Dog Walks
Explore Bude’s beautiful surroundings with your furry companion by your side with our selection of dog-friendly walks. From sandy beaches where your four-legged friend can roam freely to woodland trails and coastal paths perfect for adventurous pups, Bude offers a variety of options for enjoyable outings with your dog.
Discover scenic routes that cater to both leisurely strolls and more energetic hikes, although dogs must be kept on a lead near the cliff edge and when close to farmland, there are plenty of opportunities for your dog to stretch their legs, play, and explore off the lead when safe to do so.
Many of our recommended walks include access to water for a refreshing paddle or a well-deserved drink, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your canine companion. So grab your lead, pack some treats, and embark on a memorable adventure exploring Bude’s stunning landscapes with your beloved dog by your side.
Bude Canal & Marshes Circular
Bude Marshes is a countryside gem that reaches into the heart of Bude. Situated alongside the canal and behind the Bude Tourist Information Centre, it attained recognition as a Local Nature Reserve in 1983, marking the first of its kind in Cornwall! It offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely flat, traffic-free stroll on a tarmac surface amidst nature’s beauty. Not only is it significant to Bude’s wildlife conservation efforts but it stands as a vital cornerstone of the Bude Flood Prevention Scheme.
Bude Marshes Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among the species commonly spotted in the reserve kingfishers, herons, geese and ducks, which frequent the wetland habitats. You may also encounter small mammals like otters, voles and shrews, as well as amphibians like frogs and toads, particularly around the marshy areas. In addition, the reserve supports a variety of plant life, including reeds, rushes, and sedges, as well as wildflowers that bloom throughout the seasons.
Bude to Widemouth Bay
Embark on a journey through Bude’s stunning coastal landscapes and historic canal on this captivating walk, brimming with diverse scenery. Marvel at the sweeping panoramas on the South West Coast Path and walk along the historic Bude Canal, a remarkable relic of 19th century engineering.
Crackington Haven to St Gennys
Explore the stunning coastal scenery surrounding Crackington Haven on this energetic circular walk, offering panoramic views, charming hamlets, and a visit to the historic St. Gennys Church.
Morwenstow to Marsland Mouth
This circular walk starts and finishes at the Rectory Farm Tea Rooms. The route uses the South West Coast Path and inland footpaths and tracks. You’ll be treated to a combination of breathtaking dramatic coastal cliff views, Lundy Island (on a clear day) and the quiet solitude of farmland, mostly unchanged since the building of the agrarian manor houses which dot the area.
Morwenstow to Stanbury Mouth
Embark on a picturesque circular journey traversing the renowned South West Coast Path and meandering through inland footpaths and tracks. This route unveils a tapestry of scenic wonders and cultural gems, include the awe-inspiring Church of St. Morwenna, renowned for its exquisite Norman architecture, the iconic Hawker’s Hut steeped in maritime history, the enchanting Tidna Valley, and the secluded beauty of Stanbury Mouth’s clandestine beach.
Week St Mary to Penhallam
This captivating walk offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic splendor, making it a must-visit destination for any explorer. The route traverses Ashbury Woods, where ancient trees whisper tales of centuries gone by. Beneath the watchful gaze of the iron age fort, explore the rugged terrain and imagine the lives of those who once roamed these lands. The path leads you to the evocative ruins of Penhallam Manor, a testament to the enduring legacy of times long past. As you wander through this atmospheric site, let your imagination roam free, conjuring images of bygone eras.
Crackington Haven and Strangles Secret Beach
A picturesque circular walk starting from Crackington Haven car park, offering varied landscapes, including stunning coastal views, tranquil valleys, a secret beach (Strangles) and charming countryside scenery. This walk is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful coastal adventure.
To reach Crackington Haven, take the 95 bus from Bude. Alternatively, its a 20-minute drive from Bude.
Millook Haven to Dizzard Point
An inspirational journey through the ancient woodland of Dizzard Point, a testament to Bude’s rich natural history dating back to prehistoric times. Explore the depths of this historic forest, where rare lichens flourish in the pristine air, and meander through hay meadows adorned with a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers and butterflies.
Parking is limited at Millook, but it is possile to get the 95 bus to Widemouth Bay and walk to the start point.
Bude Canal and Coast Path Circular Walk
This historically rich walk is filled with varied scenery and panoramic views. The level path follows the Bude Canal, a remarkable relic of 19th century engineering, to its terminal as a barge waterway. The wide open views from the fields of Whalesborough overlooking Widemouth Bay and the rugged cliffline to the south are without doubt, breath-taking, especially when the surf pounds the coast. Then there are the clifftops with their dramatic, geological formations, leading you to views overlooking Bude, its bay, and beyond to Hartland and Exmoor.
Duckpool and Coombe Valley
A captivating journey meandering through footpaths and woodland. Starting at Duckpool, the walk takes you inland and delves into the Coombe Valley and the enchanting woodlands of Stowe.
Bude Three Beaches
Explore three of Bude’s beaches, the Breakwater, the South West Coast Path and a shipwreck with this delightful and easy walk that unveils the natural beauty and coastal allure of Bude.
This scenic journey guides you from the Bude Canal Lock Gates, across Summerleaze Beach to Northcott Mouth, and back to Bude along the South West Coast Path.
You’ll experience the landscape from two perspectives – along the shore below the dramatic cliffs, and along the South West Coast Path looking down onto the beaches and across the distant headlands, as far as the eye can see.
Morwenstow Cream Tea and Hawker's Hut
Embark on a leisurely clifftop stroll along the stunning coast at Morwenstow, where breath-taking views, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife await. This gentle walk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty with lush valleys, farmland, heritage, and tranquil surroundings. Highlights including the beautiful Saxon-era church and the iconic Hawker’s Hut, once the refuge of the eccentric Rev. Hawker. Complete the walk with a Cornish Cream Tea at the 18th century Rectory Farm Tearooms.
Simple walking instructions are included, but we advise you use this route alongside the Ordnance Survey OS190 map.