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YorkMix Pet Week – 14 dog friendly walks in York and beyond

Dog-friendly walks in York and beyond! Photograph: Canva / Skyler Ewing

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There are plenty of fantastic places to take your dog for a walk in York and the surrounding areas.

From woodland, to parkland, to across hills, country lanes and alongside canals – there’s a whole host of picturesque places to take your pooch for an adventure in York.

We’ve put together 14 of the best walks for you to explore, ranging from easy to moderate going – take a look at our guide below.

All week we are shining the spotlight on our furry (and not so furry!) friends by bringing you pet stories, guides and information about our animals. Plus we are giving you a chance to win a huge prize bundle for your dog!

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14 dog-friendly walks in York and beyond

Beningbrough

Beningbrough Hall

Only a 20 minute drive from York city centre this walk is suitable for all ages. Takes in the open parkland around Beningbrough Hall, York’s country house now owned by the National Trust.

Bishop Wilton

This more challenging walk offers a chance to climb hills, explore deep dales all the time while benefiting from great countryside views. Car parking available, and dog-friendly too.

Brimham Rocks

Looking over Nidderdale from Brimham Rocks

Managed by the National Trust, Brimham Rocks is a fantastic, oversized natural playground for kids aged from 3-63. Look out for flashes of blue as kingfisher fly past, and brown trout in the waters as you walk along the river path. Featuring panoramic views across Nidderdale.

Castle Howard

Castle Howard. Photograph: Sian Nichol

With 1,000 acres of parkland to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility! This walk starts outside the courtyard to Castle Howard – which is a perfect spot for a pre walk coffee or post-walk refreshment. Look out for fantastic views of Castle Howard, The Great Lake, The Temple of the Four Winds and the Mausoleum. The Castle Howard Gardens are dog-friendly, but all dogs are to be kept on leads to protect wildlife.

Farndale

Walking in Farndale. Photograph: YorkMix

This is the famous ‘daffodil dale’. Between mid-March and mid-April the whole route is lit up by the yellow flowers, leading you to the Daffy Cafe, but it’s a lovely walk at any time of year. A great one for families too.

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey. Photograph: Dreamstime

Learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park and gain insights into 18th-century landscaping. Follow the bridleways, footpaths and roadways through this delightful estate on this dog-friendly walk.

Haworth Moor

Straddling the Pennines, this invigorating walk sweeps through the wild moorland and heather which was an inspiration for the Bronte sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne. The paths and tracks on this route provide views up to Top Withens ruins, connected locally to Emily’s famous novel Wuthering Heights and the surrounding moors. Visitors are asked to keep all dogs on a lead in the interest of farming and conservation.

Heslington

A simple walk on the edge of York which takes you out of an ancient village and back again, via Common Lane.

Kirkham Priory

A circular walk starting at the majestic ruins of Kirkham Priory next to the River Derwent. The route follows woodland and open paths through the pretty Howardian Hills before returning along the riverbank. The walk offers you and your pooch a bit of a climb to get the blood pumping, as well as the chance for a paddle and a good romp in the fields and along the path by the river. Views are plentiful amid the peace and quiet.

Pickering Castle and Newbridge

Heading though quiet lanes and pastures to the railway crossing at Newbridge before climbing into woodland and returning via Pickering Castle. Dog-friendly, the paths through woodland and pastures can get muddy.

Pocklington Canal

A fun walk along the Pocklington canal for you and your dog. Start the walk at the Melbourne Arms pub. There is a small pub car park but also parking on the street round and about. There is a well marked path to walk down to the canal.

Skelton

This walk starts in a conservation area and takes in the Church of St Giles, which is Grade I listed and dates from c1240. Tasing through the edge of the city, it returns North along the bank of the River Ouse, affording long views across Poppleton Ings.

St. Nick’s Nature Reserve

St. Nick’s Nature Reserve

Less of a walk and more of a meander, this hidden gem is less than one mile from the city centre. There is no set route, but the map in the link below shows you the paths you can explore. Perfect for a family wander.

Thixendale

A nice walk with a few steep inclines along the Wolds Way. Who wouldn’t be enchanted by views across Honey Dale?

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