6 East Devon Dog Walking Routes

Dogs are a man (& women’s) best friend, many of us plan our holidays around them and dread the look on their faces when the holiday bags are being packed and they get left behind.

To avoid disappointing your pooch Ladram Bay has put together a dog-walking guide. You’ll be enjoying your holiday while your canine counterpart is lapping up the best smells, swimming opportunities and chasing the odd rabbit.

In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram.

However dogs are free to enjoy all the delights of the local area, a bit like this guy did last summer his with his owner Danny James.

Below we have put together 6 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map, so your dog will spend more time retrieving sticks and less in the boot of the car.

Peak Hill

• Start: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX
• End: Ladram Bay
• Distance: 5.1 miles / 8.3 km

At Ladram some of the best dog walking routes are on our doorstep (literally). From Ladram take the Southwest Coast Path that leads (no dog pun intended) up Peak Hill and carry on along the footpath until you reach a lookout point , from here you’ll have incredible views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. If you needed some inspiration before tackling the hills ascents to come back, rest assured that Taste in Sidmouth provides some of the best Ice Creams we’ve ever tried.

Info: If you’re not a resident of Ladram you will need to pay £5 to use the car park. We would advise keeping dogs on leads when close to the cliff edge and in and around Sidmouth as it can get busy during the summer months.

The River Otter

• Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX9 7HG
• End: Otterton Mill
• Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km

Just down the road from Ladram Bay, this dog walk will see you head south along the river to Budleigh beach. Along the way you’re dog is likely to find plenty of friends, swimming spots and potentially beavers. On your return you can stop off at the Otterton Mill to refuel before a short trip back to Ladram.

Info: Leads are advisable for the start / finish of the route.

Woodbury Common

• Start: Woodbury Castle – see Google Maps
• End: Woodbury Castle
• Distance: 2.4 miles / 3.8 km

Another short journey from Ladram Bay, Woodbury Common is owned by Devon Clinton Estates and the castle (our start point) sits 550ft above sea level, the views over the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary are stunningly beautiful. Your dog is less likely to be concerned about the history and they can rest assured no leads are required and the choices of routes are huge. Follow the footpath signs depending on the length of walk desired.

Local knowledge: Before you go looking for a castle – it’s a natural fortified position that dates back to the Iron Age, so not turrets or drawbridges.

Info: Dogs, bikes and horses can roam free; all car parks in the area are free.

Salcombe Hill

• Start: Salcombe Hill Car Park – EX10 0NY
• Finish: Salcombe Hill Car Park
• Length: 1.8 miles / 3 km

From Ladram Bay look east beyond Peak Hill and beyond to the next big rise in the coastline, that’s Salcombe Hill. Ambitious dogs (& owners) could walk from Ladram, but we suggest starting at Salcombe Hill car park. Cross the Alma Bridge and you’ll soon be on the cliff path zigzagging your way up the hill. At the top of the hill you’ll have fantastic views of Ladram Bay, while your pooch will be more than content with the shingle beach (dog friendly) along the route.

Info: Car park is free, less well-trained dogs might require the leads if you venture near to the cliff edge and around the quiet roads at the start / finish areas.

Exeter Canal

• Start: A379 just off Bridge Road – EX2 6LT
• Finish: (above)
• Distance: North Route: 4.9 miles / 8 km | South Route: 6.2 miles / 10 km

This location gives you 2 potentially lovely walks, go downstream and after 3 miles you’ll reach The Turf Locks (a dog friendly pub). Walk upstream and you’ll arrive at Exeter historic quay where there are a great variety of places to grab a bite to eat overlooking the water. Both routes travel along a canal footpath, downstream has a separate cycle lane, upstream doesn’t – with cyclists and fishermen scattered along the route its advisable to keep you dog on a lead unless they are very well trained.

Info: The cark park is free however the A379 can be a busy road so have your lead ready when you open the boot.

Hooken Cliffs

• Start: Anchor Inn, Beer – EX12 3ET
• Finish: Anchor Inn, Beer
• Length: 7.3 miles / 11.8 km

Jump in the car and head 13 miles east towards Seaton. This circular route cuts through the picturesque villages of Beer and Branscombe, with impressive cliff-top views of the Jurassic Coast. Your dog will thank you once you reach East Beach (dog friendly) by going in the sea and then shaking dry in close proximity to you.

Local knowledge: Branscombe beach allows dogs throughout the year however dogs are not allowed 150m east and west of the pole at the front of the café.

Info: The car park is free and the route is steep in places. We would advise keeping your four legged friend on a lead when nearing the cliff edge.