From beautiful valleys and rolling hills to the rugged beauty of its sprawling coast, South East Cornwall has its fair share of scenic places to walk the dog. However, nothing beats a country or coastal stroll with your pooch, than a stroll with a great pub en route!
If this sounds like your cup of tea, here's a list of the top 4 dog walks in South East Cornwall, all of which involve a pub:
1. GOLITHA FALLS AND A SMOKED BACON SANDWICH AT INKY'S SMOKEHOUSE
Meander through shady, beautiful woodlands along the banks of the River Fowey, a place where you can unwind and admire the falls. If you like, you can even take your swimsuit and enjoy a dip in one of the pools. Back at the woodland carpark, why not tickle your tastebuds with a hot chocolate covered cream alongside a smoked bacon sandwich or pulled pork bap? Inky’s smoke all their own meat and their food is divine, but filling - so make sure you go there hungry!
The River Fowey flowing through Golitha Falls in a series of spectacular cascades. Photo copyright of Robert Pittman, and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.
2. TALLAND TO POLPERRO AND A PINT AT THE BLUE PETER
Park either in the car park at Talland’s westerly beach (there are two little beaches in the bay), or on the side of the lane between the two beaches, then hit the coast path heading west. This excellent (and hilly) coastal walk will take you to the picturesque village of Polperro in about 45 minutes. Head to the Blue Peter Inn for a cosy seat among the locals, and refreshing Cornish ale. On Fridays, Saturdays and some Sundays, they even have live music!
Quench your thirst with a well-earned drink at The Blue Peter Inn. Photo copyright of N Chadwick and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.
3. MENABILLY WALK WITH PIZZA AT POLKERRIS
A circular walk with picture-perfect views of the coast can begin and end at Polkerris, the home of Sam’s on the Beach. Here you can relax and unwind outside with dogs and order delicious stone-baked pizzas, or tuck into some fresh mussels from the nearby River Fowey. To start the walk, sniff out the slightly hidden path that goes up between the beach at Sam’s, through the woods towards the clifftop.
Relax with the pooch at Polkerris, before sampling some delicious fresh mussels.
4. PORTNADLER BEACH AND A CRAB SANDWICH AT ISLAND VIEW CAFE
Park on the side of the road at Hannafore in West Looe, as far along as you can get (the road ends where the coast path starts). Head out on the coast path going west. After about 15 minutes, you can walk down through a little gate to Portnadler Beach. This is a long (especially when the tide is out), sandy beach which is dog-friendly all year round. Stroll back and pop into the Island View Café at Hannafore for the best crab sandwich around (or various other goodies if crab isn’t your thing) while gazing out at Looe Island.
Visit the beach and coastline at Portnadler Bay between Talland and Looe. Photo copyright of Brian and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.
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All words by Holly Kyte of the gorgeous Treworgey Cottages in Cornwall.