Autumn is upon us once again and the busy restrictive summer months of dog beach bans will soon be behind us. As an avid dog lover and proud owner of two very faithful black Labradors, Bertie and Icy, October 1st can’t come soon enough!
After a summer of finding alternative walks in West Cornwall, local dog lovers and holidaymakers alike will be able to roam freely with their four-legged friends in and around St Ives for the next few months… bliss!
If you are staying in one of our dog friendly Cherished Cottages in the heart of St Ives, head along the cobbled streets out towards Porthminster Beach. Why not pop in the café to munch on a piece of cake and a hot coffee whilst taking in the stunning beach scenes including Godrevy Lighthouse on the other side of the bay.
From there, meander along the South West Coast Path, taking in the sea views and after roughly 10 minutes you will see the wide expanse of Carbis Bay. It’s become a bit of a tradition for me over the years to be one of the first down onto the stunning Carbis Bay Beach as the dog ban lifts, where Bertie and Icy can roam freely on the sands, have a dip in the sea and rekindle old friendships with other dogs.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can continue on with your hound to the end of Carbis Bay and re-join the lower South West Coast Path that hugs Hawkes point and can walk around the headland to the glorious all year round dog-friendly Porthkidney Sands Beach (also known as Lelant beach). This is a vast beach, with adjoining sand dunes where your dogs can have a long run, before heading towards the Hayle estuary which will take you up past the West Cornwall Golf Club & past the delightful St Uny Church where you should call into the dog friendly BADGER INN in Lelant for a pint before heading back. Or, if your feet are failing you, then just hop on the local bus or the train from the station down at Lelant Saltings, for one of the most scenic coastal journeys you will ever experience.
Back in town and closer to your cottage in the heart of St Ives, you and your pooches will have the freedom of some of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall to explore. Take a walk across the Harbour beach and if the tides out then you can continue behind Smeatons Pier, where you can walk around to the all year round dog friendly Bamaluz Beach, walk up the steps and continue round to the very family friendly Porthgwidden Beach before walking up to the Island Chapel where you will have the most amazing panoramic views out to sea and across St Ives. As you round the Island, finally drop down onto the most impressive Porthmeor Beach and mingle with all the fellow dog walkers & surfers.
After a day of exploring the most amazing beaches that St Ives has to offer, finish up at the superb dog friendly Porthmeor Beach Cafe, situated in front of the Tate Gallery, grab an outdoor heated booth, sit back and relax with your dog and enjoy some fabulous tapas and you never know, you may be treated to a gorgeous autumnal sunset over the beach to round off a super doggy day out.
If you are planning on bringing your beloved pooch to St Ives this autumn or to find out more about our availability for over 20 of our dog friendly properties, head to the website, or call our (very!) dog friendly Cherished team on 01736 490 640 to help you find your perfect stay in St Ives, Cornwall 💚
Author: Tim Petersen with Bertie & Icy
