Explore dog-friendly Devon – from year-round beach walks and wild Dartmoor hikes to gardens, farms and country parks that welcome muddy paws.

Exmouth

The look on their faces when they arrive at Exmouth Beach. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can’t believe their luck – all that sand and water to get completely covered in (Bingo, pictured, is happy on the inside). Exmouth’s Blue Flag beach stretches for two miles from the mouth of the Exe in the west to Orcombe point in the east. Dogs are allowed all year at the two ends of the beach. Once the ball throwing/swimming/rolling around in the sand is done (for the dog, that is) take a leisurely stroll along the Esplanade. It’s long, flat, easy and there’s coffee and cake along the way. Or you can extend the walk further along the Exe Estuary Trail to Lympstone, Topsham and beyond.

Dartmoor

Dartmoor delivers on dog walks. This beautiful, rugged landscape includes woodland, river valleys, reservoirs and granite tors, as well as villages and towns with pubs and cafés that are well set up for muddy boots and paws. There are so many routes to explore. Try walking around Burrator reservoir, taking in Leather Tor if there’s time. Over on the eastern side, the walk along the river at Dartmeet is beautiful in the spring. Up north, head for Meldon viaduct where there’s a 4.5-mile circular from the nearby car park. Make sure you keep your dog on a lead during lambing and bird nesting season (March to July).

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington

Previously there were one-off Walkies Evenings, but for the last year Rosemoor, one of the five Royal Horticultural Society gardens, has been trialling dog-friendly days on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s a great opportunity to visit 65 acres of outstanding gardens and grounds, with your dog in tow.

Explore the formal gardens, wander alongside water gardens, the lake, woodlands and through the arboretum. There are areas, outside and inside, where you can enjoy refreshments and you can bring up to two dogs per adult. They need to be kept on short leads and have ‘paws on the path’. The trial runs until March 25, so make the most of the opportunity this month and make sure to give your feedback

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton

For a special day out try this popular North Devon attraction where everyone is welcome, including young children and four-pawed members of the family.

There’s been a honey farm in South Molton for decades and it’s now in a purpose-built centre, surrounded by acres of meadows, trees and hedgerows. It’s great for dogs and owners as it’s very spacious, whether that’s in the gardens, restaurant or shop.

Doggies do need to be on leads, but are welcome to join in guided tours, discovery areas and explore the unique pollinator-friendly Nectar Gardens. On Fridays there are relaxed nature walks around the grounds. There are poo bins, spare bags, water bowls -and free doggie treats too.

quincehoneyfarm.co.uk

Cockington Country Park, Torquay

This is paradise for pets. Everyone will enjoy running and playing in the 450-acres of open parkland and woodland that make up this special spot on the English Riviera. Three ornamental lakes are home to plenty of wildlife, including kingfishers.

There are five way-marked routes ranging from easy strolls around the lakes to longer hikes through woodlands.

An historic manor house and craft centre and studios sit at the heart of it all. A bakery recently arrived, too (Breadford’s Sourdough).

When you’ve had your fill, walk past the lakes and down through the watermeadows, a beautiful strip of meadow and woodland between the thatched village of Cockington and the sea.