Sand dunes and marram grass at Camber Sands with the sea beyond

Dog walks around Camber Sands

This is simply superb dog country, though the beach has seasonal rules, so here is the honest picture from the owners of a dog-friendly cottage a short walk from the sand.

Beachside Cottage welcomes one small dog and has a fully enclosed pebbled garden. Winter mornings on Camber Sands, with the beach all to yourselves, are the best-kept secret on the south coast; summer needs a little planning. Everything below is measured from the cottage door.

Who it suits

Owners of small dogs (one small dog per booking at the cottage), anyone who likes flat walking with big skies, and people who prefer a pub at the end of it. There are no hills here to speak of.

The beach rules, plainly put

1 October to 30 April: The whole beach is open to dogs.
1 May to 30 September: Dogs are not allowed in the zoned bathing areas, which are the busy stretches by the main car parks. Generous signed dog-friendly stretches remain: look for the round dog signs at every beach entrance, keep to them, and use a short lead wherever signage asks.
At all times: Leads on through the dunes (a protected habitat with ground-nesting birds). Bag it and bin it. Bins are by the car parks. Pack fresh water; there is no shade out there.
Tides: On a big incoming tide, don’t let a game of fetch stray onto the sandbars, as the water can wrap around behind you. Rinse salty paws after long walks; sand between the toes can rub.
Nearest vet: Cinque Ports Vets in Rye is the nearest practice. Check current hours and out-of-hours cover online and save the number on arrival.
Beach questions: Rother District Council Coast Office: 01797 225207 (dog-zone maps).

Four walks we return to

1 · The golf links and estuary circular

About 3 milesAll yearFlatFrom the village

A local favourite that works all year round. From the village end of Old Lydd Road, cross the grassy car park to its far corner, then choose the beach or the path beside Rye Golf Club through the kissing gate. Loop out to the estuary with views across the Rother to the nature reserve, and return along the sand.

Larks over the links, wide skies, and rarely busy.

2 · Camber to Rye, the walk to lunch

About 3.5 miles each wayPaths beside road and riverBus back available

A steady hour and a bit along paths beside the road and river brings you into Rye. Arrive like a pilgrim, eat well, wander the cobbles (Rye is very dog-tolerant, with water bowls everywhere), then either walk back or hop on the 102 bus. There is even a pet shop in town for a well-earned treat.

Most Rye pubs welcome dogs in the bar, including the ancient Mermaid Inn and the Standard Inn.

3 · Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

About 3 miles returnDogs on leads in signed areasFlat track5 miles by car

Dogs are welcome on leads in the signed areas. That matters here, as rare terns and plovers nest on the open shingle. The flat track from the village car park to the river mouth and back is a gorgeous, easy leg-stretch with constant birdlife.

4 · The winter beach at dawn

1 October to 30 AprilAs far as legs allowCheck the tide

Time a low tide, start early, and walk the firm sand as far as you like. At low water there is simply nowhere better in the south of England for a good zoom about.

Golden sand dunes with marram grass at Camber Sands, East Sussex, looking down to the beach and sea — The dunes are a protected habitat. Leads on while crossing them, then the sand is yours.

Dog-friendly pit stops

The Owl, Camber: a properly dog-welcoming village pub with good, locally sourced food, walkable from the cottage.
Rye pubs: most welcome dogs in the bar, including the Mermaid Inn and the Standard Inn.
The cottage: enclosed garden, towel by the door, and a radiator to steam beside.