Dog Walking in Exeter
The definitive guide to dog walking spots in and around Exeter. From city parks to Dartmoor adventures, discover the best places to walk your dog with expert tips from a local professional.
Featured Walking Spots
Canonteign Falls
Canonteign Falls is the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park, set across 90 acres of ancient woodland with waterfalls and lakes. Won Devon's Top Attractions Most Dog Friendly Day Out 2025! Dogs welcome FREE and allowed inside cafe and shop.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is the last castle built in England (completed 1930s), with spectacular walks into the Teign Gorge. Two pawprint rated by National Trust with over 1,000 acres to explore. Follow the Hunters Path down to the River Teign, or wander around the top of the gorge for incredible Dartmoor views.
Dartmoor - Bellever Forest
Bellever Forest is a large, well-managed Forestry England woodland popular with dog walkers. Signposted routes with gravelled paths plus the beautiful East Dart River with pools for dog swimming. Dogs really enjoy exploring here - getting muddy and burning energy in this fantastic combination of forest and moorland.
Dartmoor - Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir is a stunning Victorian reservoir surrounded by ancient oak woodland, just 8 miles from Plymouth. The 4-mile circular walk is one of Dartmoor's most popular and accessible routes with beautiful water views throughout. Features an enclosed off-lead dog walking area.
Dartmoor - Haytor
Haytor is one of Dartmoor's most iconic landmarks - dramatic granite tors rising from open moorland with breathtaking views. The Haytor Visitor Centre offers convenient parking, toilets, and a gift shop with trail maps. Great starting point for walks from the beginner-friendly Haytor Rocks circular to the challenging 7.5-mile Hound Tor loop.
Dawlish Warren
Dawlish Warren is a unique sand spit stretching into the Exe Estuary. Dogs have year-round access between Groyne 4-9, with seasonal restrictions elsewhere. The nature reserve is a National Nature Reserve protecting important wildlife, so dogs must be on leads there.
Woodlands & Forests
Forest walks with shade and natural terrain
Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest is one of the largest woods in East Devon and a haven for butterflies, bluebells and birds. Just a few miles from Killerton and signposted from there. Dogs will love the natural woodland and commercial plantations - plenty of shade and leaves to sniff through!
Aylesbeare Common RSPB
Aylesbeare Common is an RSPB heathland reserve famous for Dartford warblers and nightjars. Dogs welcome on leads - important wildlife site.
Beacon Heath & Stoke Hill Woods
Beacon Heath is a patch of heathland and woodland on the edge of Exeter that connects to Stoke Woods. Great for a quick woodland escape with off-lead possibilities.
Becky Falls
Becky Falls is a famous Dartmoor woodland park where the Becka Brook tumbles through ancient boulder-strewn woodland. Very dog-friendly - dogs allowed everywhere except inside the Animal Discovery Zone. Entry fee includes all shows and activities. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so dogs must be on leads.
Canonteign Falls
Canonteign Falls is the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park, set across 90 acres of ancient woodland with waterfalls and lakes. Won Devon's Top Attractions Most Dog Friendly Day Out 2025! Dogs welcome FREE and allowed inside cafe and shop.
Chudleigh & Chudleigh Rocks
Chudleigh is a pleasant small town with the dramatic Chudleigh Rocks - limestone cliffs with caves and woodland walks.
Dartmoor - Bellever Forest
Bellever Forest is a large, well-managed Forestry England woodland popular with dog walkers. Signposted routes with gravelled paths plus the beautiful East Dart River with pools for dog swimming. Dogs really enjoy exploring here - getting muddy and burning energy in this fantastic combination of forest and moorland.
Dartmoor - Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir is a stunning Victorian reservoir surrounded by ancient oak woodland, just 8 miles from Plymouth. The 4-mile circular walk is one of Dartmoor's most popular and accessible routes with beautiful water views throughout. Features an enclosed off-lead dog walking area.
Dartmoor - Fernworthy Reservoir
Fernworthy is a peaceful reservoir surrounded by conifer forest on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. Less visited than Burrator, it offers a tranquil escape with excellent dog swimming opportunities.
Dartmoor - Wistman's Wood
Wistman's Wood is one of Britain's most magical ancient oak woodlands - a mystical tangle of stunted oaks covered in moss and lichen. The walk to reach it crosses rough moorland.
Dunchideock & Haldon Belvedere
Dunchideock is a hilltop village near Haldon with access to woodland walks and Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle). Great views.
Fingle Bridge & Fingle Woods
Fingle Bridge is the gateway to Fingle Woods - 334 hectares (825 acres) along 10km of Dartmoor's craggy Teign Valley. Jointly owned by Woodland Trust and National Trust in the first venture of its kind between them. The ancient stone bridge spans the River Teign in a dramatic wooded gorge. One pawprint rated - dogs welcome but facilities limited.
Haldon Forest Park
Haldon Forest Park is 3,500 acres of woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter, off the A38. Miles of walking trails with expansive views. The dog-friendly Ridge Cafe even sells homemade doggy treats! The Forest Walkies trail features Wallace & Gromit theming.
Hembury Fort & Woods
Hembury Woods is ancient woodland with a spectacular Iron Age hillfort at its summit. Owned by Devon Archaeological Society since 2022. One of Devon's best bluebell woods in spring. Great for dog walkers and picnickers - circular walk around plateau with far-reaching views to the coast on clear days.
Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West with the dramatic Devil's Cauldron and 30m White Lady waterfall. Three pawprint rated by National Trust - the very best for dogs! Dogs welcome in tea-rooms. NEW enclosed off-lead area with agility obstacles.
Steps Bridge & Dunsford Woods
Steps Bridge is an exceptionally popular area offering beautiful, gentle walks and magnificent wildlife. Dunsford Wood (National Trust) and Dunsford Nature Reserve adjoin here. Famous for wild daffodils in early spring. Walk alongside the River Teign through steep-sided oak, ash and birch woodland.
Stoke Woods
Stoke Woods is an ancient woodland SSSI just 2 miles from Exeter city centre. Despite being so close to the city, it offers a real sense of seclusion. The site is a sanctuary for wildlife. A short walk leads to a viewpoint said to have inspired Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility.
Yarner Wood National Nature Reserve
Yarner Wood is part of the East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths National Nature Reserve, one of England's finest oak woodlands. Free car park, toilets, information board and bird hide. Great for dogs - miles of woodland paths with atmosphere of ancient Dartmoor woodland.
Trails & Routes
Walking trails and longer routes for adventurous dogs
Avocet Line Trail
The Avocet Line is the cycle and walking trail from Exeter to Exmouth along the Exe Estuary. Flat, accessible, and full of birdlife.
Beer Engine Brewery Walk
Walk from Devon's famous Beer Engine brewpub through fields to the River Creedy and back. Even better: take the train from Exeter, walk to the pub, enjoy the beer, train home!
Bovey Tracey & Parke Estate
Bovey Tracey is the 'Gateway to Dartmoor' with the excellent Parke Estate (National Trust HQ) offering beautiful walks. Great facilities.
Broadclyst to Killerton Walk
A lovely 4km circular walk connecting the pretty National Trust village of Broadclyst to Killerton Estate. Thatched cottages, parkland, and a great pub at the start/finish.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is the last castle built in England (completed 1930s), with spectacular walks into the Teign Gorge. Two pawprint rated by National Trust with over 1,000 acres to explore. Follow the Hunters Path down to the River Teign, or wander around the top of the gorge for incredible Dartmoor views.
Chagford
Chagford is a beautiful Dartmoor stannary town with excellent walks along the River Teign and onto the open moor. Proper Dartmoor atmosphere.
Cockwood Harbour
Cockwood is a picturesque harbour hamlet famous for its seafood pubs. A lovely spot for a gentle walk and excellent lunch.
Dartmoor - Meldon Reservoir
Meldon Reservoir on Dartmoor's northern edge offers varied walking with the bonus of the spectacular Meldon Viaduct. The old railway line provides easy walking with options to explore the surrounding moor.
Darts Farm & Clyst Valley
Darts Farm is an award-winning farm shop and food destination near Topsham, with lovely walks through the Clyst Valley. Great for combining a walk with food shopping!
Double Locks
Double Locks is a traditional, dog-friendly country pub ideally situated on the banks of the Exeter ship canal. Described as '(very) dog friendly, a mecca for dog lovers' with 'walks and trails right on our door step'. Muddy boots and muddy paws are welcome - it's a dog walkers heaven with Devon's most popular pub garden.
Exe Estuary Trail
The Exe Estuary Trail is a 26 mile, mainly flat cycle route and walkway which runs around the entire Exe Estuary linking Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish. Designed by Devon County Council, it forms part of National Cycle Network 2. For dog walkers, it offers flat, easy walking with stunning estuary views, abundant birdlife, and plenty of refreshment stops.
Exe Valley Way
The Exe Valley Way follows the River Exe from Exmoor to Exeter. The sections near Exeter pass through beautiful villages with great pubs.
Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quayside is a vibrant waterside area and the starting point for the canal and estuary trails. The canal is over five miles long with surfaced towpath perfect for dog walking. Walk to Double Locks (dog-friendly pub) or downstream to The Turf and Powderham Castle.
Exeter Ship Canal
The Exeter Ship Canal towpath offers a lovely flat walk from the city centre to Turf Locks. It's a traffic-free route alongside the historic canal, with plenty of pubs and interesting stops along the way.
Exminster Marshes RSPB
Exminster & Powderham Marshes is an RSPB nature reserve on the Exe Estuary. Dogs are welcome on public footpaths only - NOT on the permissive path at Powderham Marshes. In autumn and winter, thousands of water birds feed and roost here. Dogs must stay on leads to protect this important wildlife.
Grand Western Canal
The Grand Western Canal is an 11.25 mile Devon County Council Country Park - a beautiful waterway through the Devon countryside. Flat, easy towpath perfect for dog walking. Ample dog poo bins. Wheelchair accessible. Historic horse-drawn barge trips available from the Basin.
Ide Village Circular
A lovely 3km circular walk from The Poachers Inn in Ide, through rolling farmland with views towards Haldon. Perfect pub walk - start and end with refreshments!
Kenton to Powderham Walk
A 5km circular walk from The Dolphin Inn in Kenton to Powderham Castle estate and back via the Exe Estuary edge. Fantastic pub, historic castle, and estuary birds.
Killerton Estate
Killerton is a beautiful National Trust estate just north of Exeter. Dogs are wonderfully welcome with dedicated facilities: water bowls, dog bins, a doggy rinsing station in the car park for post-walk muddy paws, and picnic tables with tether points. The Stables Coffee Shop even sells doggy ice cream!
Lazy Toad River Walk
A lovely 4km riverside walk from one of Devon's best gastropubs. Follow the River Exe through meadows and fields, loop back via the lane. Exceptional food reward at the end.
Lympstone
Lympstone is a beautiful estuary village between Exeter and Exmouth. The views across the Exe are stunning, and the village atmosphere is delightful. Easy train access makes it very accessible.
Miller's Crossing & Canal Path
Miller's Crossing is a perfect starting point for canal towpath walks. Free parking and flat walking in either direction - towards the Quayside or out to Double Locks and beyond.
Moretonhampstead
Moretonhampstead is a Dartmoor market town with excellent access to eastern Dartmoor. Great walks to nearby tors and woodland.
Okehampton & Castle
Okehampton is a market town on the edge of Dartmoor with an impressive castle. Gateway to northern Dartmoor with good walking options.
Orcombe Point
Orcombe Point marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, marked by the Geoneedle sculpture. It offers cliff-top walks with stunning views and year-round beach access below.
Otterton & River Otter
Otterton is a beautiful village on the River Otter, famous for its beaver population. The riverside walks are stunning and dogs love the water access. Otterton Mill is a fantastic cafe stop.
Shobrooke Park Walk
Shobrooke Park is a beautiful historic parkland with a lake, ancient trees, and rolling lawns. A public footpath crosses through, giving access to one of Mid Devon's loveliest landscapes.
South West Coast Path - Exmouth Section
The South West Coast Path from Exmouth towards Budleigh passes Orcombe Point (start of the Jurassic Coast) with stunning red cliff scenery.
Thorverton Riverside Walk
A lovely 4km circular walk from this pretty Exe Valley village to the river and back. The Exe is wide and accessible here - perfect for dogs who love water.
Topsham
Topsham is a charming estuary town with wonderful dog walking along the quay and Exe Estuary. A scenic stretch of the Ship Canal runs between Topsham Quay and Turf Locks with misty marshland views. Most of the cafes and pubs are dog-friendly. Keep an eye on the tide times to avoid flooded paths or sticky mud.
Trews Weir & Salmon Pool
Trews Weir is a beautiful spot on the River Exe with wooded riverside walks. Start from Salmon Pool Lane and walk along the river, past the weir, connecting to the Quayside or Countess Wear.
Turf Locks & The Turf Hotel
Turf Locks is home to the famous Turf Hotel - a fascinating historical building where the canal meets the Exe Estuary, and you can only reach it by walking, cycling, horse, or boat! The family who run it love welcoming people, children, and dogs. The walk to get there is half the fun.
Parks & Green Spaces
Urban parks and green spaces perfect for regular walks
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a pleasant green space in St Leonards, popular with local dog walkers. Small but useful for daily exercise with good off-lead space.
Bicton Park & Arena
Bicton Park is a beautiful historic garden with woodland walks. Dogs are welcome on leads. Bicton Arena hosts major equestrian events nearby.
Bull Meadow Park
Bull Meadow is a neighbourhood park between the city centre and Heavitree. Good sized green space popular with local dog walkers.
Bury Meadow Park
Bury Meadow is a historic open space near Exeter city centre and the old city walls. Useful for a quick leg stretch when in town.
Countess Wear Playing Fields
Countess Wear Playing Fields offer great off-lead space with a free car park, plus access to the riverside path towards Topsham. Big flat fields and river walk options.
Cowick Fields & Marsh
Cowick Fields combines large playing fields with access to the marshy riverside area along the Exe. Good off-lead running and connections to the Riverside Valley Park network.
Duck's Marsh Nature Reserve
Duck's Marsh is a hidden gem - a nature reserve tucked behind Marsh Barton with boardwalks through wetland and wildflower meadows. Perfect for a peaceful on-lead walk with wildlife spotting.
Duryard Valley Park
Duryard Valley is a lovely green valley running through the University of Exeter campus. Wooded slopes, valley paths, and a surprisingly wild feel despite being on campus.
Escot Park & Gardens
Escot is a family estate with historic parkland, wildflower meadows, and woodland walks. Home to wild boar, red squirrels, and birds of prey. Dogs welcome on leads.
Exmouth Phear Park
Phear Park is Exmouth's main park with formal gardens, aviary, and pleasant walking paths. A Victorian park with good facilities.
Flowerpot Fields & Exwick Marsh
Flowerpot Fields is a brilliant local dog walk with large open playing fields and access to Exwick Marsh along the River Exe. Park at the free car park and let your dog run on the fields, then walk along the river.
Heavitree Pleasure Ground
Heavitree Pleasure Ground is a classic Victorian park with large open grass areas perfect for dogs. Free parking, good-sized green, and a friendly local atmosphere.
Ludwell Valley Park
Ludwell Valley Park is a 200-acre working farm and country park in the Wonford area with complete public open access to most fields. One of Exeter's Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. Features fields, cherry orchards, and wooded lanes. Great for dogs with off-leash section and dedicated dog-friendly trails.
Mincinglake Valley Park
Mincinglake Valley Park is a lovely local nature reserve on the edge of Exeter, offering meadows, woodland, and a stream valley. It's a fantastic spot for a peaceful dog walk away from the busier parks.
Northernhay Gardens
Northernhay Gardens holds the distinction of being England's oldest public park, dating back to 1612. Set against the backdrop of Exeter's historic city walls and Rougemont Castle, it's a lovely spot for a quick dog walk while in the city centre.
Parke Estate
Parke Estate is the National Trust's Dartmoor headquarters, on the edge of Bovey Tracey extending about a mile up the river valley. Three pawprint rated for dogs. Popular with dog walkers who love the varied terrain - woodland, pasture, riverside paths and the former Moretonhampstead branch railway.
Pinhoe Quarry Park
Pinhoe Quarry Park is a lovely green space created from a former quarry. Wildflower meadows, young woodland, and open grassy areas - a proper community park with good off-lead space.
Powderham Castle Estate
Powderham Castle lies in a beautiful 350-wild fallow deer park on the banks of the River Exe. Dogs go FREE and are welcome in grounds, gardens, shops, cafe, and even inside on castle tours! Won Devon's Top Attractions Dog Friendly Awards. Cannot access deer park or walled garden.
Riverside Valley Park
Riverside Valley Park is one of six Exeter Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. Its 40 hectares sit between Clapperbrook Lane and Bridge Road, forming part of a major wildlife highway linking Exmoor to the sea. The council aims to make the Parks attractive for dog walkers, taking pressure off the estuary and its wild bird populations.
Stover Country Park
Stover Country Park is a beautiful Devon County Council-managed park with Stover Lake, ancient woodland, and rare heathland. Lovely walk around the lake with marked trails. Dogs can be off-lead but must be kept out of the lake and on leads around water courses.
Beaches
Coastal walks and dog-friendly beaches
Budleigh Salterton Beach
Budleigh Salterton offers a classic Devon pebble beach with year-round dog access at both ends. The centre portion is dog-free May-September but dogs are welcome all year from the beach huts near Lime Kiln car park east to the River Otter mouth, and from the west end of the promenade westward.
Dawlish Town & Beach
Dawlish is a charming seaside town famous for its black swans on The Lawn. The sea wall walk to Dawlish Warren is spectacular. Seasonal dog restrictions on beaches - check specific groyne locations before visiting.
Dawlish Warren
Dawlish Warren is a unique sand spit stretching into the Exe Estuary. Dogs have year-round access between Groyne 4-9, with seasonal restrictions elsewhere. The nature reserve is a National Nature Reserve protecting important wildlife, so dogs must be on leads there.
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Beach is Devon's nearest sandy beach to Exeter, making it perfect for a doggy day out. Dogs are allowed year-round beyond the restricted zone, with miles of golden sand and calm waters for paddling and swimming. Be aware of the seasonal restrictions enforced through Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
Holcombe Beach
Holcombe is a hidden gem between Dawlish and Teignmouth. The beach is accessed down steps from the village and offers peaceful walking away from the crowds.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay sits between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, accessed mainly via the South West Coast Path. The dramatic red cliffs and quieter atmosphere make it worth the walk.
Shaldon Beach
Shaldon is a charming village across the river from Teignmouth with a lovely small beach and access to the coast path. It's quieter than Teignmouth with a village atmosphere.
Sidmouth Beach
Sidmouth offers a quintessentially English seaside experience with its Regency architecture and dramatic red cliffs. Seasonal restrictions apply to the main town beach (May-September), but Port Royal beach at the eastern end allows dogs year-round, and Jacobs Ladder Beach permits dogs off-lead (with some on-lead areas).
Teignmouth Beach
Teignmouth is a traditional seaside town with sandy beach, pier, and ferry to Shaldon. Dogs have year-round access to River Beach (Back Beach) and Holcombe direction. Main town beach restricted April-September between Eastcliff slipway and Lighthouse at the Point.
Wembury Beach & Great Mewstone
Wembury is one of Devon's most dog-friendly beaches with no seasonal restrictions. Views of the Great Mewstone rock island and excellent rockpools. Marine conservation area.
Moorland
Open moorland for wild adventures
Dartmoor - Haytor
Haytor is one of Dartmoor's most iconic landmarks - dramatic granite tors rising from open moorland with breathtaking views. The Haytor Visitor Centre offers convenient parking, toilets, and a gift shop with trail maps. Great starting point for walks from the beginner-friendly Haytor Rocks circular to the challenging 7.5-mile Hound Tor loop.
Hound Tor & Medieval Village
Hound Tor is the most famous tor in Dartmoor - dramatic granite stacks rising from the moor, said to resemble the heads of dogs. Widely believed to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. The nearby 13th-14th century deserted medieval village is an English Heritage site with remains of four stone farmsteads.
Pebblebed Heaths
The Pebblebed Heaths are a network of commons including Woodbury, Aylesbeare, and Colaton Raleigh. Important heathland habitat with great walking.
Princetown & High Dartmoor
Princetown is the heart of Dartmoor at 1,400 feet elevation. Access to high moorland, tors, and true wilderness walking. Famous for the prison.
Woodbury Common
Woodbury Common is a really popular spot for local cyclists, ramblers and dog walkers, but the area's so vast that you can quite easily find yourself alone in the countryside - yet only 15 minutes from Exeter or 5 minutes from Exmouth. Part of the Pebblebed Heaths, formed over 240 million years ago.
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