Plymouth and the surrounding areas have plenty of fantastic places to walk your dog, whether you're looking for scenic trails, sandy beaches, or historic landmarks. Here are some of the best spots to take your furry friend for a walk in and around Plymouth.

Plymouth waterfront

If you decide to take a walk around Plymouth’s waterfront with your furry friend, you will undoubtedly meet many like-minded people – there’s lots of routes you can take with Plymouth Sound in your views.

There’s many places you can stop for some treats (for the both of you!), including the Barbican & Sutton Harbour, along Plymouth Hoe, as well as Royal William Yard, where you can enjoy further walks around Devil’s Point.

The Hoe is one of the most popular places to walk your dog in Plymouth. It offers stunning views of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and there's plenty of space for your dog to run around. The park is also home to the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse, which is a great spot to snap some photos with your pooch.

You can even follow the Waterfront Walkway, part of the South West Coast Path, if you and your pup fancies a longer walk!

Central Park

Central Park is perfect for walking your dog if you don’t want to venture out of Plymouth as it is within walking distance for most of the city. You can grab a coffee from the Meadow Café and wander around, however please be aware of the dog lead zones.

Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge Woods is a beautiful wooded area that's great for a long walk with your dog. There are plenty of trails to explore, and the River Plym runs through the woods, offering plenty of opportunities for your dog to splash around in the water.

Find out more about Plymbridge Woods on National Trust.

Wembury Beach

Wembury Beach is a great spot to take your dog for a walk, particularly if they love the water. The beach is dog-friendly all year round, and there are plenty of rock pools and caves for your dog to explore. The coastal path from Wembury to Heybrook Bay is also a great option for a longer walk.

Jennycliff

Jennycliff has a pleasant grass area suitable for picnics with amazing views across Plymouth Sound and links to walks along the South West Coast Path towards Bovisand, or Mount Batten. Dogs are allowed on this beach all year, and there is free car parking nearby. Please be aware that to access the beach, there is a steep path.

Saltram

There are acres of parkland and woods around Saltram estate where your dogs can exercise off the lead whilst under close control, and some lead only spaces where dogs can enjoy all the smells, sights and sounds of the countryside just outside the city.

Find out more about walking with your dog in Saltram on National Trust website. 

Further afield

Mount Edgcumbe

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park covers over 865 acres of open parkland, Grade I listed gardens and 55 Grade II and II* listed structures on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall.

There are five walks ranging from a circular jaunt taking in most of Mount Edgcumbe’s many fascinating attractions to a three-hour trek from Cremyll to Maker Heights, rewarding those who tackle the steep footpath with spectacular panoramic views. The grounds are vast with plenty of open space for you and your dog to explore.

You can visit Mount Edgcumbe by taking the Cremyll Ferry, which departs from Admirals Head at Stonehouse, or driving from Plymouth via the Torpoint Ferry or Tamar Bridge and continuing through.

Burrator Reservoir

Burrator Reservoir is located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. With dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements and a Nature Reserve, Burrator is a picturesque location for a walk. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Buckland Abbey

Buckland Abbey offers a range of different walks for all abilities with some shorter more accessible routes ranging up to the blue route, which takes about 90 mins to complete. Dogs are more than welcome here but they do have to be always kept on the lead.

Dartmoor National Park

Just a short drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles of striking granite tors and steep wooded river valleys, to swatches of heather-covered moorland and hidden villages. Dartmoor is a land of contrasts and a fantastic spot to take your dog for both short and long walks.

Find out more tips on visiting Dartmoor with your dog.

If you're looking for more local routes, download the Plymouth Trails App, which is free to download on the App Store and Google Play. You can explore the city through the app, using real-time maps to guide you around the city. 

Once downloaded, the app can be used offline. On longer trails, such as the Waterfront Walkway, if you plan to keep your phone on along the whole route, we advise that you take a charging pack.

Plan your dog-friendly trip in Plymouth with a look through our dog-friendly pages, including places to stay, things to do and places to eat.

In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner