Peaceful walk with Pub and cafe

This walk was a delight, with a good path through the trees to the mouth of the river where we were rewarded with a delightful small bay at the end, a small beach with boulders and large stones to cross before reaching a shingle beach. There is a raised flat area for those who don't want to navigate the stones. We enjoyed a quiet time with our dog at the sheltered area where the river meets the stones.

On a hot day this walk would be ideal due to the shade from trees, or on a windy day it is sheltered. For a reactive dog like ours it was relatively quiet and the dog owners we met were all lovely and responsible! We enjoyed a drink at the pub at the end.

The drive to the car park and start of the walk is narrow and windy. I think this helps keep numbers down when you get there though!

A great stop not too far from the motorway

We arrived very early, around 7.30 am, but gates and toilets were open at this time and it was perfect for walking our reactive dog. It felt lovely and peaceful.

A favoured stop off when driving to the West Country

We try to arrive at around 10am when we can park for free and be there for the cafe opening time of 10.30. This is an excellent stop with lovely interesting walks by the canal in either direction and a super dog friendly cafe. I'm always tempted by their cakes, but this time we had a late breakfast of sausage baps. There are toilets too.

quick and easy stop off

Easy to find dog walk area. Our dog wasn't so keen due to the service station environment and wanted to get back into the car, but that said, this was at the far end of the parking, not busy and would work well for many dog owners who need to use facilities on a journey and give the dog some exercise.

footpath entrance not good

Good directions to footpath entrance, but unfortunately it was so of putting with litter and worse and overgrown (June) we didn't proceed. We managed a very short walk along the disused road, which at least was away from the main service station area.

perfect stop off on drive to Devon

A great alternative to motorway service stations, about 15 minutes drive from the M5, perfect for us and our anxious/reactive dog. Free parking, toilet, great cafe and lovely walk along the canal. On both days we stopped here (journey to Devon and return the following week) we arrived around 10am. Both cafe and car park likely to get busy but there is a further cafe/pub beside the canal nearby and I think parking also.