Slicker’s favourite dog friendly beaches
Slicker’s favourite dog friendly beaches
Based right here in the charming Cornish fishing port of Padstow, surrounded by the most enchanting beaches, we at Slickers understand how lucky we are to share these gleaming stretches of sand with our best furry friends. With the prospect of salty fur and sandy paws, when it comes to walks and days out the beach is our ultimate choice, and with so many to choose from we thought we’d share some of our absolute favourites.
This huge stretch of golden sand fringed by grass tufted dunes is a wonderful example of the north coast’s stunning open bays, wide and open enough for everyone to enjoy whatever comes naturally. Go body boarding in the water, storm watch in winter or stroll across the sands with the dog, Holywell is also an ideal place to just sit on the beach and read a good book while the kids play in the stream or enjoy the waves. There is ample room amongst the dunes, some of which rise up 60 feet, for a beach picnic and it’s a suitably romantic spot to watch the sun go down. At low tide adventure beckons with the exposure of the fascinating grotto-like Holywell Cave with its curious calcium deposits, but don’t get cut off! The wreck of an old Argentinian coaster can also be seen just offshore at low tide.
About 3 miles from Newquay, Watergate Bay offers over two miles of Cornish sand at low tide, a perfect invitation for a good run in the salty breeze of the Atlantic. Stretching towards Newquay and out to sea, enormous waves come in from the Atlantic for a pretty spectacular show and, as you can imagine, the beach makes for a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot. Popular with surfers, extreme sports enthusiasts, families and dog owners, there really is something for everyone at Watergate Bay, whether you’re taking part in the ocean fun or just spectating.
Not only is this beach only a quick five minute walk from the centre of Bude, the large car park leads directly to the sand dunes, the river with its bobbing fishing boats sets a beautiful Cornish backdrop, flanking the wide, sandy beach that is sheltered by the impressive breakwater, making the beach a particularly popular spot for families and surfers and all doggy owners. Complete with the convenience of toilets, the RNLI shop, a sandy play area and beach café Summerleaze really has something special to offer. Another gem is the sea pool nestled at the foot of the cliffs. Part man-made and part natural rock pool, the salt-water pool, cleaned daily by the tide, has enticed swimmers since it opened in 1930. While dogs are welcome all year round here, they must be on leads from 21st May to 30th September from 10am-6pm.
Backed by the steep headland cliffs, Mawgan Porth offers a sheltered stretch of beach halfway between Newquay and Padstow. This large west-facing beach with plenty of sand at high tide is another popular spot for families all year round, and welcomes all pooches and their pals to come and play in the salty surf. With plenty of facilities, as well as lots of rock pools, a stream and caves to explore together, you’re sure to find adventure at Mawgan Porth.
Backed by dunes between the Pentire Headland to the west and the Gannel river to the east, Crantock beach provides a wonderful expanse of golden sands, and is a popular setting for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and wind-surfing with board/canoe hire available on the beach. Dolphins have been sighted here too, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! With cafes, toilets and parking with 150 spaces nearby along with a camping site, you have everything you need for a seaside adventure, and with no restrictions year-round for your furry friend, you can let loose across the sandy beach. Make sure to use the level path from the right-hand corner of the National Trust car park, and take care when accessing the beach from Rushy Green as there can be sheer drops from the dunes, particularly after stormy weather.
Considered one of the best family beaches in Cornwall, Harlyn Bay is a wide and spacious beach of yellow sand and pebbles with plenty of interesting rock pools backed by dunes and situated on the eastern side of Trevose Head, just west of Padstow. A beautiful crescent in shape, and offering a wonderful day’s adventure to us our and four-legged friends, this is one of our favourite beaches as it’s right on our doorstep!
With so much fun to be had at the beach, a wet pooch at the end of it all may be the last thing on your mind as you enjoy the day together. However, here at Slickers we’ve thought of the perfect solution to a soggy doggy after a spell in the salty Cornish sea. Ruff and Tumble’s Drying Coat dries your dog in minutes and takes the hassle out of managing wet dogs. Simply slip a Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat over your wet dog, fasten around the belly and neck with easy-to-use Velcro, and your job is done. The drying robe dries a dog quicker than you can and does all the work for you. Two layers of absorbent towelling wick away wet from your dog, and the soft cotton is comfortable and cosy for them to wear. No shivering in the back of the car, no wet dog smells, and no endless rubbing down.