The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Chagford

There are over 55 dog-friendly hiking trails around Chagford, suitable for various fitness levels. You'll find a great selection, including 15 easy routes, 36 moderate, and 6 more challenging options for you and your canine companion.

Yes, Chagford offers several easy, circular routes perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog. For instance, the Warren House Inn – Birch Tor loop from Bennett's Cross is an easy 4.5 km circular hike that provides beautiful moorland scenery without significant elevation gain.

The dog-friendly trails around Chagford offer a rich variety of Dartmoor's natural beauty. You can explore rugged granite tors, ancient woodlands, and meandering rivers like the Teign. Many routes provide panoramic views of the surrounding moorland, and some pass by historic clapper bridges and secluded valleys.

Absolutely. Many trails around Chagford lead to prominent tors that offer expansive views. For example, the area around Birch Tor and Hookney Tor, accessible via routes like the Warren House Inn – Birch Tor loop, provides stunning vistas across the moorland. Meldon Hill, rising steeply from Chagford, also offers panoramic views.

While exploring the trails, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. Dartmoor is rich in prehistoric sites, including ancient stone circles like Scorhill and Grey Wethers. You might also spot distinctive granite tors such as Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. The Fingle Bridge area, with its ancient clapper bridges, is also a popular spot.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking with your dog in Chagford. The weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with new growth or autumnal colours. Summer can be pleasant, but remember to bring plenty of water for your dog and be mindful of warmer temperatures on exposed moorland. Winter offers dramatic scenery but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous adventure with their dog, Chagford offers several challenging routes. The Warren House Inn – Hameldown Tor loop is a difficult 21 km hike with over 400 meters of elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience across the moorland.

The dog-friendly trails around Chagford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the sense of wildness on the moor, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks with their dogs. Many appreciate the opportunities for dogs to explore and swim in rivers and streams.

Chagford and the surrounding Dartmoor area are generally very dog-friendly. Many pubs and cafes in the town welcome well-behaved dogs, often providing water bowls and a warm spot to rest after your hike. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand, especially during peak times.

When hiking with your dog on Dartmoor, it's important to be mindful of livestock, especially sheep and ponies, which roam freely. Keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where necessary or indicated by signage, particularly during lambing season. Always carry water for your dog, especially on longer, exposed routes, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Many trails around Chagford follow rivers and streams, offering opportunities for your dog to cool off and play. The Teign Gorge, for example, features the River Teign, and routes around Fernworthy Reservoir provide access to water. Always ensure the water is safe and clean before allowing your dog to drink or swim.