Whether you’re just looking to take your pet for a long hike, a simple walk in the park or a family day out, knowing the best dog-friendly places are key to a stress-free stroll.
We have lined up some of the best places to take your dog in North Devon. If you love finding new places and have your best friend by your side then why not adventure through some of these great spots. From woodland walks to coastal trails here are some of the perfect places to ramble in North Devon that are well worth a visit.
With the Tarka Trail extending 30 miles from Braunton to Meeth, dogs can run till they tire all those paws out. Following the old train line, this walk is ideal for short or long walks and is great to meet fellow walkers, runners and cyclist away from busy roads and all with lovely views and railway nostalgia dotted throughout. Travel through Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Yelland, Instow, Torrington and many more beautiful rural villages in this spot is perfect for the whole family.
Tucked away in the village of Fremington is the hidden beauty of Griggs field. With a huge area for dogs to run free, this park is perfect for dog lovers. Giving your pup the chance to socialise with other dogs or if it's anything like mine, chase a ball for hours. Not only does it have a bike trail, the cherry on top here is it backs onto a forest with a beautiful stream running through it. Perfect for cooling down after a long walk. Dogs can weave through the trees and just be dogs. It’s a great adventure for families!
Do you love to be beside the sea? As North Devon is cradled by the Atlantic Coast there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. With Instow being at the top of many dog owners lists, it is great for everyone to enjoy with dogs able to run free and enjoy a swim. Why not take a picnic and make a day of it enjoying the sun, sea and slobber?
Other beach locations that are ideal for our canine friends are: Braunton Burrows into Saunton Sands, Westward Ho!, Woolacombe, Lynton, Coombe Martin or even Fremington Quay which has a rocky beach that extends to with beautiful views of the Estuary. With miles of coastline to enjoy, there is also the South West Coast Path that in places runs parallel to the Tarka trail and has the most stunning coastal and countryside views. If you are drawn to the beach or dunes with your dogs, make sure you stick to the guidelines of where your dogs are free to roam, some beaches have dog-friendly zones that vary with the seasons.
There are a few fantastic parks that you can explore with your pets including Rock Park in Barnstaple, Victoria Park in Bideford & Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe. Each of these has a lovely park for children and even a little cafe to grab a light bite or an ice cream. Perfect for the entire family They all have on-site parking too.
Our last few favourite beauty spots include: Yeo Valley Community Woodland, the recently saved stunning Mannings Pit, Powlers Piece & Arlington Court. All of these offer grassy fields, forest/woodland or countryside walks which offer shade, streams, mud & hours of fun for you and your pooch.
So all you have to do is grab the dog lead and your best dog walking boots (or wellies) & really enjoy yourself.
