Yorkshire is a treasure trove of beautiful landscapes and scenic routes perfect for dog walking - and we’re proud to call the UK’s largest county the home The Dog Training Company. It has everything you could possibly ask for, from beautiful rugged coastlines, rolling dales with roaming sheep, stunning reservoirs with well maintained paths, scenic villages with cute cafes and everything in between. Here, we have compiled a list of the top five Yorkshire dog walking locations you could explore with your furry friend.
Runswick Bay
This unforgettable dog-friendly walk along the Yorkshire coast provides stunning views of the bay, charming car-free streets, and the beautiful North Sea. A pleasant two-mile linear walk along the Runswick Bay clifftop to enjoy wide views over Runswick Bay and Port Mulgrave. It's an easy access walk that doesn't descend to the village of Runswick Bay itself, but instead follows the Cleveland Way National Trail as it heads north towards Staithes.
(image credit: Matt Buck, used under Creative Commons licence)
Wessenden Valley Circular
The Wessenden Valley is a moorland valley nestled amidst the Dark Peak, immediately south of the large village of Marsden in the English county of West Yorkshire. The valley was formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age, and continues to be cut by the Wessenden Brook, a tributary of the River Colne.
The valley is occupied by four reservoirs, namely (from the top) Wessenden Head, Wessenden, Blakeley and Butterley reservoirs, the last being the largest. The Kirklees Way and Pennine Way long-distance footpaths both follow the valley. Beautiful scenic walk with little waterfall gems here and there. There is a circular route as found in the link below here which may help anyone wanting to do this lovely walk.
(image credit: Dave Dunford, used under Creative Commons licence)
Staithes and Port Mulgrave
This four-mile walk in North Yorkshire starts in the seaside town of Staithes and proceeds to Port Mulgrave. The route follows the Cleveland Way National Trail and passes through woods and fields, offering plenty of opportunities for your dog to roam off the leash. Refresh at the dog-loving Badger Hounds inn, and remember to keep your dog on a short leash near steep cliffs. The walk starts at Bank Top car park, Staithes Lane, Staithes, Saltburn, North Yorkshire, TS13 5AD
(Image credit: T. Eyre, used under Creative Commons Licence)
Knaresborough, the Nidd Gorge, and Old Bilton
This six-mile walk is perfect for summer, offering opportunities for your dog to cool off in the River Nidd. The route passes through Conyngham Hall and offers several natural breaks with amazing views. Dogs are welcome at The Gardeners Arms in Bilton but must be kept on leads. The walk starts at Conyngham Hall car park, 52 Bond End, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9AX
(Image Credit: T. J. Blackwell, used under Creative Commons Licence)
Welburn and Castle Howard
This walk around the Castle Howard grounds covers nearly six miles, starting from the pretty village of Welburn. Your dog can go off-lead through gentle hills and quiet woodland, and the route even includes a dog gate at one of the stiles. On your return to Welburn, stop at The Crown and Cushion, voted Yorkshire’s most dog-friendly pub. The walk starts at The Crown and Cushion, Main Street, Welburn, Malton, North Yorkshire, Y060 7DZ
Remember to always respect the local wildlife and other walkers, and enjoy these incredible walks with your furry friend in the beautiful county of Yorkshire.
