Dog Friendly Cornwall: A walk around Pentire Headland and Fistral beach in Newquay

There can be no doubt that Newquay is one of the most dog friendly spots in Cornwall. It boasts truly magnificent beaches which are dog friendly throughout the year and it has some really fabulous cafes, pubs and restaurants which welcome our four-legged friends.

This short walk around Pentire Headland and around Fistral beach allows you to explore some of the most spectacular scenery and stop off at some dog friendly eateries en route.

Distance: 3 miles (allow one hour)

Easy walk, some steep climbs.

Start point: East Pentire car park: TR7 1PF

Following signs to Fistral and then Pentire Headland in Newquay, head to the Pentire Headland car park to start. If you are planning to eat at Lewinnick Lodge, you can turn right at the car park entrance and follow the road and signs along the right hand side of the headland to reach Lewinnick Lodge (please note it is advisable to book a table in advance).

From the car park, walk out of it so that you have your back to Pentire Headland and walk down the path along the coast with the sea to your left. This is an off road track which takes you down towards Fistral Beach where you can let your dog off for a run before coming back to explore the headland (wise if your dog has a lot of energy).

Continue down the path until you reach Esplanade Road. Follow this until you reach the public toilets and take the path to the left down some steps to the beach. Here you will pass Sea Spray, a lovely dog friendly cafe at the south end of Fistral beach which is offering take away, check their Facebook page for updates.

Fistral is dog friendly all year, so you can let your dog off for a run here if you feel happy doing so. Walk along the beach with the sea to your left towards Newquay and the Headland Hotel. Just before The Fistral Beach Stable cafe and shop complex, there is a path leading up behind the beach to your right which takes you along the back of the beach beside the golf course. Take this path, double backing on yourself and follow the path back to Esplanade Road.

Retrace your steps up the off-road track up to Pentire Headland. From here, cross the car park and follow the footpaths down towards the sea in front of you. Here you get magnificent views over Crantock Beach which is on the other side of the Gannel Estuary. Continue bearing right so the sea is on your left and follow the path around Pentire Headland. This is very popular with dog walkers as the ocean views are panoramic and always dramatic and beautiful.

Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings at the tip of Pentire Headland before turning back with the sea still on your left and following the path down to Lewinnick Lodge. This is a really lovely dog friendly cafe, open now following lockdown and offering really well-reviewed food and wonderful views inside and out.
If you parked in the council car park, just walk up the road out of Lewinnick Lodge to get back to the car park.

We hope you enjoy this walk as much as we have.