kingsand and Mount Edgecombe (South West Coast Path)

Cadsonbury woods

At Newbridge.

Cotehele National Trust

Cotehele National Trust to Calstock.

Looe, Talland and Polperro

South West Coast Path.

For more information on each of these walks, with our top suggestions for refreshments along the way, please see our blog Our top 5 walks in the area.

Organised into five areas, we have further suggestions for lovely walks and we’ve added in nearby pubs/restaurants/cafes for refreshments, all less than 25 miles from Kernock, to help you plan each day. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, just a few of our local favourites. You don’t have to venture far and many of our guests do choose to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and nature around the Kernock Estate.

For more choice, there are some great apps with downloadable walks which you may find useful: Walk Finder on the South West Coast Path’s website covering all 630 miles of the Coast Path and graded walks by difficulty, IWalkCornwall with over 230 walks all over Cornwall.

OS maps 107, 108 and 109 are provided in your cottage for your use during you stay.

Tamar Valley and the Rame Peninsula

The Tamar Valley AONB includes three rivers (Tamar, Tavy and Lynher) which ensure natural landscapes and a haven for wildlife. You can enjoy woodland and river walks with spectacular views. The Rame peninsula is known as Cornwall’s forgotten south east corner. You can enjoy spectacular views, country parks, creeks and a stunning section of the South West Coast Path along the south Cornwall coastline. OS map 108 provided in the cottages at Kernock.

Kernock Estate

Walk from your cottage door straight into our superb 6-acre secure dog exercise park ‘Central Bark’. Take a coffee with you from your property and enjoy the views across to Bodmin Moor in the distance.

Arrange for food to come to you; local supermarkets and take-away restaurants deliver to Kernock. Be sure to let them know the name of your cottage when you order.

Pillaton

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: walks in and around the village of 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.

Walk From The Door

Polborder Woods

A lovely walk through the woods to Polborder and back, looping to the village (with maybe a sneaky pitstop at the pub!) before arriving back at Kernock. At the top of the drive turn right, then turn right at the bottom. Take the first left, and follow the lane down the valley, then up the other side and past Smeaton Farm. Before you get down to the bridge at the bottom of the hill, there is a gate on your left which takes you into the Duchy forestry land (permissive path). Walk through the woods, then at the end, go up the hill to the top, and go through the gate at the top of the hill along the lane. At the barns, turn right, and pass the farmhouse on your left. After about ½ a mile there is a metal gate on the left which takes you back into the woods. Follow the path until there is a fork, and take the right hand path that drops down towards the road. Turn left onto the lane, and walk up the hill, past Rowse Farm, until you come to the crossroads. Go straight across, and follow the road into the top of the village. Here you can either turn left at the bungalow Larks Rise (which brings you back onto Kernock Lane), or go right, and pop into the pub for a well-earned drink before coming home. Walking boots or wellies recommended, the woods get used by horse riders, and can get very muddy after heavy rain.

The Weary Friar

The pub is in the village, Pillaton – turn left at the top of the drive and keep going – it is about half a mile (just past the church), so is only about a 15 minute stagger home on foot if you want to walk it – but don’t forget to take a torch! The Weary serves bar-type food (lunch and evening) and also has a restaurant. They do a good selection of guest ales for beer lovers. They are fairly child friendly (Also Pillaton village playground is opposite the Pub) if you want to eat there – high chairs etc and a children’s menu. Booking is recommended as they are very popular. Very dog-friendly.

Access – there is a ramp into the bar around the side on the deck. However, the toilets are NOT accessible, which may somewhat curtail the beer consumption!

Newbridge Through Cadsonbury Woods

This is a delightful walk and one of our favourites, 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 (though probably not in very wet periods).

Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve

The nature reserve covers 61 hectares at the confluence of the Lynher and Tamar rivers, offering stunning views up river 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. There is a handsome Brunel viaduct, and views of Trematon Castle. Plenty of wildlife and landscape photo opportunities here, within the Tamar Valley. Beware ground nesting birds in some parts of the reserve at certain times of year, when dogs would need to be kept on a lead in that particular area, but these areas are clearly signposted.

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.

Kit Hill, Callington

Just outside Callington, offers glorious views over the AONB, and is a great place to blow the cobwebs away with many trails and footpaths.

Kit Hill – now a 400-acre nature park – was donated by King Charles lll to the people of Cornwall to celebrate the birth of Prince William. It is the highest point in the Tamar Valley AONB, and from the summit you get spectacular 360-degree views towards Plymouth Sound in the South, Bodmin to the West, Dartmoor to the East and on a clear day all the way to the North coast. Follow the path to the north, and you will end up at the quarry, which still has worked dressed granite lying around (the quarry provided the granite for more than one of the main bridges across the Thames in London, and was still being worked until the 1950s). It is also a popular swimming spot for wild swimmers (beware though, it is very deep – rumoured to be 45m – and the water is very cold – ice swimmers train here, as it is colder than the sea – so not one for small children or the inexperienced). 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 and admire the view from there too.

Parking – free at the summit car park.

Louis’ Tea Rooms

With panoramic view over the Tamar Valley AONB and set within the Kit Hill Country Park, this is a great place to go for an all-day breakfast or afternoon cream tea, with a view before (or after) blowing away the cobwebs with a walk on the spectacular Kit Hill. Dogs permitted in the outside seating area.

Access – Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets.

Cotehele National Trust

Beautiful woodland walks all from the National Trust car park.

Cotehele to Calstock

There are plenty of lovely walks at Cotehele, with glorious views of the river Tamar. The river is tidal here – quieter, wider and more placid as it gets towards the estuary, gently sculpting the landscape in wide, lazy loops. 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 to be built entirely of concrete blocks, and which is also notable for its slender proportions. Continue close to the banks f the river to Calstock itself with a slightly bohemian vibe and is a well-known centre for arts and music. We recommend the Lishe for refreshments before your return.

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.

Lishe Teashop-Come-Café

CALSTOCK delicious homemade soups, bread and cakes.

The Edgecumbe

Cotehele Quay, you can indulge in a Cornish cream tea (jam first, of course!!). Settle in by the fire with the dog curled at your feet on a blustery day (the Edgcumbe is dog-friendly), or sit outside and enjoy the view of The Shamrock in the sunshine.

The Who’d Have Thought It Inn

Traditional country pub serving well-made pub classics, with a changing board of seasonal specials. Several local draught ales on tap, and an extensive gin menu. Open daily, but no food on Mondays. Restaurant is wheelchair accessible, but the loos are not, which may limit the beer consumption!

Tamar Trails

Tamar Trails is 25km of dedicated walking, running and mountain bike trails in the Tamar Valley AONB. Take your own bike, or hire one of theirs (£12 for 4 hours). For trail maps, bike hire information and prices see their website.

The Rifle Volunteer Inn

Located in a small village with panoramic views over Tamar Valley and North Dartmoor. They offer a friendly and warm welcome to children, dogs and their owners. There is an outside balcony where you can enjoy stunning views and a small garden safe for children and dogs. Dogs welcome in the bar and there is also a designated area – Pugh’s Corner – for dining with your dog.

Access – the pub is accessible and has an accessible toilet.

The Springer Spaniel

Excellent food. Winner of lots of Trencherman’s awards over many years. We’re talking serious food here, at very reasonable prices. Very dog-friendly. Closed from 6pm Sunday through Monday and Tuesday in the winter.

Access – the lower part of the restaurant is wheelchair-friendly, but the loos are up three stairs and through a narrow doorway, so inaccessible for a wheelchair.

Rame Head

Stay high above sea level (no worries about tide times) and admire the coastline from Rame Head. Park at the Rame Head car park.

Known as Cornwall’s Forgotten Corner, the Rame Peninsula has a fabulous wealth of scenery and natural interest (which has gained it AONB status) as well as being of historical importance (the Rame forts form the western part of the most extensive and complete historic coastal defences in the UK, dating back to the 16th Century). The Peninsula is bounded on three sides by water – on the southerly side you have the English Channel; to the east lies Plymouth Sound, and the northernmost parts run along the confluence of the Lynher and Tamar rivers. The South West Coast Path contours the peninsula, providing wonderful vistas over the great sweep of Whitsand Bay and giving access to the picturesque villages of Kingsand, Cawsand, Antony Cremyll, and Millbrook (among others) on its more sheltered aspects. Everywhere on the peninsula has lovely walks and an abundance of wildlife, flora, and history.

Maker Church to Kingsand

This is a glorious walk of about an hour and a half (ex stops) on the Rame Peninsula, which is surrounded on three sides by water. From the top, near Maker Church, you get sweeping views up the Tamar estuary towards Devonport and Torpoint. Drop down through the deer park onto the South West Coast Path and you get views towards Plymouth. There are woods flanking the inland edge of the path which are resplendent with swathes of bluebells in May. Following the path round, you come to the pretty twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, nestling in the crook of the peninsula. The clear blue waters of this sheltered cove make it a popular swimming spot. If you take the footpath up the hill out of the village (it is quite steep, this part, so you may need to stop and admire the view a couple of times!), make tracks for The Canteen at Maker Heights.

Parking

There is an honesty box (their other car parks are £1) in the Maker Church car park.

The Canteen

Maker Heights, quirkily housed in a series of Nissen huts, and serves fabulous food (dogs welcome outside, but not in, so pick a sunny day and enjoy the fantastic views!).

The Rising Sun

Friendly pub with good food. Dogs welcome.

Access – no problem getting a wheelchair into the pub, but there are no accessible loos.

The Devonport Inn

A lovely gastro-pub with a French chef-patron Jerome. In a stunning setting overlooking the sea. Very dog friendly both inside and out. “Outstanding food at very good prices for the quality including fresh fish, and delicious puddings”. Bookings advised.

Access – the pub is accessible, and has accessible toilets.

Mount Edgecombe

Lots of footpaths to explore on this unique peninsula close to Torpoint. You could also try this Circular 5.7 mile route from Mount Edgecombe to Kingsand.

The Edgecumbe Arms

Very dog friendly throughout and they welcome any well behaved dog everywhere except a tiny restaurant section. Cracking food and space to eat both inside and out. Regular 10 minute ferry from Admiral’s Hard Plymouth. Gets busy quite often so worth booking but you also have Mt Edgecumbe park on your doorstep for dog walks.

The Eliot Arms

Very welcoming. Happy to accommodate well behaved dogs in the bar area. Water bowls supplied at every table in the beer garden. “Food excellent and great value”.

Access – the pub is accessible, but there are no accessible toilets.

Whacker Quay Woodland Walk

Along the river banks of the Lyhner Estuary, this walk offers peace and tranquility. Commence at either Whacker Quay or Anthony village (where there is plenty of parking, a gift ship, picture framers, art gallery and pub).

Whitsand Bay

Spectacular beach walks. Park at Freathy Car Park, west of Freathy PL10 1JT, taking the path opposite and veer left for the long main beach. There are ways down to the beach further along the road, but less parking. This is definitely a favourite beach. While there are no facilities down on the beach (no loos or cafes), and there is a slightly steep path to get down (bear this in mind if you have little people who will need carrying back up at the end of the day!), you are rewarded with 4 miles of golden sand pretty much to yourself. The beach is dog-friendly all year round. Plan your walk consulting the tide times and aim for low tide, as it is possible to get cut off when the tide comes in. There is an army shooting range over the beach at Tregantle, so if you see the red warning flags flying, the beach access will be closed.

Access – steep(ish) path with steps in parts from the road down to the beach, and no facilities.

Alternative Parking – free if you park in the layby at Tregantle Fort.

The View Restaurant

For simple but perfectly cooked very fresh food and spectacular views, perched on the cliff overlooking Whitsand Bay. They use local produce and the menu changes daily depending on what is in season and available. Beautifully executed and very reasonable (lunchtime starters GBP 5.00-8.00; mains GBP 15.00-19.00) this is well worth a detour for either lunch or supper (but it does get very booked up). Open Wednesday to Sunday. About 30 minutes drive. (Temporarily closed – will update when they reopen)

Access – there is a flight of steps up to the restaurant, and as such it is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs.

Portwrinkle

A small fishing village on the south coast, this is recommended by many of our visitors.

The Finnygook Inn

Popular with Kernock guests this is well positioned as a stop off on your way back from any of the stunning beaches of the Rame Peninsula.

Seaton Beach

Walk (low tide) to Downderry. Seaton beach is dog-friendly all year round which makes it a popular destination for those with dogs.

The Inn on the Shore

Dogs are allowed in the bar and outside, but not in the restaurant. You can eat in the bar, but best to reserve a table if the weather is iffy, as there are limited tables in the bar are.

Access – the bar is accessible, but there are steps down to the restaurant. No accessible loos.

The Beach House

Very dog friendly downstairs. Right on the seafront, with panoramic views and a fantastic outside space too. They serve food, but are also happy if you just want a hot chocolate to warm after a walk on the beach.

Access – the bar downstairs is accessible, and there is an accessible loo, but the upstairs restaurant isn’t accessible.

The Smugglers Inn

You can eat and drink in the bar area. Local walks nearby through nature reserve and along coastal path. Beach is dog friendly. Pub has outside terrace with chairs and tables. Dog water bowls situated at all tables – super dog friendly.

Access – there is a ramp to get into the building, and there are accessible toilets.

The Rod & Line

A great traditional pub, with massive open log fire in the winter. Not fancy in the slightest, but great food cooked fresh – crab and shellfish a speciality. A very popular, real local pub, which often has live music (especially on Friday nights). Dog-friendly.

Access – There are large steps up to the pub from the road, and the (outside) toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Heskyn Mill

Open for both lunch and evening meals, and only 15 minutes drive from Pillaton. Won Gold ‘Taste of the West – South West England’ in 2021. Picturesque setting and atmospheric interior with the original Mill workings on display. Friendly service, the husband and wife team pride themselves for their promotion and use of fresh locally sourced produce. No dogs.

Access – there is ground floor dining as well as seating upstairs. They are wheelchair accessible and and also have a disabled toilet.

South West Coastal Path – Looe to Fowey

A stunning section of the South West coast with coves and wonderful views. There are very popular fishing villages along this stretch including Looe, Polperro, Polruan and Fowey across the estuary. Approaching Polperro from the Looe direction is particularly impressive.

Kilminorth Woods and the Giant’s Hedge

This ancient woodland is a beautiful walking spot from the centre of Looe. Park in the East Looe car park and at the far end of the car park by the riverside, you will the entrance to the woods. Paths are marked through the woods and up to 2 hours for the longer marked routes.

The Ship Inn

A great dog friendly pub in the heart of Looe. Good pub food served too!

Access – the building is accessible, but there are no accessible loos.

Ye Old Salutation Inn

An olde worldy pub with low ceilings, flagstone floors and dogs welcome while you eat.

Access – there is a ramp at the back door. Loos are not specifically “accessible” but they do have a very big cubicle which “should be able to take a wheelchair”.

The Jolly Sailor Inn

Traditional real ale pub. Open for food Tuesday to Friday for evening meals only (17:00 – 20:00). Open for lunches on Friday and Saturday (12:00 – 14:30) and on Sunday for lunch (12:00 – 15:00). Dogs welcome in the bar.

Access – a small narrow pub, with a couple of shallow steps up. There is a downstairs loo, but it isn’t accessible.

Polperro

A popular Cornish village for a stroll or part of a longer walk. A very large and convenient car park keeps the traffic away from the village. Full of individual shops and craft ware.

Looe, Talland and Polperro on the South West Coast Path

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 a bit 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 alternatively take the 73 bus back from Polperro to Looe. (Bus Times)

There is a bit of up and down on this stretch of the Coast Path, and several areas where there are long flights of steps, so not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.

Parking at Looe at Marine Drive.

Looe and Beyond Walking Tours

f you fancy a guided walking tour of this area, you can join local, Simon, for a guided walk with a refreshment stop at a local cafe. Looe to Polperro round trip 5 hours 10km with lunch/cream tea stop and a boat trip back from Polperro or Looe to Seaton round trip 5 hours 10 km with lunch stop.

The Three Pilchards

This harbourside pub has a good choice of very well kept ale and a bowl of water and a choice of biscuits offered on arrival. Fresh fish and seafood a speciality.

Access – the pub is accessible. The loos onsite are not accessible, but there are public toilets with an accessible toilet very close to the pub.

The Blue Peter Inn

Walkers with wet doggies welcome! Log fires to dry off while you eat, drink and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Children also welcome, designated area upstairs, dogs welcome here also. On the quay side, fall out the door onto the beach or walk the coastal path in whichever direction you choose.

Access – the entrance to this 500-year old building is up steps, so not wheelchair-friendly.

The Jubilee Inn

Dog-friendly and horse-friendly too. Space to rest horses while riders have a coffee etc. Well behaved dogs are allowed in the main bar areas, patio and beer garden. Must be on lead. Among other things, they serve Alpaca sausages, and also have Gluten-free menu options.

Access – the pub is wheelchair-friendly, and there is an accessible loo.

Lansallos Cove

Beautiful unspoilt section of coastline to the East of the river Fowey. Enjoy exploring this beautiful cove National Trust Lansallos For a longer walk follow the South West coast path to the headland at Polruan, on the opposite side of the estuary from Fowey.

Pencarrow Head circular via Polruan

Starting from the National Trust car park at Pencarrow Head, this lovely walk takes you right around this stunning peninsula.

The Lugger Inn

Fully dog -friendly.

The Russell Inn

West Street, Polruan.

Deerpark Forest

Walks and family day out: walk to the Duloe 4,500-year-old stone circle.

The Old Plough House Inn

Strong foodie reputation. Dogs welcome throughout. Friendly and helpful staff. Good food and drink.

Access – There is a ramp to the front entrance and another to the restaurant, but the toilets aren’t accessible.

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a beautiful and wild landscape of open hills and rugged tors, with villages and farms in the lower valleys. It is the largest of Cornwall’s granite uplands, an area rich in history, archaeology and important conservation sites. OS Map 109 available in your cottage for use during your stay.

Golitha Falls

A favourite for us and our guests. Follow the wooded valley along the river Fowey’s cascading waterfalls for as long a walk as you desire.

Inkie’s Smokehouse

Breakfast or lunch at Inkie’s Smokehouse in the Golitha Falls car park is a treat (open Wednesday to Sunday only). Read this Cornwall Live article on this gem of a place.

Minions

A popular walk is the Minions and Cheesewring circular walk.

The Rising Sun

On the edge of Bodmin moor is this traditional Cornish country pub with a superb roaring fire in the winter. Great food and real ales. Dog friendly.

Cardinham Woods

A 650-acre site of productive mixed woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. There is a cycle hire centre and a 7.2km way-marked cycle trail, woodland walking trails and a fantastic café which does great food and wonderful cream teas. The trail is designed for family groups and is mostly gentle gradients.

Access – there is disabled access to all the facilities (café etc) and many of the trails are suitable for wheelchair access

Woods Café

After an invigorating walk or cycle along the woodland trails, enjoy lunch or a cream tea.

The Crows Nest Inn

visit to the Crows Nest is a bit like stepping back in time. Hot food and bar snacks at lunchtimes and restaurant food in the evenings. Dogs welcome in the bar but not the restaurant. Great food reviews on Trip Advisor.

Access – the bar and restaurant are fine for a standard size wheelchair (but not some of the bigger ones, so do check), but the loos are not accessible.

Dartmoor

The glorious Dartmoor National Park is just across the border into Devon (www.dartmoor.gov.uk) and provides fantastic moorland walks and enjoyment of the outdoors and countryside.

Walk the Lydford Gorge and Whitelady waterfall or the Longtimber Tor loop starting at Mary Tavy and walking via Peter Tavy.

The Mary Tavy Inn

Family and dog friendly pub situated on the A386 which links Okehampton and Tavistock. Right on the edge of Dartmoor and a few minutes drive from the pub gives you loads of places to walk your dog(s). Dogs welcome in the bar, where you can eat either from the bar menu or a la carte.

Access – no problem with accessing the restaurant through the front door, but the toilets are upstairs and are not accessible.

The Drake Manor Inn

A stunning little pub in the main village of Buckland Monachorum. Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden. Really good regular menu and daily specials and a fine selection of real ales. Lots of moorland walks nearby.

Access – The pub is accessible, and has an accessible toilet.

Tamar Trails

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 25km 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 – 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 ground water). They have several accessible trails, and also have a Tramper for hire (Trampers are an all-terrain mobility scooter – fantastic for allowing less mobile family members to join in the fun). There is also a café close to the car park.

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

The Whitchurch Inn

Well-known for its steaks (all sourced from locally-reared Dartmoor steer). Dogs welcome in the walkers’ area of the bar.

Access – there are a couple of steps 3-4” high to get into the building, and there are no accessible loos.

The Peter Tavy Inn

The Peter Tavy Inn is on the edge of Dartmoor in west Devon. Very dog friendly and will provide dogs with water and biscuits.

Access – they can put a ramp up to the back door to get over the steps. One part of the bar is on the entry level, and is fine for wheelchairs, but the rest is up a couple of steps. If booking, mention if you need to be in the lower part. No accessible toilets.

The Miners Arms

Lovely pub in a beautiful setting on the edge of Dartmoor. Friendly and efficient staff.
Dogs welcome in the bar and pub garden. Children also welcome!

Access – the pub is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible toilet.

The Halfway House Inn

A warm welcome for both the owner and dog. Dogs even get a treat as well. Very accommodating and fabulous food and great value. Lovely beer garden and some wonderful walks. Just on the edge of Dartmoor. Real ales superb, and good selection of wines. “A real find”.

Access – no problem getting a wheelchair into the bar area, but there are no accessible loos.

Drakes Trail

A network of walking and cycling trails. The network has something for all age groups and fitness levels, starting with the new off-road cycling section between Tavistock and Plymouth. Cycle hire and Tramper hire available at Marsh Mills (Plymouth).

The Elephant’s Nest

Lovely old pub on the edge of Dartmoor, very comfortable and good reputation for food. Dogs welcome. They have a local walks guide on their website if you want to walk and then eat.

Access – they have ramps they can put up to enable wheelchairs to get into the pub, but they don’t have wheelchair-accessible loos.

The Ship Inn

Traditional waterside pub. Very relaxed. Dogs are more than welcome in the downstairs bar.

Access – an interesting one, as it depends on what the tide is doing! The front entrance is accessible, but not at high tide (as it is then underwater…). The rear entrance has steps. There is an accessible loo. Just watch you don’t get stranded!

Plume of Feathers Inn

This pub is in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park. Not only do they allow dogs but they also have a dog menu with doggy sausages, carvery titbits and doggy chews! Owners may prefer to eat from their impressive human menu. They carry a wide range of traditional ales (CAMRA approved).

Access – wheelchair accessible

Two Bridges Hotel

Bang in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park. Dogs allowed in the bar & lounge areas.

Access – wheelchair accessible, with accessible facilities.

Fox Tor licensed Café

Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome inside though there are tables outside as well if you wish. Open fire and log burner for chilly days! Coffees, cakes, brunches and sandwiches.

Access – steps up both front and back, so not wheelchair-friendly.

Horse Riding

Polmartin Riding Centre

One of only two BHS-approved riding centres in Cornwall. Polmartin is set in beautiful Cornish countryside, near Lanreath which is close to Looe and Liskeard. Trekking and lessons are available all year, whatever the weather. And all of the riding out is along their own tracks and trails so completely traffic free.

Reen Manor Riding Stables

Perranporth beach, North Cornish coast. Here you can wonderful beach ride along the dunes and bridleways, as well as inland rides.

Shooting

Lower Lake Shooting Ground

(“Cornwall’s best shooting school”) offers clay pigeon shooting for all abilities. The head coach is a senior CPSA instructor and member of the 2013 England team.

Access – not suitable for wheelchairs, as the site is on a slope throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities are available near Kernock Cottages?

Guests can enjoy walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, horse riding, and clay pigeon shooting, with countryside, moorland and coastal routes all within easy reach.

Are there walks directly from Kernock Cottages?

Yes. Guests can enjoy peaceful countryside walks directly from the estate, exploring quiet lanes, woodland paths and surrounding farmland without needing to drive.

Where are the best walking areas near Kernock Cottages?

Top nearby areas include the Tamar Valley and Rame Peninsula, Bodmin Moor, Cardinham Woods, Cotehele, and the South West Coast Path around Looe, Talland and Polperro.

Are OS maps or walking guides available?

Yes. OS maps and local walking information are provided in each cottage to help guests plan routes and explore the surrounding countryside safely. For more inspiration, you can also use apps such as the South West Coast Path Walk Finder, a free resource covering all 630 miles of the coast path with walks graded by difficulty, and iWalkCornwall, which features over 230 downloadable walks across Cornwall.

Are there accessible walks suitable for wheelchairs or buggies?

Yes. Some routes at places like Siblyback Lake and sections of Cadsonbury Woods are suitable for wheelchair users and buggies.

Which walks are best for winter days and bad weather?

Woodland and sheltered valley routes are ideal in winter, including Cadsonbury Woods, Tamar Trails and Cotehele, where tree cover helps protect from wind and rain.