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While the coast gets all the postcards, the Tamar Valley is where South East Cornwall slows right down. Both Tamar View and Notter Bridge sit inside or on the edge of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so a proper river walk; with the dog in tow is never more than a few minutes from your door.
From riverside gardens and a historic viaduct to a wild granite hilltop and a market town on the edge of Dartmoor, here’s where our team actually takes their own dogs.
Mostly Free
National Trust sites charge for parking...
Dog Friendly
On lead in most spots...
AONB
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
7–21 min
Drive from Tamar View
Tamar Trails Centre, Gunnislake
A network of dog-friendly walking and cycling routes winding through woodland and old mine workings; a legacy of the china clay extraction and tin mining that once defined this stretch of the valley. Easy enough for a gentle stroll, with longer loops if you and the dog want to properly stretch your legs.
Cotehele (National Trust), Calstock
A medieval house owned by the Edgcumbe family for nearly six centuries, with beautiful walks and gardens leading right down to the River Tamar. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the grounds; a proper “aah, this is why we live in Cornwall” kind of spot.
Cotehele Quay
Down at the water’s edge, Cotehele Quay is about as gentle as a riverside walk gets; flat paths past the historic Tamar sailing barge Shamrock, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic. A good option if you want the Cotehele setting without the climb back up through the gardens.
Calstock Village & Viaduct Walk
Calstock sits right on the River Tamar, with narrow cobbled streets, a heritage museum telling the valley’s mining story, and the towering Calstock Viaduct as the backdrop to almost every photo you’ll take. Riverside paths give you a real chance of spotting kingfishers, herons and even otters along the way. There’s a pub and an ice cream shop by the water; perfect for after the walk.
Copyright B Gamble, Cornwall C
Morwellham Quay
A historic port and mining village further along the valley, with UNESCO World Heritage status recognising its role in Cornwall’s mining past. Engine houses, old mine workings and museums bring the valley’s industrial history to life. Outdoor paths and the quayside are lovely for a walk with the dog; worth checking current access rules if you want to bring them into any of the indoor exhibits.
Kit Hill Country Park, Callington
A wild, 400-acre granite hilltop shaped by over 5,000 years of human activity, with 360° panoramic views across the Tamar Valley and beyond on a clear day. You can walk to Kit Hill directly from Tamar View; take the route opposite the park entrance to join the trail. Explore old mine shafts, the Summit Stack engine house, and bring a picnic; just note there are no toilets on site.
Cadsonbury Hill Fort, near Callington
A short circular walk up to an ancient Iron Age hillfort, with views back over the Lynher Valley. One of the quieter spots on this list; a nice option if Kit Hill feels a little busy.
Danescombe Valley, Calstock
A peaceful wooded valley walk near Calstock, tucked away from the main viaduct crowds — good for a slower, shadier stroll on a warm day.
Tavistock Canal Towpath & Town
The Tavistock Canal towpath is a flat, easy walk or cycle; a good option for a shorter, calmer outing. Combine it with a wander into Tavistock itself, a historic market town with cobbled streets, the Pannier Market, Tavistock Abbey ruins, and a meadow by the canal where you can watch the ducks (there’s a playpark and swimming pool here too, if the family needs a break). Plenty of dog-friendly cafés and traditional pubs serving Devon cream teas.
Antony Woodland Garden (National Trust), Torpoint
A peaceful woodland walk through a National Trust garden near Torpoint; a good option if you’re exploring towards Plymouth and want somewhere quieter to stretch the dog’s legs.
Before You Set Off...
Most of these walks are dog friendly, though National Trust sites like Cotehele generally ask for dogs to be kept on leads, and some may charge for parking if you're not a member. Trails can get muddy underfoot after rain, so bring proper footwear; and always double-check current access and dog policies directly with the venue before you visit, as these things do change.
Coast & Beaches
Our guide to the wild sands of Whitsand Bay to the sheltered coves of Kingsand and Cawsand!
Read our Full Guide!
See how the valley, the coast and the best local pubs fit together into one South East Cornwall!
Pubs, Cafés & Relaxed Stops
Earned that walk? Here's where to find a proper Cornish pint, farm shop café, or picnic!
