Local Walks

As well as walking your dog on site here at Helsbury we’ve collected a range of stunning places to walk your dog while you are here, many of these have been reviewed and suggested by our guests.

Roughtor

Roughtor is the most impressive Tor in Cornwall and is visible from Helsbury Park. You can park nearby and walk up it and on a clear day you can see both coasts as well as get a great view of Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point. On any other day a walk to the top is a great cure for a hangover!

Cheesewring

The other key area for Tors is on the south side of the moor near the village of Minions. The main Tor is known as the Cheesewring, nearby are the Hurlers, which is one of the finest ring of standing stones in the south west. There are also interesting ruined mine shafts nearby as well as a nice pub for lunch.

Delphy

Delphy bridge is a unique, secluded spot on the Moor between St Breward and the A30. The DeLank river [hence Delford / Delphy] runs into the Camel further down its course but here it forms lovely clear pools of cool water ideal for paddling. A real oasis in summer away from the crowded beaches.

Bodmin Moor

There are many bronze age features on the Moor around Helsbury and nearby St Breward. As well as hut circles there are many standing stones which are clearly visible on any walk across the moor.

The Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is a unique experience and one of North Cornwall’s treasures. It makes it possible to cycle from the moor, near Helsbury, all the way to Padstow. The journey is about 24 miles in all but well worth considering as a day out.

Tintagel

Tintagel is a must see in north Cornwall, as well as the quirky shops in the centre you can head down to the castle making a spectacular day out. You need to keep the dog on the lead in the castle but you can also go down on the beach and walk some of the coast path from here to, which will take you to Trebarwith Strand.

Boscastle

It is easy to spend time in the now renovated village of Boscastle but you should not miss the views of the sea from the headland. The sheltered harbour is deceptive as it masks the power of the sea behind. The local farm shop on the road to Crackington is well worth dropping in.

The South West Coastal Path

The South West Coastal Path is a truly wonderful route all around the edge of Cornwall. Fortunately it isn’t going anywhere so you don’t have to walk it one go! There are many walks that take you along it.

Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan is one of the most spectacular places on the north coast of Cornwall. It is National Trust owned and is beautifully managed and presented.

Widemouth Bay

Widemouth is north on the Atlantic Highway [A39] from Helsbury. It is near Bude and is a spectacular beach, part of which is always dog friendly. There is a number of good pubs and cafes and is a wonderful spot.

Pentire Point

Another National Trust property which is between Port Isaac and Polzeath. A really lovely walk of around 2 hours right out into the sea on spectacular cliff paths. Its a must if you are in North Cornwall.

Trebarwith Strand

This is the nearest beach to Helsbury, it is lovely and doesn’t get too busy. Great pub and cafes, good parking and is dog friendly. The only down side is that you have to check the tides as the beach is totally submerged at high tide and tide does come in quickly.

Trevone

Trevone is a lovely place to start a walk on the coastal path and the first place you come to is the blow hole, a stunning example of this dramatic geological feature. Well worth a look, but keep your dog on a lead!

Daymer Bay

This is the most popular place our guests visit by far. Its a great location with superb facilities, totally dog friendly and a wonderful beach. You can walk down the estuary to Rock or you can walk around the headland to Polzeath. There are rock pools, flat areas for sports and easy swimming.

Stepper Point

Stepper Point is north of Padstow, you get there via some lovely secluded beaches and you can see both east and west along the coastal path. Really spectacular with lots of wildlife and views along the way.

Polzeath

Polzeath is one of the finest beaches in England, it is not only huge but just about offers something for everyone. There are great facilities in the village for eating, drinking or shopping. The beach itself is great for surfing, kite flying, rock pooling or swimming. The sand is firm and great for making sandcastles or playing sports. Out of the summer season it is also dog friendly.

Port Gaverne

A lovely little unspoilt harbour just next door to Port Isaac. A short walk on the headland can be followed by a lovely lunch at the pub. Parking can be awkward but it can be reached from the main car park in Port Isaac.

Padstow

If you like a different kind of walk then this classic Cornish port is for you. Lovely shops, pubs and restaurants with the Camel Trail to the south and the coastal path to the north.

Alex Tor

This wonderfully secluded place is Alex Tor on Bodmin Moor near St Breward. You can park nearby and walk up to it, or cycle to it. It is a sprawling collection of granite rocks with spectacular views of the North Coast.

The Hurlers

The Hurlers, as mentioned above, between Minions Village and The Cheesewring. It is a large, almost intact circle of standing stones. As the sun goes down on a clear day the shadows form stunning patterns.

The Rumps

There are some incredible spots on the North Coast which could almost pass for anywhere in the Mediterranean. This spot is on the coastal path on the way to the Rumps, near Polzeath, this is a National Trust property which is a lovely circular walk.