Dog Walking
Four legged friends
MyWestbeach Oceanside Apartments welcomes dogs and knows how much they enjoy exploring, from sandy runs to splashing in the sea. All the coastal paths near Westward Ho! are dog friendly, and part of the local beach is open to dogs year-round. With the Tarka Trail on your doorstep, it’s easy to head out for relaxed walks. Saunton Sands also offers dog access all year, while Putsborough Beach permits dogs everywhere except the far left section in high season.
Westward Ho! Beach
The wide, two-mile-long beach on the doorstep of MyWestbeach Oceanside Apartments has a large area designated for dog walkers throughout the year, while the section closest to the village has a seasonal restriction from April till the end of September.
Kenwith Valley Nature Reserve
Located on the outskirts of Bideford, the reserve features a mix of marshland, woodlands, and a lake, with relatively flat and accessible paths.
The Tarka Trail
A peaceful and scenic route with wide paths that are gentle enough for all abilities. Dogs should be kept under control around wildlife and kept on a lead when crossing working farmland.
Northam Burrows Country Park
Located next to Westward Ho! beach the park is a vast area of coastal grassland, salt marsh, and sand dunes. Dog walkers are welcome year-round but should be aware of other visitors, wildlife, and grazing animals.
Manning's Pit
Dogs are welcome year-round at Manning's Pit with rolling green fields and slopes that lead down to Bradiford Water, a small stream that meanders through the site. It is located on the outskirts of Barnstaple between the villages of Pilton and Bradiford.
Saunton Sands
Dog walking is permitted year-round on Saunton Sands Beach, with some small restrictions. The beach features over 3 miles of golden sand backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows.
Crow Point
You can walk your dog year-round at Crow Point, located at the southern tip of Braunton Burrows and Saunton Sands. The beach has no dog restrictions but a lead is required on the footpath leading to the beach due to grazing sheep.
Putsborough Beach
Dog walking is allowed year-round on on the northern end of Putsborough Beach, with seasonal restrictions on a small section of the southern part of the beach from April till the end of October. The majority of the 3-mile stretch of sand is available for dogs to roam freely.
Woolacombe Beach
There are seasonal restrictions on certain sections of the beach during the main season (April till the end of September). During the off-season (October till the end of March), dogs are allowed to roam freely across the entire beach.
Heddons Mouth
The National Trust-managed area offers scenic walks through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon, leading to a secluded, pebbly beach. The area has a three pawprint rating by the National Trust making it one of the best places to visit for a day with your dog.
Lee Bay
The beach welcomes dogs all year round. The bay is a small, rocky, and secluded cove nestled within a wooded combe. Low tide exposes a sandy shore with extensive rock pools.
Bennett's Mouth
Dogs are welcome all year round on the beach at Bennett's Mouth, but there are some rules to follow on the trails and approach paths to keep wildlife and livestock safe. The secluded, rocky cove is located in the Kinever Valley, between Mortehoe and Lee.
Recommended by our team
Our very own Westword Ho! beach is wide and backed by sand dunes giving your dog room to run. Be aware there are some seasonal restrictions on the beach closest to the village.
Northam Burrows Country Park is a vast grassy coastal plain and salt-marsh in front of Westward Ho! Beach. You can stroll through dunes, open fields, and along the estuary. Be aware dogs will need to be kept on a lead in grazing areas.