The sounds of crashing waves, the smell of salt and wildflowers in the summer air; Cornwall’s coast isn’t just a feast for us humans, it’s also a natural playground for pooches.
Cornwall’s wild coastlines are a toybox that will keep even the most excitable dogs entertained while staying at our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall. Whether you’re a keen walker or just want to stroll and take in the sights, here are some of the most popular coastal walks Cornwall has to offer for both you and your four-legged friend.
The Best Dog-Friendly Coastal Path Walks in Cornwall
Discover more details on each of these walks below!
- Botallack
- St Agnes Head
- Fowey
- Gribbin Head
- Lizard Point
- Tintagel
- Godrevy
- Harlyn to Padstow
Safety Advice for Cornish Coastal Walks
Cornwall’s coastline has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. While all these routes are well-trodden, some come with natural hazards for you and your dog, so it’s good to be prepared and vigilant.
Cliffside walks often include steep edges; these don’t usually pose a problem for people, but can be a danger for excited pooches. There can also be animals grazing or birds nesting in some of the wilder locations, and scaring them with your pooch can cause problems for the local ecology.
As a general rule, it’s best to keep your dog on a lead unless you’re certain there’s plenty of safe, unused open space, such as a dog-friendly beach, in which they can be allowed to run free.
Still, even on a lead, there are plenty of exciting miles of coastal walks here to keep your dog entertained and, hopefully, tuckered out on the drive back.
Botallack
Start/End Point: St Just, TR19 7QQ
Length: 3.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, rugged paths with some steep sections.
Botallack is a wonderful place to explore Cornwall’s mining history. Managed by the National Trust, this coastal route is littered with the remains of engine houses and mine shafts, now largely reclaimed by the natural world.
This walk will take you along the South West Coast Path to Kenidjack, following the dramatic coastline close to the very tip of the British Isles, before cutting inland and circling back to your start point.
Because of the coastal paths, occasional exposed mine shafts and local cattle and ponies, you’ll want to keep your dog on a lead for this journey. There’s a cafe at the Count House where the car park is located that’s perfect for refreshments.
St Agnes Head
Start/End Point: St Agnes, TR5 0NU
Length: 2.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, rugged path with some steep inclines
Arguably one of Cornwall’s most scenic stretches of coast, St Agnes Head is the perfect place for a day of leisurely walking and exploring.
The cliffs around St Agnes Head are a sea of colour during the spring and summer, with budding heather and gorse flowering across the open heathland. This is also an area rich in history, particularly from when it was used for military training during the Second World War.
A popular walk from St Agnes Head follows the South West Coast Path down to Wheal Coates, the striking remains of a cliffside tin mine, before looping back through St Agnes Beacon, a scenic hilltop with stunning views over the region.
Situated on the South West Coast Path, you also have the option of walking down to Chapel Porth beach. Or, if you want to make a day of it, extend your walk towards the beautiful seaside town of Porthtowan.
Fowey
Start/End Point: Fowey, PL23 1ET
Length: 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, rugged coastal path with some steep inclines
Fowey is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque fishing towns, with white houses beautifully perched on the striking Cornish cliffs. There’s so much old-fashioned charm to find in Fowey’s streets, but it also makes a great starting point for exploring the coast.
A popular coastal walk sees you leave Fowey town centre and head west to take on two coves – Readymoney and Polridmouth. Following this route, you’ll also pass St Catherine’s Castle, a fort built by Henry VIII.
It’s possible to park at Readymoney if you’d like a shorter walk. On the other hand, if your dog has more energy in their four legs, you can continue walking the Coast Path an extra 15 minutes to reach Gribbin Head.
Gribbin Head
Start/End Point: Par, PL24 2TL
Length: 6.5 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, rugged coastal path with some inclines.
Gribbin Head is a wonderful little headland jutting out to sea just west of Fowey. It’s perhaps most famous for the red and white Gribbin Tower but it also has beautiful nature and literary history as the long-time home of iconic Cornish writer Daphne du Maurier.
Gribbin Head is dotted with beaches, coves and villages on either side, meaning there are many ways to explore the region at your own pace. A popular day walk starts to the west around Par and follows the South West Coast Path until St Catherine’s Castle. Then, you can cut inland and follow the Saints Way, covering farmland, woods and quiet lanes before joining the Coast Path again on the western side.
Lizard Point
Start/End Point: Helston TR12 7NT
Length: 7 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Challenging, rugged path with slopes and steps
Lizard Point is a must for anyone visiting Cornwall with an interest in our coast. The most southerly tip of mainland Britain, there is an array of wildlife to discover off the Lizard, including seals, sharks, dolphins and more.
If you want to take in the whole Lizard Peninsula, you can complete a circular walk through the town and across the South West Coast Path from Kynance Cove to Pen Olver and the old lookout stations. However, thanks to the Coast Path, it’s possible to cut up this route into shorter lengths to suit your pooch, and there are signs for various walks at the Lizard Point car park.
Remember to bring your binoculars – with so much unspoilt nature here, you never know what creatures you might find in the distance.
Tintagel
Start/End Point: Tintagel PL34 0DA
Length: 3.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Challenging, uneven cliff paths and plenty of steps
One of Cornwall’s most awe-inspiring locations, Tintagel is a stunning collection of rugged coastlines and ancient fortresses that inspired the stories of King Arthur.
Experience the magic of the area with a popular circular walk, starting at Tintagel Castle and wandering down to secluded beaches, allowing you to see the fortress from every angle.
Tintagel Castle is a dog-friendly attraction, making it the perfect day out to explore one of the Country’s most iconic landmarks.
Godrevy
Start/End Point: Hayle, TR27 5ED
Length: 5 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, rugged coastal path with some inclines.
The small peninsula of Godrevy is a natural wonderland. Striking rocks emerge from the sea where the lighthouse sits, cliffs are covered in gorgeous heathland, while dramatic coves showcase some of the rich history of the region. There’s also a stunning beach, just for good measure.
Walk down the South West Coast path to take in all of Godrevy’s remarkable sights on the way to Hell’s Mouth, a rugged cove that also has a cafe nearby. If you’re looking for dramatic, rugged photo opportunities, then this is a great short walk to experience.
Padstow
Start/End Point: Padstow, PL28 8AF
Length: 6 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy, mainly flat coastal paths.
Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most popular coastal towns. Surrounded by beaches on all sides, it’s the ultimate doggy destination, particularly outside of spring and summer when seasonal dog bans are lifted.
If you want to take in the Cornish coastline while visiting Padstow, consider heading up to Stepper Point for some wonderful scenic vistas across the region.
If you want a longer day walk, you can continue following the trail towards Harlyn Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Alternatively, parking up at Hawker’s Cove can cut the circular walk to Stepper Point down to a very easy 1.5-mile stroll.
With the South West Coast Path and plenty of locations around Cornwall’s coast, many of these walks can be cut up and changed to suit your abilities. Speak to locals, or our team here at The Valley, if you need help planning the perfect walk for your four-legged friend!