The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Torridge

There are over 20 dog-friendly hiking trails around Torridge, offering a variety of experiences for you and your canine companion. These routes range from easy strolls to more challenging coastal paths.

Torridge offers a diverse range of landscapes for dog-friendly hikes. You can explore dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient woodlands, undulating river valleys, and expansive estuary mud flats. The region is part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and North Devon National Landscape (AONB), ensuring stunning natural beauty.

Yes, Torridge has several easy, circular routes perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog. A great option is the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Pathway to Kinsale loop from Great Torrington, which is an easy 5.7 km hike with minimal elevation gain.

Yes, the Tarka Trail is very dog-friendly. This 163-mile figure-of-eight pedestrian and cycleway offers a significant 31-mile section on a disused railway line, providing a flat and accessible route. It's ideal for dogs, offering varied scenery from estuary mud flats to ancient oak woodlands. You can find sections of the Tarka Trail near towns like Bideford and Instow.

Absolutely! The South West Coast Path, which runs through Torridge, offers spectacular coastal vistas. For a moderate challenge with stunning views, consider the Hartland Quay, Blackpool Mill Beach & Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall route. Another excellent option is the Hartland Quay & Hartland Point loop, offering breathtaking sea views.

Many dog-friendly routes in Torridge pass by notable natural attractions. You can discover the impressive Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall, the unique rock formations at Blackchurch Rock, Mouthmill Beach, or enjoy the serene banks of the River Torridge itself, a haven for wildlife.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Torridge, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse scenery, from dramatic coastlines to peaceful woodlands, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks with their dogs.

For those seeking a more strenuous adventure with their dog, Torridge offers longer and more challenging routes. The Hartland, Hartland Point & Beckland Cliff loop is a difficult 21 km hike with significant elevation changes, providing a rewarding experience for fit dogs and their owners.

Yes, Great Torrington serves as an excellent starting point for dog-friendly walks. Besides the Tarka Trail, you can enjoy routes like the Beam Aqueduct – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop, a moderate 17.3 km hike that explores the scenic surroundings of the town.

Torridge is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for dog-friendly hiking, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colours. Summer is also popular, but coastal paths can be exposed, so ensure you carry enough water for yourself and your dog. Winter walks can be invigorating, but some paths may be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Several charming towns and villages in Torridge are very dog-friendly and serve as ideal bases for hiking. Bideford, Appledore, Westward Ho!, Clovelly, and Great Torrington all offer access to diverse trails and often have dog-friendly pubs and cafes. For more information on the region, you can visit Visit Devon's Torridge page.