9 best dog-friendly woodland walks in Cornwall
Spring in Cornwall is magical. Think fresh green leaves, carpets of white wild garlic and bluebells and a plethora of birds singing. Even though the county is known for its coastline, going for a wander with your four-legged friend in tow is an enchanting way to explore Cornwall’s shady woodland dells.
We’ve picked 9 dog-friendly woodland walks in Cornwall, where your pooch can run free off their lead, sniffing, scouting and surveying to their heart’s content.
Warning: Cornish woodlands are usually teeming with wildlife and nesting birds so make sure your pup stays under control!
1. Lanhydrock house and gardens, Cornwall
If your Cornish holiday cottage is in the Bodmin area, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walking at Lanhydrock. The estate boasts around 900 acres of ancient woodlands and peaceful riverside paths, so there are loads of different paths to follow. You can pick up trail maps for walks at the reception, cafe and shop.
Try the Lanhydrock Respryn Ramble, a pretty circular walk that takes you across a historic bridge and through beautiful woodland. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife along the River Fowey, including otters and kingfishers. If your dog’s a swimmer, there are five designated dog bathing areas. You can also wander through the estate’s parkland and wider countryside.
Dogs aren’t allowed in the house and formal gardens, but they’re welcome inside the Stables tearooms and the Park Café. You can also take advantage of the doggie tie-up area in the Stables courtyard. Water bowls and dog biscuits are provided to keep your dog refreshed while you enjoy a cuppa.
2. Idless Woods, near Truro
Idless Woods is an enchanting woodland about two miles north of Truro. With several walking routes that pass by various streams and ponds, these stunning woodlands offer simple but stunning dog walking.
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There are loads of little streams for your dog to jump into, peaceful trails and the abandoned workings of a gunpowder factory to discover. The longest path is around 5 km, with plenty of open woodland, including pines, beeches and eucalyptus, to explore.
Forestry England manages the large free car park and Woodman’s Cabin cafe, which offers home-cooked snacks and meals.
3. Ladock Woods, near Truro
This circular walk near Truro is very tranquil – Ladock Woods is the perfect place for winding down after a noisy day at the beach! Don’t miss the Holy Well of St Ladock in the river valley. In 1802, a gold nugget was found and made into an elegant necklace (now in Truro museum).
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Your pup will love exploring the woods while you admire the wild spring flowers. Picnic in a field, then head to the Falmouth Arms for a well-earned drink and rest.
4. Tehidy Woods, near Camborne
Tehidy Country Park is a stunning woodland area with over 9 miles of trails, perfect for a leisurely walk with your furry friend. In summer, use the shady north woods car park to keep the car nice and cool for your dogs.
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The south woods aren’t dog friendly but there are hundreds of acres in the north woods where dogs can roam freely, with a range of different lengths of trails. Make your dog walk as long or short as you want depending on which paths you take – just enjoy exploring.
Have a pitstop at the cafe on the south side – you’ll have to sit outside with your dog on a lead but the food’s lovely, with a range of wonderful cakes and coffee.
5. Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin
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Probably the most popular woodland walk in Cornwall, Cardinham Woods near Bodmin has it all – great dog walking, cycling trails, babbling brooks, a big car park and family-friendly facilities. Marked walks include the easy Ladyvale walk and there are plenty of more challenging paths for those with pups who love to roam.
The Woods Cafe offers freshly baked cakes and Tregothnan tea, home grown in Cornwall. It’s very dog friendly and there are plenty of picnic tables.
6. Golitha Falls (near Liskeard)
Golitha Falls is a beautiful nature reserve near Bodmin Moor. It has several short walks, perfect for a quick stroll with your pup.
The River Fowey runs through these woodlands and the waters rush into the magical Golitha waterfalls. The first stretch of the river is accessible with wider paths, but as the walk continues, the going becomes tougher, with rocks and narrow paths to navigate.
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The views are absolutely worth it and your dog will love chasing sticks down the river. Stronger swimmers will cope with faster currents, and there are parts of the river suitable for dogs who prefer to play in the shallows.
There’s free parking plus a super-cute cafe-cum-traditional-American-barbecue-joint offering an old western saloon bar and ice cream shack tucked away near the falls.
7. Trelissick, near Truro
The Trelissick estate, near Truro, is a fascinating woodland garden with various routes that pass by beautiful flowers and plants. Whether your dog needs a bit of brisk exercise or a longer walk to the water’s edge, there’s parkland, woodland, shoreline and beach to explore.
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The longer and more strenuous trek takes you down through the trees to Roundwood Quay. Walk through historic parkland, along an oak-fringed creek. Stop to play with your pooch near the timber-framed bridge before reaching the 18th-century quay at Roundwood. You’ll find wonderful views, historic landscape and wildlife galore.
Enjoy a cup of tea and cake in the cafe’s outside courtyard area, which is equipped with water bowls and outdoor seating. During bad weather the National Trust opens an indoor seating area where you and your pup can relax out of the cold and rain.
8. Luxulyan Valley, St Austell
Luxulyan Valley is a breathtaking woodland area that has multiple trails, some even passing by ancient ruins. It’s a very peaceful location, even in the height of summer.
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This circular walk follows the leats and horse-drawn tramways through the World Heritage Site of the Luxulyan Valley to the massive viaduct. It’s the perfect place to get the best of Cornish woodland and a good helping of the county’s industrial history.
The River Par runs through it, so there’s plenty of water around for dogs to have a paddle to cool their paws, as well as lots of picnic areas.
9. Trevaylor Woods, near Penzance
Charming Trevaylor Woods near Penzance is the perfect hidden gem for a dog walk. It’s great for children, too. Fantastically twisted mossy trees and branches make for a gorgeous natural playground where little ones can find magical ‘fairy houses’ in the trunks.
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Lots of tall beech trees and a shallow river running through the middle make for a beautifully peaceful spot where all is quiet except for the sound of running water – and your pup splashing in and out, of course!
Need some inspiration when it comes to choosing your dog-friendly Cornish holiday cottage? Look no further – we have plenty to choose from.
Martha’s Harbour | Gwendreath | Swallow Cottage | The Old Post Office