Dog-friendly walks in Exeter
Attention all four-legged adventurers and their trusty human companions! If you're sniffing around for the best dog-friendly walks in Exeter, you've reached the right place. From gentle meanders to challenging treks, Exeter's network of trails has something to get every tail wagging.
So, get your lead ready, pack some treats, and let's explore some of the best canine-friendly walks in Exeter and its surroundings.
1. Riverside Valley Park
This picturesque 98-hectare park offers an easy jaunt for tiny paws and older legs alike. Follow the River Exe and watch your fur-baby make a splash in the plentiful ponds! There’s parking at Bromham’s Farm, or Haven Banks, if you’re willing to walk a little further.
The hillier parts of the park offer great views from across rolling, buttercup-strewn meadows, as well as waterside trails and plenty of birdlife to observe (you might want to keep duck-chasers on the lead!)
2. Exeter Green Circle
For those seeking a moderate challenge, this 12-mile loop offers a fine sampling of Exeter's landscapes. Woodlands, meadows, and historic surprises such as Little John’s Cross, a 15th-century route marker, and Countess Wear Mill.
Divided into five sections, each with its own helpful guide provided by Exeter City Council, the Green Circle encapsulates the best of Exeter walks. Watch out for kingfishers and otters!
3. Haldon Forest Park
For a wilder experience beneath the trees, drive ten miles south of Exeter to Haldon Forest Park where pine-scented woodland awaits.
Elevate your dog-walking game, quite literally. A mosaic of hilly trails for all levels, this woodland preserve guarantees a fun-filled romp. Mountain bikers will find plenty of bike trails here too, graded by skill level, so watch out for those daredevils when you’re walking!
4. Mincinglake Valley Park
Winding through a beautiful valley, this is among the top dog walks in Exeter. It’s remarkable to note that this was once a waste tipping area, which has since been protected, preserving its wild and natural character, and providing a haven for wildlife.
You’ll be able to let your dog off the lead on this 47-acre site to play fetch on the meadows or dabble in the brooks.
5. Exe Estuary Trail
If you’re a lover of seabirds and salt spray, this could be the doggy ramble for you. The Exe Estuary Trail runs for 17 or so miles from Exmouth to Dawlish, via Exeter, as well as being part of National Cycle Route 2. Choose between the western or eastern sides of the estuary – both routes have plenty to see.
With stunning estuary views, your dog's nose will be in overdrive and human birdwatchers might spot a Slavonian grebe, kingfisher, or heron along the way.
6. Ludwell Valley Park
Just three miles southeast of Exeter City Centre, Ludwell Valley Park is one of six green spaces preserved by Devon Wildlife Trust. It’s one of the most beautiful spots to walk your hound in Exeter, with miles of wooded trail, open meadows, and cherry orchards.
Pynes Hill provides the most stunning vistas, and a wander alongside Northbrook stream trail is highly recommended. There are sniffs aplenty for your faithful, four-legged friend!
7. Double Locks Canal Path
A classic among the dog walks in Exeter, this well-maintained path is highly accessible, with plenty of waterside sights for human and canine alike. Start at the southern side of Exeter Quay and head south along the Exeter Ship Canal.
Leave time to stop for a meal or a drink at the pretty Double Locks pub and watch the rowing boats and kayaks glide past as you sup and dine. It’s a traditional, dog-friendly venue with a large beer garden and indoor seating for when the rain pours down.
8. St Thomas Pleasure Ground
For those days when a quick, refreshing walk is on the cards, this well-tended city centre park is ideal. On a hot day, one surprise that kids and dogs will love is the miniature water park with its sprays and fountains!
Off-season, the park is perfect for post-rain frolics, ball chasing, and rustling in autumn leaves.
9. Topsham to Turf Locks
Another scenic and historic stretch of the Ship Canal can be found between Topsham Quay and Turf locks, a mile or so stretch with water on both sides, and misty marshland views to enjoy. Start at the historic dock at Topsham, with its informative museum, and walk south to Turf Locks.
Hungry walkers (on two or four legs) will find respite at the Turf Hotel, whose large beer garden is dog friendly, and whose canal and estuary views are unrivalled.
10. Flowerpot playing fields
If you’re looking for something spacious, convenient, and great for exercising golden retrievers and skateboarders at the same time, then the playing fields are ideal. As well as miles of open green space, there’s a fantastic skate park with large bowls, hips, hubbas, and quarter pipes aplenty.
And no, this writer doesn’t know what those words mean either, but the skater kid in your life certainly will! The park can be reached across the Millers Bridge from Bonhay Road.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
Things to do in Dawlish
Things to do in Plymouth
Things to do in Paignton
Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.