Coastal Explorers

We catch up with Rosita, proud owner of excitable boxer, Zenna, to discover what makes Cornwall the perfect destination for dog lovers.

When Rosita and her family first met boxer Zenna, it was love at first sight. “This little girl needed rehoming and it was impossible to say no! Boxers have got to be the most affectionate, entertaining and fun breed, and there’s never a dull moment when Zenna’s around!”

But excitable young pooches like Zenna – who she sums up as “crazy, bouncy and loveable” – have a lot of energy to burn off, which helps to explain what makes Cornwall such a draw for those with a four-legged friend. “Cornwall is the best place to own a dog!” says Rosita.

“The landscape is so diverse that you can mix up your dog walks with trips to the coast and dunes, as well as the woods and endless rolling fields.”

Yet with many beaches enforcing a seasonal dog ban, and fondly trodden paths inevitably more crowded in the summer months, Rosita and her partner Tom like to venture further afield in search of new beaches to explore. After all, nothing beats having a stretch of coast all to yourselves. “With a huge array of little coves around every corner, you don’t have to go far to get away from the busy spots”, explains Rosita. “Luckily many places, such as Poldhu and Coverack, allow dogs on the beach after 7pm, however if you have a super-charged boxer then you’ll probably want to find one that welcomes them all day long!”

Zenna has just about tried and tested all of the crooks and coves on the southern peninsula, and one of her favourite beaches has got to be Boat Cove. Located a stone’s throw from Perranuthnoe village, just around the corner from Marazion and the iconic St Michael’s Mount, Boat Cove offers a quiet and picturesque retreat for both dogs and their owners.

The five-minute walk down to the cove takes you along short, winding paths where you can meet the local emus, run in the grass or simply perch on a bench and soak up the scenery. “We particularly love Boat Cove because it boasts magical views of the Mount, without all the bustle of the neighbouring hotspots”, adds Tom. “Dogs can play and swim here for hours, while us owners kick back and enjoy the peaceful beauty that this unique part of the Cornish coast has to offer.”

Of course, all this exploring is thirsty work (and owners need a break too!) so why not follow Rosita and Tom’s footsteps, by completing the walk with a well-earned refreshment at the nearby Victoria Inn? Muddy boots and dogs are made very welcome in the bar area and garden of this stunning 12th century Cornish Inn, home to Monty the spaniel. Offering delicious, award-winning food in a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect end to your mini adventure, so you can refresh and refuel, ready to do it all again the following day!

Meet Zenna

To see more of Zenna’s antics, you can follow her on Instagram: @zennatheboxer