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The Best Devon Dog Walks

Our latest post helps you plan dog walks around your 4 legged friends key requirements, open spaces, water and other dogs.

v2 Cockapoo-at-Ladram-Bay-Devon

The routes provided below have been kept relatively local to Ladram Bay (30 mins or less), with Haldon Forest being the furthest and Ladram the closest.

We have also enlisted the help of Zelda (pictured right) who kindly modelled for this blog post. To meet advertising standards we must disclose she was paid in treats and sampled the Exmouth Esplanade route – giving it a resounding 5/5 rating.

Below we have put together 5 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map. All walks recommended in this post are dog friendly all year around – that way you can spend more walking and less time working out where to walk.

Zelda-Beach-Shack Peak Hill Lookout Point – Ladram Bay

  • Start / End: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX
  • Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
  • Pin: Blue

Our first route is a convenient one starting at Ladram Bay and following the Southwest Coastal Path east.

The seemingly short 2.5 miles route is packed with steep climbs on the ascent of Peak Hill, while the final lookout point provides panoramic views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary.

Having conquered Peak Hill you may have worked up an appetite and our  Beach Shack is the perfect refuelling point. There you and your 4 legged friend will be able to enjoy the outside decking area, with refreshments in the sunshine overlooking the bay.

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.

Info: We would recommend that dogs remain on their leads when close to the cliff edge.

Roundball Wood – Honiton

  • Start / End: Roundball Lane – EX14 2BJ
  • Distance: 1.1 miles / 1.86 km
  • Pin: Green

Roundball Wood is 150 to 175 metres above sea level, the land to its south rising steeply to 207 metres at the summit of Roundball Hill. To the north the River Otter flows from east to west through its sheltered valley on its way from its source at Otterhead in the Blackdown Hills near Churchinford to the sea at Budleigh Salterton.

Starting at Roundball Lane head up the path sign posted Roundball Wood, from there you will enter the woods and see an interpretation board outlining the circular path – whether you go clockwise or anticlockwise is up to you.

Info: The area is perfect for letting your dog run free and the wildlife packed woodland will allow your pooch to follow some scents. Walkers are advised to keep to the walkways as not to potentially disturb badger sets which are often hidden by grass.

Shelly Beach & The Esplanade – Exmouth

  • Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX8 1BQ
  • Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
  • Pin: Purple

A short trip to Exmouth brings you to two areas of beach that are dog friendly all year around. The first is Shelly Beach, located on the west side of the marina, at high tide the beach offers less of a walking route – not that your dog will mind. At low tide it is possible to access a far larger area of beach.

If you’re looking for more of a dog walk then the Esplanade starts at the slipway by seafood restaurant Rockfish with the year round dog friendly area ending at the Octagon Kiosk. We have marked this out on our map, however the area is clearly signposted.

Info: Leads are advisable around the Marina and Esplanade. Be sure to check tide times as this will increase / decrease the usable beach areas.

Butterfly Trail: Haldon Forest Park – Exeter

  • Start / End: Haldon Forest Car Park – EX6 7XR
  • Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
  • Pin: Yellow

Arriving at Haldon Forest you will find 5 different routes all clearly sign posted. Our recommended path (the Butterfly Trail) is moderate in difficulty and requires you to follow the yellow signs.

The start of the trail snakes through the forest on a wide trail, before emerging into an opening over the Exe Estuary, Exeter and the Belvedere Tower. The trail then leads you back into the forest, here you will find a natural tunnel of rhododendron growing.

After a long descent you will end up in the butterfly area which the Forestry Commission staff, in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, monitors and manages the area to provide ideal conditions for the many butterfly species recorded here.

From here you begin the climb back up the hill towards the car park. It is  fairly steep so make use of the bench half way up, to rest and enjoy the view over the Teign Valley.

Local knowledge: Over 30 species of butterfly have been recorded within this small area.

Info: You will be sharing the route with mountain bikes, walkers and dog owners.

Butterfly Walk: Ashclyst Forest – Broadclyst

  • Start / End: Forest Gate car park – 
  • Length: 4.1 miles / 6.6 km
  • Pin: Red

Part of the Killerton estate and one of the largest woods in East Devon, with waymarked trails for exploring. A haven for butterflies, bluebells, birds & dogs.

Info: Car park is free & well behaved dogs and owners always welcome. If it has rained recently we would suggest walking boots or wellies as the field and woodland paths sit on heavy clay.

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