Best dog walks in Yorkshire
Date published: 9 Sep 2025
Yorkshire isn’t just big on puddings and breathtaking landscapes – it’s also a dream for wagging tails and muddy boots. From dramatic coastlines to moorland trails, there’s no shortage of brilliant dog walks in Yorkshire that will have your four-legged friend bounding with joy.
You’ll find everything from peaceful riverside rambles to head-clearing clifftop routes, plus plenty of cosy pubs and cafés along the way to keep humans happy too. Whether you’re local or just visiting, these dog walking spots tick the box for exercise, scenery and tail-wagging adventure.
So grab the lead, lace up the walking boots and set out on some of the best dog-friendly walks Yorkshire has to offer. Trust us – your pup will thank you (probably with muddy paw prints on the sofa later).
1. Glasshouses to Pateley Bridge
Location: Nidderdale, North Yorkshire
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Riverside pathways, gentle hills, green lanes
This riverside jaunt wends its way from Glasshouses into the charming village of Pateley Bridge, offering a sweet mix of woodland shade, paddling options in the River Nidd, and open green lanes perfect for a little leash-free romping. It’s a firm favourite among four-legged locals for good reason – all that fresh air, flowing water and space to sprint.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Once you're done sniffing out every nook, head to The Crown Inn or The Bridge Inn. Both welcome pups with wagging tails and promise warmth, water bowls, and maybe a bacon butty for a cheeky reward.
2. Runswick Bay
Location: North Yorkshire coast
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Clifftop trails, pebbled beach
Here’s coastal therapy for dogs: a cliff walk with sea views so fresh they’ll blow the cobwebs (and tufts of fur) clean away. The stretch from Sandsend to Runswick Bay serves up dramatic cliffs, wind-ruffled ears, and endless horizons – perfect for pups who love a sandy sprint or a paddle in the waves.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Stop by The Royal Hotel in Runswick Bay, which welcomes muddy boots and wagging tails alike, or grab an outdoor spot at Sandside Café in Sandsend for tea, cake and water bowls for your four-legged friend.
3. Aysgarth Falls
Location: Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Wooded valley with limestone steps and cascading waterfalls
Picture your pup trotting under the shade of dappled trees, splashing near limestone-framed falls that tumble in three dramatic tiers. The well-marked paths mean you can wander easily while your dog investigates mossy corners and enjoys the woodland scents.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Wheatsheaf Inn, less than a mile away, is a cosy bolthole where dogs are welcome in the bar. Expect crackling fires, hearty Yorkshire fare and a well-earned pint.
4. West Witton to Penhill
Location: Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rolling countryside, open north-westerly slopes
This circular route climbs steadily from the quiet village of West Witton up to Penhill, rewarding you (and your panting sidekick) with sweeping views of Wensleydale’s patchwork valleys. Heather, stone walls and wide-open skies make this a classic Dales wander.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Back in West Witton, The Wensleydale Heifer is as dog-friendly as it is delicious. Settle into the bar with your pup while tucking into a proper pub lunch.
5. Muker to Thwaite Circular
Location: Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Moor paths, open fields, hillside climb
Start at Muker and climb towards Kisdon Hill, where big skies and even bigger views stretch across Swaledale. The descent into Thwaite brings you through heather-clad moors and stone-lined fields, with plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: The Farmer’s Arms in Muker is a welcoming spot for muddy boots and wagging tails, with hearty pub grub and a roaring fire when you need it most.
6. Hawes to Hardraw Falls
Location: Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Gentle valley paths leading to a majestic waterfall
This gentle walk leads from the market town of Hawes to Hardraw Falls – England’s tallest single-drop waterfall. Dogs on leads can enjoy the riverside stroll and the refreshing spray at the end, while you take in the sheer drama of the cascade.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Pop into the historic Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw. It’s a 13th-century gem where dogs are welcome in the bar, and pints, pies and paws are all in good supply.
7. Brimham Rocks
Location: Nidderdale AONB, near Harrogate
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Gritstone formations, heathland, woodland
Brimham Rocks is like stepping into a fantasy world, with giant rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and weather. Trails weave between the outcrops and heathland, and your dog will love exploring the nooks and crannies while you marvel at the views across Nidderdale.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Head to The Half Moon Inn in Fellbeck, just down the road, where muddy paws are welcome and traditional pub classics are served with a smile.
8. Farndale Daffodil Walk
Location: North York Moors National Park
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Valley paths, riverside meadows
In spring, Farndale turns into a golden carpet of wild daffodils that line the River Dove for miles. It’s an easy, family-friendly stroll with plenty of stopping points for your pup to paddle or sniff along the hedgerows. Even outside daffodil season, the rolling hills and riverside views make it a charming walk year-round.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Drop into The Feversham Arms in Church Houses, right at the heart of Farndale. It’s dog-friendly, hearty and the perfect place for a post-walk pint.
9. Bempton Cliffs
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Coastal clifftop paths
Bempton Cliffs serve up dramatic chalk cliffs and a sky full of seabirds – puffins in summer, gannets by the thousand, and plenty of salty sea air to perk up any pup. The paths are wide and well-fenced, so it’s a safe and breezy stroll where both you and your dog can take in Yorkshire’s wild coastline at its best.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: If you’re looking for a drink or meal to relax after your walk, you’ll find plenty of options in nearby Bridlington.
10. Penistone Hill Country Park
Location: West Yorkshire, near Haworth
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Open moorland, grassy trails
Right in Brontë Country, Penistone Hill Country Park is all windswept heather, wide horizons and stone paths that stretch for miles. It’s a landscape full of atmosphere, with enough space for a good run and the odd rabbit chase (best kept on lead, of course). The moorland views are stunning – especially at sunrise or sunset when the light spills across the hills.
Dog-friendly pit-stop: Head down into Haworth village afterwards and call into The Fleece Inn, where dogs are welcomed with water bowls and biscuits while you tuck into Yorkshire ales and comforting classics.
After all that fresh air and adventure, you’ll both be ready for a good night’s rest. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly cottages in Yorkshire where you and your four-legged sidekick can curl up in comfort. From cosy village boltholes to remote moorland retreats, you’re never far from another great walk right on your doorstep.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
