WINTER DOG WALKS

January marks ‘Walk Your Dog Month’ and what better way to celebrate than discovering some new places to explore with your furry friend this month.

WHISTMAN’S WOODS

Start at the carpark which is located opposite the Two Bridges Hotel and head through the gate into the Moors. Follow the trodden grass track until you meet the ancient woodland. The woodland itself is protected and therefore should not be entered however, you can still discover the magnificent woodland by walking around it. You can now either turn back the way you came or explore deeper into Dartmoor and head off in any direction you choose.

DARTMOUTH CASTLE

Park in Dartmouth centre and walk along the waterfront towards the sea. Pass by Warfleet Creek before heading onto the wooded Castle Road until you reach Dartmouth Castle. Explore the Castle, Cove and it’s surrounding trails before heading back through the woodland above Castle Road.

BELLEVER FOREST

Park in Bellever Forest carpark which has toilet facilities, lots of picnic areas as well as a beautiful river running through it. Head off into the woods from the carpark and follow one of the many routes that you can take marked on the OS map. Stop by the Postbridge Clapper Bridge on your way back too.

DARTMEET

Start at Dartmeet carpark and head up the river with the water on your left until you meet the Clapper Bridge. Turn left after the Clapper Bridge and head back down to cross the river via the stepping stones. Keep walking with the river on your left until you reach the carpark again.

NOSS MAYO

Park in the village hall carpark and walk up past The Ship Inn. You can either walk through the woodland or stick to the road with the estuary to your right. The long circular walk hugs the coast before heading back to the village or walk to Cellar Beach and back which takes just over an hour.

WEMBURY BEACH TO WARREN POINT

Begin at the Wembury Beach carpark and walk up the South West Coast Path passed the church. Admire the stunning coastline whilst heading towards Warren point located at the end of the river Yealm. Walk back the same way or make it a loop by heading up into Wembury village.

LYDFORD GORGE

This is the deepest river gorge in the South West owned by the National Trust. From the carpark, head into the visitors centre before starting your walk down the gorge. Witness the 30m high waterfall, ancient woodland and wildlife and the dramatic nature of the gorge itself.

ERMINGTON WOODS

Park in Ermington village where you can grab a drink and some food at the local pub before venturing off into the woodland. Ermington Woods become carpeted with gorgeous bluebells in Spring. These woods are part of the 17mile Erme-Plym Trail.

BANTHAM BEACH TO HOPE COVE

*Dog Restrictions* Main Bantham Beach – Allowed from 31st Dec – 30th April. Estuary Side of Bantham Beach – Allowed all-year round. Hope Cove Harbour Beach – Allowed all-year round. Mouthwell Sands – Allowed 1st October – 30th April. Take the SW Coast Path from Bantham across to Hope Cove and back (2hrs approx.)