Trails for tails: where to walk the dog in North Devon
Saunton Sands to Woolacombe
Start point: Saunton Sands car park
Type: Circular
Distance/time: 17km/5hrs
Directions: AllTrails
This circular walk takes in two of North Devon’s biggest sandy beaches: the vast Saunton Sands, which feels almost as wide as it is long, and the double-whammy stretch that makes up Putsborough and Woolacombe. The views from the cliffs above and around these beaches are wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like getting your toes in the sand and ankles in the sea at the end of this brilliant 17km trail. The walk passes through Croyde, which is home to a few dog-friendly pubs, too.
Tarr Steps
Start point: Tarr Steps car park
Type: Circular
Distance/time: 11.5km/4hrs
Directions: OS Maps
This excellent circular walk takes in an ancient river crossing known as the Tarr Steps, a fine example of a clapper bridge – a structure built from piles of stone with large slabs along the top for walking on. These bridges generally originate from the medieval period, but it’s thought the Tarr Steps might date from as far back as 1000 BC. The walk follows the winding River Barle through ancient woodland – hazel and blackberry bushes teem with life, including cut little dormice – and you finally get to cross the bridge at the end of the walk.
Codden Hill
Start point: Bishop's Tawton
Type: Circular
Distance/time: 4.7km/90mins
Directions: AllTrails
For a quiet walk where you’re unlikely to meet other dogs or humans, Codden Hill is a wonderful option with some lovely, bucolic views of the Devon countryside. Prepare your thighs for a steep climb up the first part of the hill, then enjoy a slow amble around the hillside. On the eastern edge of the slopes you’ll begin climbing again to the peak before heading back down. This walk is particularly lovely at dusk as the sun sets to the west.
Woody Bay and the Hunter’s Inn
Start point: Heddon Valley car park
Type: Circular
Distance/time: 8.8km/3hrs
Directions: OS Maps
Within the bounds of Exmoor National Park and taking in parts of the South West Coast Path, this walk is a brilliant half-day hike perfect for dogs with endless energy. You’ll follow the eastern banks of the River Heddon before climbing into the hills set back from the ocean. At Woody Bay, you finally reach the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail, where you’ll walk west over Great Burland Rocks, past a waterfall, and all the way to Heddon Mouth and back along the river. The Hunter’s Inn is the place to refuel after the hike.
Beaford and River Torridge circular
Start point: Green Lane, Beaford
Type: Circular
Distance/time: 5.5km/90mins
Directions: AllTrails
Bring a picnic for this lovely walk that follows the River Torridge, as there are ample places to stop for snacks in scenic locations by the water. You'll walk through woodland, meadows and across farmland -- be wary of livestock and keep dogs under close control -- and there's even a spot for swimming if you or the dog fancy a dip partway through. This walk passes through the Halsdon Nature Reserve, which is famous for its resident otters who are often spotted in and around the river (dogs on leads, please). Look out for iridescent blue kingfishers and sand martins, too.
It can get supremely muddy in soggy weather, so wear wellies and consider a coat for the dog. Beaford's Globe Inn welcomes dogs, so stop for some excellent food and a wide range of beer and cider in a traditional country pub before heading back.