Margo the cocker spaniel puppy having a great time running through The Whalesborough Trail in Widemouth Bay north Cornwall
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The Whalesborough Trail through Cornish countryside

Margo the cocker spaniel puppy takes a breather on The Whalesborough Trail while staying at dog-friendly holiday cottage Gwelmor in Widemouth Bay
Margo takes a breather

Family walk

The Whalesborough Trail is a peaceful, five-mile walk through tranquil Cornish countryside with the opportunity for refreshments along the way at The Weir Bistro overlooking the lake.

It’s a great one for the whole family to enjoy, especially the dog, because it’s safe, picturesque and is a change of scenery from the days spent on the beach.

Map of the Trail

Leaving Gwelmor holiday cottage, head to the end of Marine Drive turn right, then right again and take the grassy path which backs on to the houses running along Maderia Drive.

At the end you’ll find a large map of The Whalesborough Trail, the full five miles is marked out in black, but there are many different sections to explore within the trail itself if you fancy an alternative route on another day.

The Weir restaurant overlooking the lake

Heading through the gate, the path eventually veers left a little before turning right where you’ll see mats incorporated into the path. These have been laid as part of the Segway tours that are offered in Bude, which you might want to try your hands at at some point.

The path continues through a beautiful wild meadow before reaching a young woodland lined on either side with hawthorn bushes and pine trees.

Canal Path signs

Time for coffee

Eventually you’ll emerge at The Weir Bistro. Here you can stop for a full English, a cup of coffee, lunch or an afternoon snack, while taking in the view over the lake with its wild geese, ducks and fishermen peacefully sat waiting for their next catch. There’s also a children’s playground to entertainment younger family members while you wait for your food to be served. Oh and it's dog-friendly too of course!

View of the lake from The Weir restaurant

To re-join the trail, head to the opposite side of the lake and take the canal path past the weir itself. This canal path takes you right in to Bude and is a lovely walk itself. It's also wheelchair and pushchair friendly. You can read more about the canal path in the second half of our blog on an eight-mile round circular walk from Gwelmor.

Margo is free to run

Back to the Whalesborough Trail and when you reach the first park bench, veer left to re-join the trail with Segway matting. At the fork, take the right hand path through lush green woodland.

In the field there is a path off to the right that takes you back to Marine Drive but if you keep following the Segway trail along the edge of the field, almost going back on yourself and turn right at the Whalesborough sign, you’ll see Widemouth Bay come into view.

Keep going with the sea to your right, it will eventually bring you back to where you started from behind the houses running along Madeira Drive. 

Gwelmor Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage

Just four minutes’ walk from the beach at Widemouth Bay, Gwelmor is a luxurious, self-catering holiday cottage which sleeps six (plus travel cot).

Our property welcomes three dogs and we have a wide of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.

Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.

Why not take our virtual tour and book your stay today!

Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.

https://www.gwelmor.com/post/gwelmor-holiday-cottage-is-named-the-best-dog-friendly-business-in-the-south-west

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Cornwall Tourism Award 2020 / 2021