Abbeyford Woods, Okehampton. Grid reference: SX590973
https://www.forestryengland.uk/abbeyford-woods
Forestry Commission
Good range of walks on both sides of the road. We normally park in the main car park and walk on the main path, then taking the path to the left, turning left at the bottom and then turning into the woods at the bench. Some way along this path you come to a path to the left which will bring you through the deep wood and back to the car park (red walk). For a longer walk, carry on past the bench and you eventually come to a path just before the road which runs parallel to the road and brings you back to the car park (yellow walk).
The Police use the woods for riot training so look out for rubber bullets in the undergrowth (they are much bigger than I imagined) – we have quite a collection now.
The history of the buildings in the woods is also quite interesting – have a look at the plaques on the walls.
Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
https://www.model-village.co.uk/
A charming model village with lots of different models to identify and puns to find (Lord Elpus Hall for example). Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the cafe, but there are outside tables where you can sit with them. The site is very steep but the paths are good with rails along most of them. They usually have some kind of hunt for children (when we went it was finding the Easter eggs on the models) and there are inside attractions and crazy golf. Easy parking.
Berry Head, Brixham TQ5 9AP
Stunning location with a narrow road with passing places down to it. We took the motorhome there and managed ok and the car park was large enough to manoeuvre our motorhome but I wouldn’t like to try it with a larger one.
Good, level walk with a good path, fantastic views and the opportunity to explore further down the side of the Head. We kept our dogs on the lead – there are steep cliffs and we wouldn’t want to risk them chasing something and flying off the cliff. We had coffee and cake sitting outside the cafe (nice but quite expensive).
It was clearly popular with families and dog walkers and also used for school day trips.
Burley Down woods near Lydford
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/burley-down/
We only explored a little of the wood – it extends quite a way and seems to have several interesting trails. We found it on the way back from a visit to the Equafleece workshop where we had taken the girls to get them properly measured as I wasn’t certain that they had the right sizes (they didn’t).
Cockington Country Park, Torquay, TQ2 6XA
Home
Beautiful country park with plenty of room for walks and playing plus cafe, rose garden, sculpture garden and craft shops. There are car parks in the village (red route) or there is a car park half way up the hill and one right at the top. The Drum Inn is good for food. The red route is quite steep but will bring you up to the rose garden, artisan shops and the court which contains a dog friendly cafe and a craft shop. The park is then spread out before you with plenty of room to walk and picnic. The further end of the park has a few parking spaces and the slope from there to the court is much more gentle.
Dartmoor
There are plenty of lovely places to walk in Dartmoor, the main issue being livestock and the need to keep the dogs under control. If it is very open you should be able to see if there is any livestock around but do be aware that a flock of sheep can appear from nowhere in seconds. We normally walk them on the lead on Dartmoor because we can’t be certain that they wouldn’t chase sheep if they did appear.
Bellever (PL20 6TW) is gorgeous – the river is great for paddling, the car park is well shaded and there are picnic tables. The red route shows the short walk to the river and back. You can also walk from Bellever to Laughter Tor.
Burrator reservoir (PL20 6PE)
We decided to try Burrator reservoir as there is a fenced dog exercise area as well as the Arboretum where you can let them off the lead. Although there isn’t a cafe on the site, The Knightsone tea rooms in Yelverton (PL20 6BT), the Burrator Inn (PL20 6NP) and the Rock Inn (PL20 6DS) are all dog friendly, as are some other pubs in the area.
On this occasion we went to the dog exercise area (we managed to park just outside) and we were the only ones in it although there were a lot of people walking their dogs on a lead on the road. The paths were a mixture of stones, grass and a few muddy bits. At the bottom of the path we turned right which took us along the reservoir towards a stream which ran into the reservoir. There was also a small pond, deep enough for Jenna to swim in. The one issue in terms of security is that although the fence is secure, the gates into the area and from the area to the reservoir have a large enough gap at the bottom for our Goldies to get through and before we knew it, they were in the reservoir. The stream was quite fast flowing but not deep, and it is only a short distance to the reservoir which is calm. On another occasion we will try turning left and see what it is like that way. The area is wooded and they had a great run around. This is definitely a place we will go back to.
Fernworthy Reservoir (TQ13 8EY) – The walk right the way around the reservoir is about 2.5 miles in length and takes in good views of the dam and reservoir – it is clearly signposted. There is also a shorter walk (red route) which is an easy walk accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. For this walk, instead of heading towards the reservoir you head away from it to the back of the car park and through the gate. Dogs are supposed to be kept on the lead here and out of the water – this is not only because this is a working reservoir but also because of the risk of blue/green algae which is toxic to dogs.On our recent walk there was a takeaway cafe in the car park.
Laughter Tor (PL20 6TT) has been a favourite since our son was small – brilliant views from the top. You can park just off the road on the grass (not recommended when the ground is wet) and walk up the hill and then turn left towards the standing stone. If you take the right path from here, it will bring you past the pony enclosure and on to the Tor. Return by going the other side of the pony enclosure back to the standing stone and rejoin the main path. There is an old mine shaft to the side of the main path which is fenced off. You can walk to Bellever from Laughter Tor.
Newbridge (TQ13 7NT) in the south is a lovely place for a gentle stroll along the river and a picnic alongside it. The red route shows a short stroll but you can continue as far as you like along this path before you turn back. There are plenty of other walks in the area, including one that takes you up Newbridge Hill and then along the path at the top of the hill and back to the car park.
Shilley Pool, near Throwleigh
To visit for the first time, I’d recommend following the moorland road that runs between South Zeal and Throwleigh. Just before Moor Farm, you’ll see a grass and gravel area west of the road used by locals for parking. If you look at the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 ‘Dartmoor’ map, you’ll see a contour reading of ‘262’ where the moorland road splits to Throwleigh. The car parking area is there.
Leave your car and wander back in the direction of South Zeal. Just after the split in the road, and before a cattle grid, is a strip of moorland running south west along the southern bank of Blackaton Brook in the direction of Shilley Pool. Follow the very obvious path up the south bank of the brook. It does get boggy and muddy so take boots unless there’s been a long period of dry weather.
This is a great pool for dogs to swim in, about 2 foot deep, Also great for kids – take along a strong plastic bag such as a feed bag and slide down the slope into the water. Also a great place for a picnic. It’s not that well known and it is a bit of a scramble to get there but it can get busy in summer. Because you are following the brook uphill, there are also other places along the brook that you could stop and let the dogs have a splash about.
Dartmouth TQ6 0JL
A lovely town to wander around and enjoy the view of the river. Plenty of dog friendly shops and cafes. Rather than try to park in the town, use the park and ride which accepts dogs.
Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1EB
Lovely large country park with lots of facilities including toilets, refreshment kiosk, sports fields and children’s play area.
The areas where you can let dogs off the lead are clearly marked and encompass wooded areas and streams that are shallow and slow running enough to be safe even in winter. The blue trail around the lake is wheelchair accessible and so easy walking even when it’s wet. There are frequent benches to sit and enjoy the views.
We visited on a Saturday when it was quite busy with families but still managed a good part of the walk with the dogs running free.
We didn’t get far on our first visit so will go back and do the full walk around the lake probably on a weekday when it should be quieter.
Although there is no inside cafe, there is a refreshment kiosk and there are dog friendly cafes in Newton Abbot itself – Lemon Jelli, the Country table cafe and Coffee #1.
Eggesford area
Challice’s plantation, Eggesford, EX18 7RA
A smallish plantation with a stony path running from the entrance through to the road that runs behind the wood. To both sides there are paths that take you into the forest. We followed the path through and came back on the same path while the dogs explored the woods. You can reach it from the B3220 – the turning is on the bend just after Taw bridge and is signposted Brushford and the Lymington arms (marked as a yellow dot on the first map).
Eggesford Woods EX18 7LD
Again a range of walks. We usually park in the main car park and do the circular walk. From the main path, we take the path on the right hand side which leads to the river (shallow and ideal for dog paddling) and then up the other side. The downhill to the river is very steep and can be slippery if it is wet.
Flashdown Woods, EX18 7QS
Beautiful woods with plenty of different paths. The wide path near the parking area has been planted with new trees, many of which have a plaque with a drawing, poem or story by students at Chulmleigh.
Amazing quality of writing and drawing.
Heywood Forest EX18 7BE
Another wood in the Eggesford area. We parked at the entrance and walked through on the stony path until we reached an open area with a mound which had steps leading up to it. There was a bench here. Like the other woods, there were plenty of side paths into the wood for the dogs to explore. Looking at the map, it looks as if there is an area that you can park on the north side of the forest so we will probably try that side next time.
Exeter Quay EX2 4BZ
https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-quayside-p1215273
There is a great walk along the quay, through the park, across the suspension bridge and back along the river crossing over at the Cricklepit bridge. Plenty of cafes, shops and places to sit and enjoy the river. Park at Cathedral and Quay car park.
Fingle Bridge, Drewsteignton, EX6 6PW
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fingle-bridge
Although the drive down to Fingle Bridge is narrow and the road is very rough, once there, there are plenty of spaces to take dogs and for them to have a good run off the lead. There are paths on both sides of the river and you can walk all the way along the river to the main road at Clifford Bridge (Or you can park at Clifford Bridge and walk to Fingle Bridge). We usually go over the bridge and turn left as there is a large open space for them to chase the ball, plus easy access for them to paddle in the river. There are also toilets on this side. Dogs are allowed in the bar and on the terrace of the Fingle Bridge Inn.
George V playing fields, Exeter, EX2 6HE
A reasonably large park with plenty of open space for ball chasing. We have met up with Morwenna’s siblings here for play dates.
Great Western Canal, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4HP
There are several sections of the canal where there is easy access for walking – this is the section where the horse drawn barges go from in the summer and is the section closest to Tiverton Town Centre.
Nice flat well paved towpath with plenty of benches and dog poo bins along the walk. You can walk as far or as little as you like – just turn back when you’ve had enough.
There is a large car park with toilets and as well as the steps going up to the towpath in the centre, there is a ramp at either end.
Although there are tea rooms near here, I’m not sure whether they open in the winter or are dog friendly. However, if you walk 1/2 mile into Tiverton there is an excellent cafe just past Boots – the Duck and Bean.
Haldon Forest Park EX6 7XR
https://www.forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park
This gets very busy and the first time we went (on a Saturday), we didn’t stay because there were so many children and cyclists about. We came back on a Friday during the day, and although it was still fairly busy with quite a few cyclists and mothers with toddlers, the park is big enough that you can find a space or trail that is away from everyone. We spent some time near the Go Ape activity (which is closed in the winter) where there are also picnic tables. There are toilets and a cafe here although only the outside tables were in use when we went.
Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter, EX2 5AQ
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/ludwell-valley-park
A large park just off Topsham Road with lots of space and several entrances. The main issue seems to be parking close to any of the entrances. We chose to park in Wendover way to access the park from the south, staying well away from the play area and playing fields. This was a good choice as it was clear that this is the area that people tend to walk dogs in – despite it still being the school holidays we saw no children and just about everyone we met had dogs with them. The girls had a really good run around and enjoyed meeting other dogs. Fantastic views over the city.
Lynton and Lynmouth, EX35 6HW
Most of the shops in Lynmouth are dog friendly and so is the cliff railway which goes between the two towns.
Meeth Quarry, Hatherleigh, EX20 3ER
Devon Wildlife Trust
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/meeth-quarry
A favourite of ours, especially on sunny weekends and bank holidays when the beaches in Devon are packed. Although it is getting a bit more popular, it has always been fairly quiet when we’ve been there. We normally walk straight along the path to the first point at which there is a little side path that goes down to a bench by the water. There is a map at the car park (drive all the way down, don’t stop at the car park at the entrance) and this will show you a range of colour coded walks. We like to stop at Made-well for coffee on the way back.
Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton, EX20 4LU
We rediscovered this during lockdown. There are a range of walks from the car park – straight up the hill or over the dam and either left or right. Unfortunately, I don’t think you can walk right the way around the reservoir any longer. We usually cross the dam, turn right and then walk to the gate and through there to the benches to sit and enjoy the view. There are sometimes sheep loose so watch out for those.
Parke, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9JQ
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/parke
National Trust
Beautiful open area with a river that runs through it which is ideal for dogs (unless we have had a lot of rain and the river is running too fast). If you walk along the river you will come to some open fields which are totally enclosed and safe to let dogs off the lead unless they have stock in them. We usually cross over the field and then come back through the woods. There is a lovely cafe with a dog friendly room plus outside tables.
Plymbridge woods, Plymbridge, PL7 4SR
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/plymbridge-woods
Beautiful and very extensive woods with a river that is deep enough for the dogs to swim in. Travelling down the main road you will often see deer sitting on the bank.
Roadford Lake, Lifton, PL16 0RL
https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/Pages/Site/activities/Category/roadford-lake
Dogs are supposed to be kept on the lead here and out of the water – this is not only because they are working reservoirs but also because of the risk of blue/green algae which is toxic to dogs. At the top of the main car park is a reasonable size enclosed dog area where you can let them off the lead for a free run. There are a variety of walks including around the reservoir. We like the walk from the main car park to the sun dial which is a wheelchair and buggy accessible route and has benches along the path. Nice cafe with indoor and outdoor tables – there is a paw wash area and dogs are allowed in the cafe on leads.
Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP
Interesting area to walk around with many of the restaurants and cafes dog friendly. You can walk around the headland for views of Drake’s island.
Shobrooke Park, Crediton, EX17 1DG
A tranquil park with a lake in the middle of it. Plenty of room to walk dogs. Parking is a bit limited – you can park at either of the two entrances. We either walk through the field and up along the trees then back through the open field (red route) or along the lake (yellow route).
Skaigh wood, Sticklepath near Okehampton , Grid reference SX636938
https://belstonevillage.net/skaigh-wood/
A recent discovery of ours, despite having lived in the area for over 30 years. Our first foray took us towards the Skaigh and to the parking area on the left hand side of the road just before the road climbs up. From there we headed down to the river and along, turning uphill when we met a very muddy area. This path met the larger path and we turned left and walked above the river until we decided it was time to turn back. On a future walk, we will explore other parts of the wood.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, EX10 0NU
https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth
Totally dog friendly with plenty of room to walk around plus a great cafe. Entrance is free.
Stone Lane Sculpture Gardens, Chagford, TQ13 8JU
http://www.stonelanegardens.com
Beautiful woodland gardens with Sculptures dotted about through them – mainly fitting so well into their environment that you don’t notice them until you look carefully. Dogs are allowed in the gardens on the lead and there are seats everywhere so you can rest and enjoy the sculptures. The tea rooms are lovely – run by volunteers who are incredibly friendly. There is disabled parking very close to the tearooms and gardens, or a main car park a short distance away.
Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6QG
Devon County Council
Delightful park with a lake in the middle. Dogs must be on the lead on the path around the lake but can be off in the rest of the park. We discovered Stover Park during foot and mouth when Dartmoor and so many other places were closed for walking. There are a variety of walks including a Ted Hughes poetry trail and a shorter Children’s poetry trail.
Simmons Park, Okehampton, EX20 1PW
https://www.okehampton.gov.uk/simmonspark.php
A pretty and well kept park with a river and stream running through it. Plenty of open space plus various walks through and around the park. The Dartmoor way runs from the entrance to the tennis court car park at the back of Okehampton College and circles round to Station Road. For a shorter walk, there is a bridge which will take you across the stream and down to the river behind the playing fields or there is a steep path after the viaduct which will bring you back to the park. The Pavilion Cafe is dog friendly.
Tarka Trail, Torrington, EX38 8JD
An 180 mile walking and cycling route through North Devon and Exmoor. There are various places to join the route (including at Meeth quarry) but we usually go to the section that starts at the Puffing Billy (which is a dog friendly cafe and pub) just outside Torrington. If you go left, the path takes you across 3 loops of the river Torridge. We tend to go right because there are usually less cyclists on this bit so it is easier to let the dogs off the lead. We recently discovered that if you go right, then just before the bridge there is a path with steps down to a wide double path that runs alongside the river. Cyclists are not allowed on this path so it is ideal for letting the dogs run free. One word of caution – they can reach the river from here and the bank is quite steep in places. I wouldn’t use this path if the river was running fast. The Fork and Feast cafe in Torrington is dog friendly and has a dog corner inside, plus outside tables.
Torrington Commons, EX38 8HB
Home
365 acres of common land with numerous walks though open land, woodland and alongside a river. Lots of wildlife to see. Free parking, toilets in the car park and often an ice-cream van. Lots of benches to sit and enjoy the view and even when busy it’s easy to walk just a little way off the most popular tracks to find an open space where the dogs can run free. This is also where the Great Torrington Cavaliers build the structures that they then set fire to. The latest one, which was a replica of the Mayflower, was burnt on 28th August 2021.
Winkleigh Woods, Winkleigh, EX19 8LD
Another place we often take the dogs to. You can either walk right the way round (about 1 1/2 miles) or cut through the woods half way round. More of a dog walker’s wood rather than a family one, you can normally let the dogs off the lead and they will have a great time running through the woods and along the stone chipping path. Although the path makes it practical in wet weather, there are numerous ditches which stay wet and muddy so we try to remember to put their equafleeces on them even in summer. Catkin blooms in Winkleigh is a perfect stop for coffee.
Recommendation from Anja
Torrington Commons, EX38 8HB
Torrington Commons is a paradise…endless paths and very dog friendly. Bike and cattle free. Rivers too. Highly recommend it.
Goldies on tour 