Dogs and their two legged friends can enjoy the freedom of the beach along Ceredigion's 60 mile coastline. One of the most popular spots is Dolwen beach at Aberporth, where the river Howni sculpts its way to the sea along the rocky edge of the wide sandy beach which is available to dogs throughout the year.

Llangrannog's Cilborth beach, which can be reached at low tide from the main village beach, lies beyond the distinctive Carreg Bica rocky outcrop, is another all year dog friendly beach.  

At New Quay, dogs are welcome on the long sandy beach of Traeth Gwyn that stretches around the bay from the lifeboat station all the way to Llanina Point. At high tide, there’s access to the beach from the holiday park via a woodland nature walk. A little beyond Llanina is Cei Bach beach, also dog friendly throughout the year.

The shingle beach at Tanybwlch, along from Aberystwyth harbour, is part of the Pendinas nature reserve and can be explored at any time of year.

You can enjoy a walk along the harbour and exploring the pebbles and sand at low tide at Aberaeron near the harbour and at Llanrhystud.

Dogs will love to play between the pools around the preserved tree stumps of the submerged forest along a long stretch of beach between Borth and Ynyslas.

During the summer months, when the beaches get busy, there are restrictions for dogs (excepting guide dogs for the blind) on many of Ceredigion's beaches, However there is always a part of the beach that is available to the whole family, including dogs. A great example is Tresaith beach which has rockpools and a waterfall to discover. It can be reached along a scenic clifftop walk from Aberporth.  

There’s plenty more to explore and enjoy from watching fishing or sailing boats at New Quay, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth harbours or along the Teifi estuary.

At Aberystwyth, explore the harbour and marina, the views from castle point, Penglais woodland walk or Pendinas hillfort. 

Country walks and rides

Enjoy Ceredigion’s woods, rivers and wild moorland landscape safely with your dog. There are easy walks along the Ceredigion coast path and along trails in the Ystwyth, Rheidol, Aeron and Teifi river valleys. 

Easily accessible, Aberystwyth’s Penglais Hill nature reserve, Aberaeron’s riverside Panteg woods and the ancient beech plantation of Gogerddan woods, just north of Aberystwyth, accessible from Bow Street station, are full of bluebells in spring.

Coed y Bont, near the village of Pont-rhyd-fendigaid is a great place for you and your dog to stretch your legs. The woodlands that make up Coed y Bont were once within the grounds of the nearby Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida.

Along the Teifi there are riverside walks to enjoy the waterfalls at Henllan and at Cenarth.

Trains and boat trips

Travel to the summit of Constitution Hill at Aberystwyth on the cliff railway - dogs travel for free!

Dogs are  welcome on the Vale of Rheidol Railway which traces its way inland from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge and its famous waterfalls.  There are woodland paths to explore between stations, including a good walk around the Rheidol power station's reservoir and spot salmon leaping up the fish ladders.

Dogs are also welcome on the Teifi Valley Railway at Henllan in the Teifi Valley.

Dogs can join you on the fabulous wildlife spotting boat trips, but must be lifted into the boat from the quayside.  All boat trip operators welcome dogs, but please check conditions directly with each company.

Autumn delights

In autumn, the smells, sounds and colours of rustling leaves and colourful fungi bring added interest to a walk in the woods.

Explore the picturesque cascades and panoramic views of the Hafod estate between Devil’s Bridge and Cwmystwyth. Explore paths, originally laid out in the 18th century to provide surprise and delight around almost every corner. The gardens are also undergoing restoration by local volunteers. 

Dogs and wildlife 

At Bwlch Nant yr Arian, there are lots of trails to explore, some of which are used by mountain bikers or horse riders.  You can also try orienteering or take a lakeside stroll to watch red kites being fed at 2pm daily.

Dogs on leads are welcome at Wildlife Trust and Natural Resources Wales nature reserves.

The Wildlife Centre on the Teifi Marshes it is a requirement that dogs are kept on leads. With regular sightings of kingfisher, otter and wading birds it is a fantastic A large majority of our nature reserves are managed with the help of grazing animals during certain times of the year. On these sites please keep your dog on a lead to avoid any stress to the animals, and don't allow your dog to jump into ponds or watercourses, for its own safety but also to help prevent transferring invasive and harmful plants.

Ynyslas nature reserve is a favourite nesting spot for Ringed Plovers. They nest on the sand and pebbles and the well camouflaged eggs are difficult to spot, so an area is usually fenced off during the nesting season.  Please keep dogs on leads near the fence and do not go beyond it.   

Areas at the front of the dunes are also fenced off occasionally. Please avoid these areas and keep dogs on leads when near them.  The nature reserve wardens also advise visitors to keep dogs on a lead within the dunes themselves throughout the bird breeding season to prevent disturbing other ground nesting birds such as Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.

Cors Caron nature reserve is a vast area of wetland filling the broad valley of the River Teifi near Tregaron. The three raised peat bogs are surrounded by reedbeds, fen, wet grassland, woodland, waterways and ponds, and these varied habitats support a wealth of wildlife. The circular Cors Caron Walk has an all-weather surface boardwalk through some of the most impressive parts of the reserve, leading to an accessible hide where you may see breeding and over-wintering birds. Look out for dragonflies, damselflies and lizards in the summer, but if you spot an adder, don't allow your dog to approach it.

The Old Railway walk is a shared use trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and form part of the Ystwyth National Cycle Trail.

Dog shows and day care 

Summer is show time in Ceredigion. There are competitions of all kinds for dogs at Aberystwyth and Cardigan county shows and most town and village shows, from obedience classes to fancy dress. Why not join in and pose for a prize.

If you want to visit places that are not able to accommodate dogs, why not give them a fun treat at one of Ceredigion's dog daycare centres or kennels.  

At the end of an action packed day, enjoy a pub garden or watch glorious sunsets from outdoor terraces - many welcome dogs - ask for a list at the Tourist Information Centre.