5 Dog-Friendly Walks in Yorkshire You Must Do At Least Once
Going on a trip to the famed Yorkshire Dales with your canine companion? Sounds like you'll need some walking trails suitable for the both of you, and we have some the most beautiful dog-friendly walks in Yorkshire to share with you.
As dog owners ourselves (and longtime residents of the beautiful county that is Yorkshire), we can confirm that this is one of the best locations in England (heck, the world!) to take your pup on a trip with you.
Be it a day trip, a long weekend, or a week-long adventure, there are countless dog-friendly walks in and around Yorkshire to keep you and your furry friends entertained.
We've picked out a few of our favourite walks, tea rooms, and pubs that you and your dog can enjoy during your time spent here.
We've also thrown in a few popular dog-friendly beaches for good measure.
Here’s our top 5!
| Walk Name | Difficulty | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malham Landscape Trail | Moderate | 8 km | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk | Easy | 4.2 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Muker to Thwaite Circular Walk | Easy to Moderate | 5 km | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Grassington and Grass Wood Circular Walk | Easy to Moderate | 7.9 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Hawes to Hardraw Force Walk | Easy | 6.8 km | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Click through to each walk to discover more about what you can find and expect at these locations.
Need Dog-Friendly Accommodation for Your Yorkshire Visit?
If you're in the early stages of planning your Yorkshire trip, you'll need a dog-friendly (and dog-approved!) place to stay. Look no further than Newlands Farm Stables, where we have a variety of accommodations for you and your furry pal.
Whether it’s just you and your dog going solo, or you’re bringing the whole family along, we have homely-yet-luxurious converted stables and barns that make the perfect base for your visit.
We’re located in Cumbria, right between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks, making us perfectly situated for exploring both areas with your four-legged friend.
Check out our options below!
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Discover Our Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Now, for what you came here for, let's dive into the walks.
Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar & Malham Cove
@yorkshiredalesnp Malham Cove 🙌 A peaceful visit to Malham Cove on a wintery afternoon. #malhamcove #yorkshiredales #yorkshiredalesnationalpark ♬ Let time pass - Melia
Credit: yorkshiredalesnp on TikTok.com
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1 hour to Malham
This circular walk should be at the top of your bucket list when planning your dog-friendly days out in Yorkshire. If you have time for just one, let it be this one.
Starting off along a gentle woodland path, the sound of the stream guides you toward Janet’s Foss, a magical waterfall nestled among mossy rocks. Dogs love paddling here—it’s shallow, cool, and shaded.
From there, the pace kicks up a notch as you reach Gordale Scar, a towering limestone gorge. You’ll probably need to detour around the steep scramble (unless your dog is part mountain goat), but it’s worth it for the views.
You'll then approach Malham Cove—a vast limestone cliff that rises dramatically from the ground. The stone pavement at the top is magnificent (especially for Harry Potter fans - if you know, you know).
When you've finished the walk, Malham offers plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs to catch a bite in, like the Lister Arms and the Victoria Inn.
We recommend downloading the official Trail PDF, which has all the info you need whilst on your trek, including a route description and parking.
Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk
- Distance: Approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1.1 hours to Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk is more of a relaxed wander than a full hike, perfect for older dogs or laid-back mornings.
You’ll stop at Upper, Middle, and Lower Aysgarth Falls, each offering breathtaking cascades (which are particularly impressive after a rainfall) and ideal picnic spots. It’s one of those walks where you pause often—not from effort, but because the scenery is too good to miss.
Nearby, you'll see St. Andrew's Church, known for its large churchyard and medieval features, and a series of stunning views along the River Ure.
Of course, you will have worked up an appetite on your walk, so luckily, there are an array of pubs, cafes, and restaurants that'll welcome you and your four-legged friend in the nearby village. The Mill Race Teashop and the George and Dragon, to name a few.
@the.yorkshireman There’s a reason the Aysgarth Falls walk is so loved, and it’s because it’s an easy, yet beautiful one 🙌🙌 #aysgarthfalls #aysgarth #yorkshiredales #thingstodoinyorkshire #yorkshirewalks #yorkshiredalesnationalpark ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant - Harry Styles
Credit: The Yorkshireman on TikTok.com
Muker to Thwaite Circular Walk
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Credit: AllTrails.com
- Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles (5 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1 hour to Muker
Pure Yorkshire charm. Starting in the sleepy village of Muker, you and your pup set off on this circular walk to Thwaite and back through Swaledale’s iconic wildflower meadows (especially stunning in May/June).
The famous dry stone walls frame every view, and you’ll often have the whole path to yourselves. There’s a lovely stillness here, making it the perfect walk when you need to clear your head with the company of your dog.
When you reach Thwaite, it’s a chance to drink or snack before looping back via gentle hillside tracks. It’s not dramatic or intense—it’s slow and deeply peaceful.
Limited parking is available in Muker, so arrive early during peak seasons.
Whether you stop midway in Thwaite or reward yourself at the end of the walk in Muker, both places have ideal pubs and tearooms for you and your dog to have a rest.
Keartons Tea Room in Thwaite and the Farmers Arms in Muker are just a small insight into what you might find in the villages.
Grassington and Grass Wood Circular Walk
- Distance: Approximately 4.9 miles (7.9 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1.2 hours to Grassington
Start your circular walk by strolling through the lively village of Grassington, then quickly find yourself surrounded by nature.
Grass Wood is an ancient woodland packed with biodiversity. It’s shady, quiet, and full of interesting smells—dogs are in their element here.
The paths vary from narrow tracks to more expansive woodland trails, and the occasional viewpoint gives you sweeping views of the River Wharfe below.
The route loops around to include some riverside walking and brings you back to Grassington which has plenty of pub options, like the Devonshire Grassington and the Forester Arms.
Grassington is known as one of the most picture-perfect villages in the Yorkshire Dales, so if you consider yourself a bit of a photography buff, we recommend bringing your camera!
@the.yorkshireman Beautiful Grassington ❤️ #grassington #yorkshiredales #yorkshire #thingstodoinyorkshire #northyorkshire #yorkshirelife #countrysideuk ♬ Sabda Alam - NonaRia
Credit: The Yorkshireman on TikTok.com
Hawes to Hardraw Force Walk
@samrculley Hawdraw force, yorkshire dales! The highest single drop waterfall in England, amazing spot for a visit, family friendly short walk! Enjoy 🏞️🥾
♬ original sound - Sam Culley
Credit: Sam Culley on TikTok.com
- Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles (6.8 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 50 minutes
This one’s short and sweet. Start in Hawes, a bustling Dales town full of dog-friendly cafes and shops, and walk the easy, flat path through fields toward Hardraw Force.
The pace is gentle, the views are wide open, and there’s usually a buzz of fellow walkers with their dogs.
Arriving at Hardraw Force feels like a reward—England’s highest single-drop waterfall hidden behind the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn.
You can pay a small fee to walk up to the base of the falls (your dog’s welcome, too). Afterwards, enjoy a well-earned drink at the inn, which often has treats and water bowls waiting.
Dog Walking Tips for Your Trip to the Yorkshire Dales
There is much exploring to be done by your dog in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so if you were wondering if they're even allowed in, yes, of course they are. Millions of dogs let off steam and get curious around the park each year.
There are also plenty of doggy-friendly facilities around the national park, so you won't be short of pubs to choose from!
We love dogs up here in the north, and we're more than happy to have them visit. However, there are a few things you, as pup parents, should be aware of. Below are our tips on walks in the Yorkshire Dales, as advised by the national park.
Credit: yorkshiredales on Instagram.com
Keep Your Dog on a Lead
We don't mean constantly, but there is a time and place for a leash. Here are the situations you should be aware of when it's necessary:
- On public rights of way—aka a narrow footpath or similar.
- In fields where livestock is present. If you're from the countryside, you'll already know this one.
- From March to July, use a short lead. Dogs can scare off ground-nesting birds, leaving the nest vulnerable.
- When around other people, it's considerate to keep dogs on a leash just in case. Not everyone loves dogs as much as we do.
At any other time, you're free to let your dog roam the Dales and enjoy their walk in the fresh air!
Be Conscious of Cattle
You might come across a lot of cattle when you're on your dog walk, so there are a few things to be aware of:
- Prepare for the cattle to react to your presence, but don't panic. You should move quickly and quietly, and try to walk around the herd. If they follow you, continue quietly, and it's likely they'll stop before they reach you.
- Avoid getting between a cow and its calves at all costs. Keep your dog on a leash, but don't hold on to your dog by picking them up. Instead, allow the dog to run to safety—they'll be much quicker than you! This will be safest for both you and your dog.
- If you feel threatened by the animals, simply move to the edge of the field, slowly and quietly, and try to find a way out.
What to Do With Dog Poo
Dog owners, you definitely know this one. Remember, bag it, bin it. Let's work together to keep our national parks clean and thriving!
Stick to the Paths & Beware of Limestone
Although the limestone is unique and marvellous to look at in every way, it can pose a danger to your dog if you aren't watching them carefully.
Dogs can lose their footing and fall into caves, limestone pavements, and sinkholes, so it's best to stick to the paths or at least use a leash around these areas.
Walking Your Dog in the Height of Summer
In the summer months, your four-legged friend can become super dehydrated and warm, so consider whether you should be taking them on a long walk.
If you do, try to stick to shaded parts of the park, bring plenty of water, and allow for rest stops. It's all about keeping your pup happy and healthy!
Credit: Yorkshiredales on Instagram.com
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire
You might not think so, but Yorkshire is actually home to a lot of beaches that are popular with dogs and owners alike. If you plan on taking your pup for a seaside walk, below is a list of popular destinations.
Whether you're looking for secluded, undiscovered beaches or coastal locations with a bit more going on, Yorkshire has a bit of everything.
See? It's not all dry stone walls, tea, and cheese. If it's a beach walking holiday you want, it's a beach walking holiday you shall get. We're very versatile up north…
| Dog-Friendly Beaches | What’s Here |
|---|---|
| Robin Hood's Bay |
This is a popular destination for tourists and sightseers in the North York Moors, especially if they have dogs, because there aren't even seasonal restrictions. Sandy beach with fascinating rock pools filled with fossils to find! |
| Scarborough Beach |
One of the most famous beaches in Yorkshire, Scarborough is a top seaside resort for holidaymakers. Tons to do with your dog by your side, especially in the North Bay, which is open to dogs all year round. |
| Fraisthorpe Beach |
Pups are welcome to roam the flat, spacious sands all year round at this dog-friendly beach in Yorkshire. Popular with kite surfers, horse riders, and avid fishers — super versatile! |
| Saltburn-by-the-Sea |
This seaside town with a Victorian past (don’t miss the pier and cliff tramway) is another dog-friendly option. Note: seasonal dog exclusion zones from May to September. |
| Runswick Bay |
There are no restrictions at any time of year for dogs at this fossil-hunting beach. Classic English seaside with a white sand beach and picture-perfect coastal walks. |
Credit: Visitrobinhoodsbay on Instagram.com
Conclusion: Taking Your Furry Friend Around the Dales
Taking your dog around the dales is a great activity for both of you.
You get to stretch your legs, take in the fresh air, see (or smell!) some of the UK's most beautiful sights, and reward yourselves at the end with a big pub lunch or perhaps a bit of kibble. You decide which way round that last one goes.
Going on a walk with a bit of company from your best friend with a tail is much better than going at it alone, so be sure to consider our walks above or check out the doggie rules for other trails in the Dales.
And remember, always have an understanding of the surroundings to protect yourself, your dog, and others around you.
Enjoy your trip to the Yorkshire Dales! If walking with your dog is your passion, you're about to have the trip of a lifetime!