The Canine guide to dog walks in North Yorkshire

National parks, deep forests, rugged moorlands and a golden coastline combine to make North Yorkshire a paradise for outdoor-loving humans and hounds. Whether you are seeking remote adventures, country park rambles or pup-welcoming beaches, this region of the UK’s largest county should be at the top of your list of dog-friendly destinations. 

If you are on the hunt for the best dog walks in North Yorkshire, then we are on hand to answer some of your most common questions and walk you through eight of our favourite trails from across the region, ordered from easiest to most difficult. 

Pack your hiking boots and walkies essentials and start planning your North Yorkshire getaway today by clicking the button below and exploring our collection of dog-friendly cottages. Find properties for solo travellers, couples, large groups of friends, and extended families.

Skip to:

North Yorkshire dog walks FAQs

Runswick Bay to Staithes

The villages of Runswick Bay and Staithes on North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline are perfect examples of the county’s seaside charm, and what better way to discover them both than with an easy, 3.5-mile cliff-top ramble? 

Relatively flat throughout and offering sweeping views of the North Sea, this is one of the best dog walks in North Yorkshire if you and Fido love fresh and salty air, varied local wildlife and memorable picnic spots. 

The point-to-point trail starts in the centre of Runswick Bay and should last approximately 90 minutes before ending at Staithes Harbour where some welcoming pubs, restaurants and seaside shops await.

Richmond and Easby Abbey Circular

Nestled on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is one of Britain’s most charming market towns. Cobbled streets, pretty architecture and a Norman castle all add to the town’s allure, as do the various pup-welcoming pubs and restaurants that your furry friend will love. 

If you are hunting for dog walks in Richmond North Yorkshire, look no further than the 3.5-mile Richmond and Easby Abbey Circular. This easy trail starts in the historic town centre before heading out and along the banks of the River Swale and reaching the dramatic remains of Easby Abbey, a 12th-century English Heritage site surrounded by gorgeous countryside. 

Fido will love diving into the river along the way, as well as the sounds and smells of the waterside woodlands. Enjoy views of Richmond Falls and the tower of Richmond Castle, and don’t forget to pack a picnic – with dog treats included!

Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping

If you are sniffing out North York Moors dog walks, then the Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping Circular is the one for you. The North York Moors National Park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history and unique wildlife – this wonderful 5-mile trail combines the lot in one ramble and should not last longer than 3 hours. 

Start in the car park and climb up to Easby Moor, passing through peaceful woodland where Fido can run wild. Enjoy the views as you continue onwards and stop for a quiet pause (and bowl of water) at Captain Cook’s Monument, a scenic commemoration of the world-famous explorer who grew up in the area. 

Walk through more enchanting woodland as you climb towards Roseberry Topping, a distinctive Yorkshire hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making this one of the most scenic North York Moors dog walks.

The Malham Landscape Trail

The pretty village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park plays host to one of the best dog walks in North Yorkshire if you love riverside footpaths, fascinating geology, and cascading waterfalls. 

This 5-mile landscape trail celebrates the best of Malham’s natural attractions and starts in the woodland just outside the village before leading to the first charming stop, Janet’s Foss. A peaceful pool with a picturesque waterfall; Fido will love splashing in the cool of the water before continuing along the trail. 

Next is Gordale Scar, a dramatic ravine with overhanging cliffs and more waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic here and keep an eye on older dogs who may struggle on the rocky terrain. Before circling back to Malham, you will uncover the famous Malham Cove, an enormous, amphitheatre-shaped rock formation towering into the sky and boasting stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

If you can’t decide whether to visit the county’s historic coastline first or its breathtaking national parks, then one of our favourite North York Moors dog walks combines the two in a 7.5-mile trail from the seaside town of Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay. 

Fido will love the sights and smells of Whitby’s bustling streets as you climb out of town towards the famous Whitby Abbey. Continue along the coast path from here and look down on Saltwick Bay, old lighthouses, and hidden coves where local smugglers used to gather. 

The cliffs’ undulations mean some areas are steep along the way, so fitness is needed, but efforts are rewarded on arrival to Robin Hood’s Bay where you will find dog-friendly charm at every turn of the head. Explore the pup-welcoming beach here as well as the inviting shops, pubs and cafes, or you can simply wander through the twisting streets that make the village so popular.

Pateley Bridge to Brimham Rocks

Wide-open spaces, far-reaching national park views and impressive rock formations combine in this 8.5-mile circular walk from the small market town of Pateley Bridge to the National Trust’s Brimham Rocks. What else could an outdoor-loving pup need? 

One of our favourite dog walks in North Yorkshire, this trail leads out of town, along the popular Nidderdale Way that follows the River Nidd, and climbs up to Guise Cliff with its sweeping views of Pateley Bridge and the surrounding Nidderdale National Landscape. 

The halfway mark is the National Trust’s Brimham Rocks, where Fido (on the lead) can explore over 400 acres of unique rock formations sculpted by the wind and rain. This otherworldly landscape offers a memorable pause to your walk before returning to Pateley Bridge through peaceful woodland and along the river.

Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation

Dog-friendly walks in North Yorkshire do not get better than this challenging, 11-mile hike across the southern fringes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Historic buildings, unique waterfalls, a dark forest and rolling hills combine along this walking tour of not just Bolton Abbey, but the Valley of Desolation, Simon's Seat, and Barden Bridge. 

Good fitness is required for both humans and hounds who will encounter remote and rougher sections and steep climbs. Although challenging, you will find this to be a quiet trail due to the lack of footfall, meaning you can take in the panoramic national park views in peace together.

It is important to remember that a small area near this trail is used for hunting, so please keep an eye out for any notices on its course, and keep Fido on a lead when you are not sure. On your return to Bolton Abbey, enjoy a generous choice of pup-welcoming, riverside pubs and tea rooms for a well-deserved bite and pint. 

Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular

Considered a tough hike, not only because of its 6.5-mile distance but thanks to the steep climbs and rough terrain, the Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular forms part of the long-distance Yorkshire Three Peaks walk. While the longer trail leads to all three of the Yorkshire Dales' highest peaks, this memorable route guides walkers and woofers to Pen-y-ghent, the third-highest fell in the national park, and the fascinating site of Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern with its own waterfall. 

This is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle, and you may well find yourselves all alone and free to enjoy the varied landscapes in peace. As a result, there is little shade, so make sure you are prepared with sun protection, warm and waterproof layers, food and drink, and a printed map. 

Your efforts will be rewarded with incredible views stretching as far as the eye can see – this is the best way to take in the Yorkshire Dales. Fido will need to stay on the lead in some sections due to local wildlife, but otherwise, the open spaces to run across will have him wagging his tail with joy.

Map of dog walks in North Yorkshire

Explore our map below to find the starting points of all the best dog walks in North Yorkshire that are featured in this guide.

<

Dog-friendly cottages in North Yorkshire

Now you and Fido are clued up on the best dog walks in North Yorkshire, it is time to start planning your human and hound getaway. Across North Yorkshire, we offer dog-friendly cottages to suit all holidays, from solo retreats and boltholes for couples to large properties perfect for groups of friends and extended families. Click the button below to explore our collection.