Dog friendly
beaches in summer
Thurlestone and South Milton
these beaches are large and sandy, even at high tide and just a short walk from a car park. Five minutes from the village of thurlestone is the smaller beach. Park at the top field past the golf course and take a short path past one of the greens to the beach. the larger south Milton sands, home of the iconic arch-shaped thurlestone Rock immortalised by turner, can be approached by parking on the right past the golf course, or at the opposite end in a National trust car park. thurlestone has few facilities except a public toilet on the main road. south Milton sands has toilets, lifeguards, water sports and the superb Beachhouse, which serves amazing seafood and much more in their wooden shack a stone’s throw from the sand.
Soar Mill Cove
this one takes a little more effort, unless you combine it with a visit to the delightful soar Mill Cove Hotel which is just a five-minute walk from the beach. otherwise it’s a refreshing half-hour cliff top walk from Hope Cove. soar Mill is quite secluded and away from the crowds. It’s a beautiful sandy beach with great rock pools. the hotel café is dog friendly too and sells a huge variety of coffees and sandwiches. or you can sit on the terrace with your pooch and eat from the hotel menu, including cream teas. For more information see
www.soarmillcove.co.uk
Bigbury-on-Sea
Although restrictions apply to parts of Bigbury during the summer the beach to the right is dog friendly all year round. Bigbury is very accessible for families and the disabled and has lots of parking. And of course there’s the excitement of walking to Burgh Island at low tide and maybe getting cut off and needing to take the sea tractor back. At low tide this is an expansive sandy beach. Facilities include the fab Venus café, plenty of toilets, a beach shop and plenty of things to hire for fun in the water, including boards and kayaks.
Wonwell
At the mouth of the erme estuary this one is a personal favourite. Parking and facilities are virtually non-existent and on a hot summer’s day the adjoining road can get quite grid locked. But it’s worth it for the glorious sand and glistening blue calm water. the river beach starts at the end of the road and, around the coastal path towards Big- bury, is the estuary beach. this unspoilt beach, with rock pools and surrounding countryside, is part of the Flete estate and one of few remaining privately owned beaches open to the public.
Ayrmer Cove
this pretty and quiet cove is a 20-minute walk from its National trust car park. It’s a great sandy and shingle beach and very secluded, with plenty of rock pools. Like Wonwell, there are no facilities here so remember to pack a flask and sandwiches. or malt loaf with cheddar cheese, as my friend who introduced me to this beach always recommends. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat! If you don’t fancy hauling a picnic around then refreshments are available from nearby Ringmore.
Gara Rock
this beach is always worth a bit of a hike down the cliff if you have the time and energy. or if not, simply enjoy the stunning views from the top next to the Gara Rock apart- ments. the coastal path runs straight past here and down to the lovely sandy beach. With so many convenient rocks around there’s usually a secluded spot to be found. And after a walk back up the cliff you can catch your breath on the dog friendly terrace of café-oDe with a superb menu of food and drinks. For more information see www.
gararock.com
by Kate Cotton
When the summer beach ban comes into force on May 1 we don’t have to leave our four-legged friends at home. some of the most beautiful beaches in the south Hams are dog friendly every day of the year. Just remember to check tide times as some of these natural coves can almost disappear at high water. Here’s ten of my favourite:
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