Dog walks

Facing the sea from East Looe promenade, head left to the far end and use the steps to the beach beyond. This is separate from the main sandy beach, which does not allow pet dogs. Expect rocks, uneven footing and less space as the tide rises; avoid the shore when waves cover the access. Check tides and local signs before going.

Use only the exposed shore beside the pier while the tide is out, staying close to the access point. The RNLI slipway is operational: keep it clear and leave immediately if needed. Keep your dog close, avoid soft mud, boats and the active river channel, and return before the water rises. Low tide, rather than the time of day, determines whether this outing is possible.

Cross Looe Bridge and follow the waterfront into West Looe, then Hannafore Road. Allow 45–90 minutes for your outing, depending on your turnaround point. Keep dogs on a lead beside roads and follow local signs. The promenade is paved; the rocky shore is uneven. Hannafore Beach welcomes dogs all year.

Enter at the far end of Millpool car park. Choose a short riverside out-and-back or a longer woodland route. Allow 30–90 minutes in the woods, plus your approach. Only the hard-surface section to the Old Boatyard has disabled access; higher paths have slopes, roots and mud. Keep dogs under control and respect wildlife. The linked local guide explains the waymarked options.

Cross Looe Bridge and follow the waterfront through West Looe to the far end of Hannafore Road. Join the signed South West Coast Path towards Talland and Polperro, walking west across the fields to Portnadler Bay. The National Trust gives approximately 0.8 miles from Hannafore to the beach; allow around 30 minutes each way from Hannafore, plus the approach from Teglios and any beach time. Return by the same route. The final beach access is steep and uneven, with steps; unsuitable for pushchairs. Stay on the coast path for the views if you prefer to skip the descent. Keep dogs on leads around livestock and follow local signs. Take water and check tides before exploring the shore.

The National Trust route is 2.5 miles / 4 km. Start at Hendersick car park and follow the published route rather than a map-pin shortcut. Expect slopes and uneven ground; this is not a pushchair route. Keep dogs close, use a lead around livestock and take care at exposed coastal edges.

Start by Seaton Valley Countryside Park and choose an out-and-back along the valley paths. Allow 30–90 minutes, depending on how far you go; this is a suggested outing, not a measured circular trail. Paths can become muddy, and not all woodland sections are suitable for wheels. Keep dogs close around the river and wildlife. Village cafés and toilets are handy for a longer stop.

The National Trust circuit is 3.8 miles / 6.08 km, with a published walking time of 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Start at Lansallos car park. Expect steep and uneven sections, steps, stiles and mud; unsuitable for pushchairs. Dogs must stay under close control. Carry water and a picnic: the cove has no café.

Lady Vale is 1.7 miles / 2.75 km. Forestry England describes it as suitable for pushchairs, manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters in normal conditions. Dogs are welcome; follow lead signs and use designated stream-access spots. Check the live alerts before travelling: path and tree-safety works are listed until 16 October 2026. Café, toilets and paid parking are available.