DOGS WELCOME

Start Bay is an easy place to bring a dog. The beaches are shingle rather than fine sand, the coast path runs straight out of the village in both directions, and most of the pubs within walking distance will have a water bowl by the door before you have taken your coat off.

Walks from the front door

South along the coast path to Beesands is about a mile and a half of open cliff with Start Bay below you the whole way, and a pub at the end of it. Carry on another mile to the ruins at Hallsands, or go the full six miles out to Start Point lighthouse.

North along the shingle ridge to Slapton Sands is flat, about a mile and a half each way, with the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley on one side and the sea on the other. Good for older dogs and for wet days when the cliffs are slippery.

Inland, the lanes behind Stokenham and Slapton village give you hours of quiet walking with barely a car.

Dogs on the beaches

Slapton Sands and the beach at Torcross are both long enough to give everyone room, and out of season you will often have a stretch to yourselves. South Hams District Council publishes seasonal dog restrictions for beaches in the district, so it is worth a quick check before you travel if you are coming in high summer.

Where you can take them

The Start Bay Inn is thirty seconds from the apartment. The Cricket Inn at Beesands is the natural end point of the coast path walk. The Tower Inn at Slapton is ten minutes inland behind the ruined chantry tower. All three are used to walkers arriving damp and accompanied.

The apartment

No. 2 at the Beach takes one dog. It sleeps four, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, private parking, and a terrace looking out over the bay. It is ground floor once you are inside, though there are steep steps up to the entrance of the complex, which is worth knowing if your dog is elderly or you are carrying much.

Check availability and book No. 2 at the Beach: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/oc-22881-2-at-the-beach