The Golden Lion

A short, steep three and a third miles taking in both harbours and the cliffs either side, about two hours with 190 metres of climbing crammed into a small space. Park in the big car park at the top of the village, because the harbour itself is unsuitable for cars and the hill back up is punishing; the walk drops through the old fish cellars on the way out. Both beaches allow dogs all year and there are streams at Port Gaverne, but a large dog will need lifting over a couple of stiles in the fields above the cove, and the coast path at Lobber Point and Varley Head runs right along the unfenced edge.

Five miles between two fishing coves on the stretch of coast path locals call the rollercoaster, two and a half hours and 170 metres of ascent taken in a dozen short brutal pulls rather than one long climb. It starts at the tiny National Trust car park at Port Quin, which holds perhaps twenty cars and is gone early, and returns inland by field paths; Port Isaac has the pubs and the pasties at the halfway point. Five stone stiles on the inland leg will need a hand for most dogs and one wooden one needs lifting all but the smallest, both harbour beaches allow dogs all year, and the cliff path is unfenced throughout with seals in the coves below.