Our top tips for enjoying the Roseland with your dog

Our favourite dog-friendly beaches

Carne and Pendower

These two beautiful south-facing sandy beaches, which join at low tide, are owned by the National Trust and afford plenty of space for your dog to let off steam; although in the busier summer months it’s safest to keep your dog close or on a lead. The area has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with low cliffs backing the beach and a plethora of fascinating rock pools to explore. The nearby Nare Hotel, overlooking Carne, is a perfect lunch spot and is also dog friendly.

Hemmick

Just to the west of Dodman Point, you’ll discover Hemmick beach. The beach is reached via a ten-minute walk from the nearby National Trust car park at Penare. Although a little steep, the walk down the lane is worth it and means that this stretch of send remains quiet even during the busier summer months. When the tide is low, more little coves are revealed just waiting to be explored. There are no-nearby facilities so why not stop for picnic supplies from The Old Garage Delicatessen in Ruan Highlanes on the way.

Porthluney and Portholland

Porthluney is part of the Caerhays Estate, whose grounds back the beach. Caerhays’ castle overlooks the bay creating an impressive backdrop and the beach provides a sheltered spot for a swim. There is a car park at the back of the beach so access is easy and during the summer months, you’ll find a café, picnic area and basic toilet facilities. Nearby, Portholland is actually two beaches, East and West Portholland; both are pretty coves at high tide combining to one fine stretch of beach when the waters recede.

Top walkies on the Roseland

The Dodman Long Loop

Beginning at the car park at Penare, this three-hour walk takes in the highest headland on Cornwall’s south coast. The walk first takes you down to Hemmick beach from where you’ll turn left along the South West Coast Path passing Gell Point, High Point and Carlithey Point before reaching the Dodman. From here the views across the ocean are incredible and go as far as the eastern edge of the Lizard peninsula. The walk continues along the cliffs backing Vault Bay before heading inland for the return path back to Penare.

St Mawes to St Just-in-Roseland Church

The iconic harbour town of St Mawes is the start of this two- to three-hour walk which takes in St Mawes castle before following the path that winds along the banks of the Carrick Roads all the way to St Just-in-Roseland. The return route takes you to the Percuil river before wending its way along the coast road back to St Mawes. If you prefer, you can start your journey from Falmouth and catch the ferry across.

Nare Head

Starting from the National Trust car park at Carne beach, this two- and a half-hour walk head up to Carne Beacon before dropping down into the hamlet of Carne itself and then onwards to join the South West Coast Path at Pannarin Point. From here the path circles around the headland passing Haine’s Rock, Lemoria Rock and Horse Rock with plenty of benches on which to rest and admire the views, before returning along the craggy cliff tops to Carne.

Special dog-friendly places to eat

The Plume of Feathers

This quintessentially 18th-century Cornish pub in the village of Portscatho welcomes man’s best friend with open arms. With its toes-in-the-water position, local seafood features highly on the menu as does a selection of tasty pub classics and hearty Sunday roasts. The Plume has a wide selection of local beers featuring alongside some excellent Cornish gins and rums. It’s just yards from the South West Coast Path, so a perfect place to stop and refuel during a cliff walk.

The Hidden Hut

High above the beach at Porthcurnick, The Hidden Hut is a delight for both dogs and their owners. This laid-back outdoor eatery serves warming soups, stews, chowders and dahls during the cooler months while beach salads and locally grilled seafood fresh from the bay hits the grill in the summer. Cakes and pastries are always on the menu and all the food is served to take away; you can either eat at one of the tables on the cliff top or bring a rug and picnic on the beach.

Knightor Winery

For the ultimate Sunday lunch, the Winery Kitchen at Knightor serves up delicious roasts using the finest, locally-sourced produce washed down, of course, with a fine glass of Knightor Wine. With an already excellent reputation booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Knightor also hosts a series of street food pop-ups for those looking for a more relaxed foodie experience with their hound and their newly opened eatery in Portscatho, The Vine serves small plates with big flavours on long sharing tables.