We love dogs here at Galmpton Touring Park and are always happy to welcome four-legged family members to our park. Our guests often ask us about the best places to take their dog for a walk – apart from our onsite dog park of course! As dog walkers ourselves, we know some the areas most scenic routes – both long and short – and are always happy to share our local knowledge.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration on where to take your dog in Devon this summer, we’ve compiled five of our favourite routes below, from quick coastal strolls to day-long circular hikes – nearby to Galmpton and some further afield.
Start Point Lighthouse: Short Walk
Start Point Lighthouse is the most southern place in Devon and the short walk down the peninsula from the car park offers fantastic views of the bay. Look down the northern cliffs, you can see the remains of Hallsands Village that was damaged by storms in 1917. On a clear day, this route offers views that extend all the way to the Isle of Portland to the North East – that’s nearly 60 miles away.
The path is fully paved and offers a slight incline, sloping down towards the lighthouse. The surrounding landscape is ruggedly scenic and makes for a great quick walk for smaller dogs or dogs who prefer shorter and easier walks.
Click here for more information on this route.
Blackpool Sands: Short Walk
Blackpool Sands (no, not THAT Blackpool) is just a short drive from Dartmouth and is one of the best beaches in the area. Covering quiet lanes offering coastal views of Start Point, Torcross and Slapton Lay, this 3.4-mile circular route offers a great opportunity to get to know Devon’s famous coastline and pastoral rolling green hills.
Starting at Blackpool Sands carpark, you’ll walk from the seafront and slowly work inland along coastal paths and through small Devon towns. Perfect for dogs (and people) looking to get a full helping of sea-air without spending all day on their feet (or paws!)
Click here for more information on this route.
Little Dartmouth Circular: Medium Walk
The first of two walks starting from Little Dartmouth – an area of coastal beauty that was once home to a Civil War fort and encampment. The shorter of the two routes, a 3.5-mile loop, is full of interesting sights, charming British landscapes and characterful rocky coastlines. It even features a quick stop off at Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the River Dart.
Featuring some below-cliff paths, the Little Dartmouth Circular features some steeper inclines and steps and is only suitable for dogs comfortable with such things – unless you’re looking to carry them up and down!
Click here for more information on this route.
Diamond Jubilee Way: Medium Walk
The second and longer of the two Little Dartmouth routes was created in 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation – which explains the diamond shape of the route.
With more of a countryside focus, the Diamond Jubilee route takes you through undulating green farmland before reaching the town of Dartmouth itself. Here you can stop for a break in one of the many dog-friendly pubs and cafes while taking in the glory of the River Dart – an especially enjoyable experience on a sunny day.
The route is fully signposted starting just east of Little Dartmouth carpark, making it an easy route to follow.
Click here for more information on this route.
Dartmouth to Greenway: Long Walk
The Dartmouth to Greenway trail is one for daring doggy explorers and experienced hikers. This 9-mile tour of the Dart valley takes you through towns, alongside railway lines and even on two river crossings – don’t worry, the ferries are dog-friendly too!
We recommend leaving a whole day free to complete this ramble – so be sure to pack a water bowl and lots of treats – but during this time you’ll experience wooded river banks and beautiful views of the river. If you have the legs for it, it’s a journey you won’t forget in a hurry.
Click here for more information on this route.
All these walks are easily accessible from Galmpton Touring Park. We are a dog-friendly touring park that offers incredible views over the River Dart along with great touring park facilities. We even have some holiday lets too! To learn more about us or to book your next Devon escape, click here to view our website.
