Middleton to Port Elliot bike trail

The Middleton to Port Elliot leg of the Encounter Bikeway, a sealed shared path that runs the coast between the two towns. It is roughly 3 to 4km one way from central Middleton to Horseshoe Bay, mostly flat with ocean views, dunes and cliffside stretches, so it walks or rides easily for most dogs and their people.

The rules. Dogs must be on-leash on the path and along the coastal foreshore between 10am and 6pm year-round, and on-leash at all times at Horseshoe Bay. This is a busy cycling route, so keep to the left and your dog close and under control. Watch for signed hooded plover breeding zones on the beach side and give them a wide berth in season. Bins and bags are provided along the way.

The walk. The surface is bitumen the whole way with only slight elevation changes, and it is fully exposed to the coast, so expect strong wind on a blowy day. Public water points, toilets and bench seating turn up at intervals near the beaches in both towns.

Getting there. Park near Horseshoe Bay or the Port Elliot Holiday Park at the eastern end, or at the Middleton surf beach at the western end. The path drops straight off The Esplanade in both towns. The Cockle Train stops at Port Elliot and Middleton, so you can walk one way and ride back, but confirm the current dog policy with the operator before you count on it.

When to go. Early morning before 9am or late afternoon dodges both the midday heat and the weekend cyclist rush. Sunny weekends and school holidays are the busiest. High tide makes the beach scenery better without affecting the path itself. Good for dogs happy to walk to heel on a lead alongside bikes.

Sources

• Dogs On and Off Leash - Alexandrina Council · alexandrina.sa.gov.au
• Encounter Bikeway | Walking SA · walkingsa.org.au
• Encounter Bikeway | AllTrails · alltrails.com
• Encounter Bikeway | Visit Victor Harbor · visitvictorharbor.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.