Dog-friendly walks in Dartmouth

A 3.2-mile circuit of about an hour and three quarters that climbs the lanes above Blackpool Sands to Strete for the long view over Slapton Ley to Start Point, then drops back to the beach on coast path, with 180 metres of climbing and muddy field sections after rain. The obvious start is the paid beach car park at Blackpool Sands on the A379, and this is the catch: the beach owners operate a Blue Flag seasonal ban that keeps dogs off the beach, out of the café and out of the car parks from 1 May to 30 September, so between those dates park in Strete instead and walk the loop the other way. Out of season it is one of the friendliest short walks on this coast, with shingle to throw stones on and sheltered water; in season expect stock in the fields, quiet but fast lanes, and no dog access to the sand at all.

A 4.2-mile circuit of about two and a quarter hours from the National Trust fields at Little Dartmouth down to the rocky shore at Compass Cove, along to Dartmouth Castle and back by bridleway, with 200 metres of climbing and sections that turn greasy after rain. Start at the Trust's Redlap car park, which is free to members and by donation otherwise and rarely fills; buses 93 and 111 reach Dartmouth town centre if you would rather walk it the other way round. Dogs are welcome off the lead on the open cliff pasture but there is nearly always stock in these fields and the drops at Blackstone Point are sheer; the castle grounds allow dogs on leads, and the only reliable drinking water is the tap at the castle café.