# 6 of the best dog walks in Plymouth Last checked: 22 September 2026. Six checked dog walks in and around Plymouth, from a one-mile woodland loop to the full waterfront and a moorland challenge, with exact starts, official routes and current dog rules. Each choice is a bounded manager-published route. The profiles separate the exact Google Maps arrival from the route instructions, then set out distance, ground, parking, facilities and the lead rules that matter. Plymouth gives you city promenade, estuary, woodland, coast and Dartmoor-edge ground within one chooser. Carry water and a lead, open the live manager page before leaving, and let closures, livestock and signs on the day override this checked guide. ## 01. Plymouth Waterfront Walkway **Best for:** A full city waterfront day **Distance:** 9.3 miles (14.9km) one way **Time:** Not stated by the route manager **Ground:** Mostly pavement, with cobbles, hills, steps and steeper ground between Laira Bridge and Mount Batten **Start:** Admiral's Hard ferry slip, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3RJ ![Aerial view across Plymouth Hoe with Smeaton’s Tower and the city beyond](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/waterfront-walkway.webp) ### The route Follow Plymouth's signed Waterfront Walkway east from Admiral's Hard, through Royal William Yard, the Hoe and Barbican, around Sutton Harbour and across Laira Bridge to Mount Batten and Jennycliff. This is a one-way route, so choose a shorter signed section or plan the return before starting. [Open Plymouth Stonehouse Ferry Terminal in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Plymouth%20Stonehouse%20Ferry%20Terminal) [Open the official Waterfront Walkway](https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/13/) ### What dog owners need to know The city dog control order allows off-lead walking in open spaces and on the foreshore outside signed exclusions and lead zones. Pick up waste, carry bags and put your dog on a lead when an authorised officer requires it. Busy streets, shared promenades and local signs make a lead the sensible default through crowded sections. ### Before you go The route manager lists parking near both ends but does not promise toilets or drinking water across the full route. The current Cremyll Ferry operator says well-behaved dogs travel free and confirms service from Admiral’s Hard, subject to weather, tides and circumstances. **Watch for:** This is a long one-way walk with cobbles, road crossings, steps and steep sections. Check the live ferry notice and do not treat the listed distance as a return journey. - [Plymouth City Council walking routes](https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/walking) - [Plymouth City Council dog control](https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/dog-control) - [Current Cremyll Ferry information](https://www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/ferries/cremyll-ferry/) ## 02. Plymbridge and Plym Valley woodland wander **Best for:** An easy wooded circuit **Distance:** 1 mile (1.6km) **Time:** 30 to 40 minutes **Ground:** Mainly flat woodland paths, one flight of uneven steps and possible mud after rain **Start:** Plymbridge Woods car park, grid reference SX524585 ![A narrow earth path winding through green oak woodland at Plymbridge Woods](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/plymbridge-woodland-wander.webp) ### The route Follow the National Trust’s eight-stage circular route through ancient woodland, past canal and railway remains and beneath Cann Quarry viaduct, then return to Plymbridge Woods car park. [Open National Trust, Plymbridge Woods in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/?q=50.407784%2C-4.078524) [Open the official woodland wander](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/plymbridge-woods/plymbridge-woods-and-plym-valley-woodland-wander) ### What dog owners need to know Dogs may be off lead under close control in much of the parkland and woods, with leads required in signed areas and around livestock or wildlife. Close control means first-call recall, remaining visible and not approaching other people or dogs without consent. Peregrines breed here from March to July. ### Before you go The route starts at the National Trust car park. The manager does not promise toilets, refreshments or drinking water at this trailhead, so plan facilities and bring dog water. **Watch for:** One flight of steps is uneven and the path can become muddy. Follow temporary wildlife signs during the peregrine breeding season. - [National Trust Plymbridge dog guidance](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/plymbridge-woods/walking-your-dog-at-plymbridge) ## 03. Saltram Pillars Walk **Best for:** A short estate circuit with facilities **Distance:** 1 mile (1.6km) **Time:** 30 to 40 minutes **Ground:** Parkland and woodland tracks with some slopes, tarmac and possible mud **Start:** Saltram House car park, grid reference SX520556, Plymouth PL7 1UH ![Saltram House seen across rolling green parkland and mature trees](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/saltram-pillars.webp) ### The route Follow the official six-stage circuit from Saltram House car park through the park and woods, passing the amphitheatre, the eighteenth-century castle folly and the avenue before returning to the house. [Open Saltram House Car Park in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/?q=50.380579%2C-4.079944) [Open the official Saltram Pillars Walk](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram/saltram-pillars-walk) ### What dog owners need to know Use a lead in the car park and stableyard and close control across the park. Saltram East permits off-lead walking under close control from April to August while sheep are away. Red signed areas require leads from September to March. Ordinary dogs cannot enter the house. ### Before you go The park and car park are open dawn to dusk in the current live table. Saltram lists toilets, adapted toilets, cafes, water bowls near the stables and 11 dog-waste bins. Building and facility hours vary by date. **Watch for:** Sheep movements change which fields are lead-only. Read the red signs on arrival, even if the seasonal summary suggests off-lead access. - [National Trust Saltram dog guidance](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram/dog-walking-at-saltram) - [National Trust Saltram visitor information](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram) ## 04. Wembury Point short walk **Best for:** Sea views on a compact route **Distance:** 1.9 miles (3.04km) circular **Time:** 40 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes **Ground:** Tarmac and coast path with steep climbs and possible mud after wet weather **Start:** Wembury Point car park, grid reference SX503487, Plymouth PL9 0BA ![The tarmac trail at Wembury Point descending towards the sea and Great Mewstone](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/wembury-point.webp) ### The route Take the National Trust route from Wembury Point car park along the old military road and coast path, with views towards Plymouth Sound and Great Mewstone. Complete the 1.9-mile circuit or use the manager’s 1.2-mile out-and-back option. [Open Wembury Point in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/?q=50.319293%2C-4.103289) [Open the official Wembury Point short walk](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/wembury/wembury-point-short-walk) ### What dog owners need to know Dogs are welcome but must stay on a lead because Dartmoor ponies graze the headland. The rocky foreshore is protected for marine life, birds, insects and plants. Take dog waste home because there are no dog bins. ### Before you go Parking is small and very limited, and the manager discourages roadside parking. Nearby refreshments are at Wembury Beach and Heybrook Bay, not at this trailhead. No toilet or drinking-water point is promised. **Watch for:** Expect steep climbs and mud after rain. The manager coordinate is the reliable arrival because a broad car-park search returns several nearby choices. ## 05. Cadover Bridge and Dewerstone Rock circular **Best for:** A challenging moor and woodland route **Distance:** 3.4 miles (5.44km) **Time:** About 2 hours 30 minutes **Ground:** Steep, rocky, uneven and muddy paths with steps, gates and stiles **Start:** Cadover Bridge car park, grid reference SX554645, Plymouth PL7 5EH ![Cadover Bridge spanning the shallow River Plym between moorland banks](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/cadover-dewerstone.webp) ### The route Follow the National Trust’s nine-stage circuit from Cadover Bridge beside the River Plym, through woodland around Dewerstone Rock and across open moorland before returning to the car park. [Open National Trust, Cadover Bridge in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cadover%20Bridge%20Car%20Park) [Open the official Cadover and Dewerstone route](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/cadover-bridge/cadover-bridge-and-the-dewerstone-circular-walk) ### What dog owners need to know Fit and energetic dogs are welcome. Keep them under close control around livestock and on a lead from 1 April to 31 July. ### Before you go The route starts and ends at Cadover Bridge car park. The manager does not promise toilets, refreshments or drinking water, so arrive self-sufficient and check moorland conditions. **Watch for:** This route is graded challenging and includes steep rocky ground, mud, gates and stiles. Keep the seasonal lead period in mind when planning. ## 06. A Seat with a View, Mount Edgcumbe **Best for:** A ferry-side historic landscape circuit **Distance:** 4 miles (6.5km) **Time:** Not stated by the route manager **Ground:** A country-park circuit through a managed historic landscape; the manager does not publish a difficulty grade **Start:** Mount Edgcumbe Barrow Centre, Torpoint PL10 1HZ ![A stone Gothic garden seat above steps in woodland at Mount Edgcumbe](/local-guides/dog-walks-plymouth/mount-edgcumbe-seat-view-restored.webp) ### The route Use the park manager’s named trail and downloadable leaflet for a four-mile circuit starting and finishing at the Barrow Park Centre. It links viewpoints and historic seats around the Mount Edgcumbe estate. [Open Mount Edgcumbe Barrow Centre in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Barrow%20Centre%20Mount%20Edgcumbe) [Open the official A Seat with a View route](https://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/visit/explore-the-park/a-seat-with-a-view/) ### What dog owners need to know Dogs are welcome but must remain under control at all times across the country park. Follow local signs and any livestock instructions on the day. ### Before you go The country park is free and opens daily year-round, 8am to 8pm in summer and 8am to 6pm in winter. Free toilets are listed at the Barrow Centre and four other park points. The current Cremyll Ferry carries well-behaved dogs free. **Watch for:** The route page and leaflet are older, although the live manager site still links them. Check current park notices and ferry status before travelling from Plymouth. - [Mount Edgcumbe opening hours and facilities](https://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/visit/opening-hours-and-facilities/) - [Current Cremyll Ferry information](https://www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/ferries/cremyll-ferry/) ## Planning your Plymouth dog walk Use the exact named arrival rather than a broad postcode, download the manager route before leaving signal and carry dog water. The Waterfront Walkway is one way, Wembury parking is very limited, and the Mount Edgcumbe ferry remains subject to weather, tides and operating notices. Across Plymouth, signed exclusions and lead zones override the general dog-control framework. [Plymouth City Council dog control](https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/dog-control) [Plymouth City Council walking routes](https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/walking) [Current Cremyll Ferry information](https://www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/ferries/cremyll-ferry/) ## Questions about Plymouth dog walks ### Which Plymouth dog walk is shortest? Plymbridge woodland wander and Saltram Pillars Walk are both one mile and graded easy. Plymbridge has one uneven flight of steps, while Saltram has slopes, tarmac and possible mud but lists the strongest facilities. ### Can dogs be off lead on these walks? Plymbridge allows off-lead walking under close control in much of the woods outside signed lead areas. Saltram East permits it from April to August while sheep are away. Plymouth’s wider public-space rule still defers to signed exclusions, lead zones and authorised-officer directions. ### Which routes require a lead? Wembury Point requires leads because ponies graze the headland. Cadover requires a lead from 1 April to 31 July and close control around livestock. Saltram uses signed lead areas and seasonal field rules, while city signs can require leads on the Waterfront Walkway. ### Which walk is best for a longer day? The Plymouth Waterfront Walkway is longest at 9.3 miles one way and needs a return plan. Cadover is only 3.4 miles but takes about two and a half hours because its steep, rocky ground is graded challenging. ### Can dogs use the Cremyll Ferry? The current operator says well-behaved dogs travel free. Services are subject to weather, tide and circumstances, so check the live ferry page before relying on it for Mount Edgcumbe or a Waterfront Walkway plan. ### How current is this guide? Every route, arrival and dog rule was checked against the relevant managing body on 22 September 2026. Temporary closures, livestock, ferry notices and signed restrictions can change faster than editorial copy, so live sources and signs remain the final authority. Report a changed rule or route using the correction form on [the full guide](/guides/dog-walks-plymouth).