The best local dog walks around Porlock
Porlock Weir and Exmoor National Park have some of the best trails for walking in the Southwest. Known for its sweeping, panoramic views and many points of interest, there’s only one way these walks can get better…when you’ve got man’s best friend by your side.
Dogs get bored of doing the same routes repeatedly, similar to how we get bored of driving the same route to work every day. Owners are encouraged to take their pooches to different places, so we’re going to give you a quick rundown on the best local dog walks around Porlock Weir.
This 4-mile circular route will help you get to know our corner of the world a little better. Convenient and quiet, you’ll be taking in beautiful views of the harbour, passing through the village of Porlock, and trundling through woodland as you head back.
This walk can take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours to complete depending on when and where you stop. You may fancy having a mooch around Porlock, and we wouldn’t blame you. There are plenty of shops for you to browse or places to eat like Eduardo’s Pizzeria & Café or Whortleberry Tearoom for a halfway treat.
This route can easily become a day out, so make sure you pack everything you need just in case!
This 4-mile walk starts at our beautiful hotel in Porlock Weir and will have you exploring Porlock Marsh, around on to the coastal path, where you can loop back around. As one of the best local dog walks, it’s ideal if you are strapped for time or just fancy something a bit easier. Pups will love the open space of the marshland, where they’ll have plenty to sniff and explore.
Make sure to dress appropriately and bring a towel, it can get chilly during the colder months, and there’s a higher than likely chance your dog will get a bit muddy. Once you’ve completed the loop, we recommend stopping in at The Bottom Ship for a bite to eat or something to drink. They’re a dog-friendly inn, making it all the more convenient.
A 6.6-mile round trip, this walk is sure to burn a bit of energy. This route takes roughly 90 minutes to get to Culbone Church from Porlock Weir. And it’s well worth the effort. Named after the Welsh saint Beuno, the walk to this church is a pleasant one for both dogs and humans alike.
Culbone Church is considered the smallest parish church in the UK, and there’s 16,000 churches in the UK, making this quite the claim to fame. The walk will have you immersed in a fantastical atmosphere whilst you stroll through ancient woodland filled with oak trees. We guarantee this route will leave you feeling refreshed, and your sense of adventure satisfied.
This local dog walk’s mostly uphill, so be prepared for a climb. On the bright side, your pup should be knackered by the time you get back. Unless you’ve got a border collie in which case, good luck on that front.
Fancy a walk with the coastal breeze in your face? Bossington beach is one of our favourite places in the area, and it’s not difficult to get too. Clocking in at just under 3 miles, you can expect to reach Bossington beach in little under an hour.
The beach is part of the Holnicote Estate, owned by the National Trust. The currents along Bossington beach are notoriously strong and whilst it’s a dog friendly beach, we suggest exercising caution and keeping them on a lead.
Home to dilapidated World War II pillboxes and old lime kilns, Bossington beach is a great choice among the local dog walks. The pebble beach stretches for roughly 2 miles, meaning there is plenty of room for your dog to burn some energy and explore.
We’re heading back to the village of Porlock for the last of the local dog walks. We may be a little biased, but Porlock is a hidden gem in Devon. Packed with independent shops and a bustling atmosphere, visiting Porlock with your best friend is always a good idea.
The walk to Porlock is 1.6 miles and takes 45 minutes to complete one way. You’ve got a choice on which route you’d like to take. You can return via the Southwest coastal path, or Porlock common. Both are stunning routes, so switch it up a bit and take whichever route you didn’t use to get to Porlock.
Your dog will love this walk. The routes in and around Porlock are worth the exploration, and we’re sure you’re going to discover some new spots that’ll make it into your list of favourites.
Unwind after your adventure
We’ve named a few of our favourite local dog walks around the Porlock area, and with much more to explore, it’s a great opportunity to make a stay out of it to give you time to relax and recharge.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, the Porlock Weir hotel is your calm away from the storm. Featuring idyllic views of the weir and heartwarming service, we invite you to join us at out 4-star hotel. Stay in one of our ensuite bedrooms and sleep deeply, enjoy delicious food and make fond memories during your getaway to Exmoor.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
