Aysgarth Falls to Bolton Castle

Length: 6 miles

Difficulty: Medium

If you’re looking for a longer, somewhat challenging walk to do with your dog, we recommend the Aysgarth Falls to Bolton Castle trail. Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Aysgarth Falls is a particularly popular attraction. It’s a triple flight of waterfalls, with the water cascading over three series of limestone steps. The falls are an impressive sight to behold at any time. However, when it’s been raining recently and there’s a build-up of water, the sight of the falls becomes quite spectacular.

Bolton Castle is located in Wensleydale and dates back to the 14th century. It’s a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. Mostly intact, it’s one of the best-preserved castles in the UK. It makes a great halfway marker for your walk. The Aysgarth Falls-Bolton Castle walking trail gives you the chance to see two of Yorkshire’s finest attractions – one natural and one man-made. It’s a highly recommended trail that you and your dog will no doubt find rewarding.

Gledhow Valley Woods

Length: 0.9 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Located in north Leeds, Gledhow Valley Woods is a stretch of ancient woodland and grassland. It’s a conservation area that’s home to an impressive range of flora and fauna, not to mention a number of bird species. The walk that takes you through the woods is just 0.9 miles long. It’s ideal for anyone who’s visiting Leeds and wants a pretty dog walk that’s not too taxing. A road runs through the woods, so it’s recommended you keep your canine companion on its lead. If your dog still has plenty of energy left, head to Roundhay Park. It’s just a mile away and is a great place for dogs to run around and let off some steam. 

Hawes to Hardrow Force

Length: 4.2 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Hawes is a quaint market town that’s one of the highest in the UK. It’s best known for being the birthplace of Wensleydale Cheese. Hardrow Force is a waterfall that has the single largest drop in England – roughly 100 feet. Park in Hawes and set off on the circular route that takes you to the falls and back again. You and your dog should both find it worthwhile. There’s some climbing to do, but it’s nothing too steep or demanding.

The falls are on private land. If you wish to visit them up close while on the walk, you’ll have to pay a small fee. The current charges are £4 for adults and £2 for children (5-16 years old), with under-5s going free. Dogs are allowed to visit the falls so long as you keep them under control.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Length: 2.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Kicking off our list is a particularly scenic coastal walk in eastern Yorkshire. Robin Hood’s Bay is a sleepy village with a rich fishing history that lies between Whitby and Scarborough. If you visit, you’ll have to park your car at the hilltop car park (visitors’ cars aren’t allowed in the village due to its very narrow streets). From here, you and your dog can walk a 2.7-mile route that takes you down into the village and along its beach.

The River Ouse

Length: Varies

Difficulty: Easy

The River Ouse flows through the city of York, which is known for its thriving cultural scene, impressive history and high quality of living. If you bring your dog here, head to this river and set off on a leisurely walk together. You’ll see some of the city’s many attractions along the way, and you’ll come across some public parks to rest and relax in. Whether you do a short loop or you set off on a longer walk, you and your dog should both have a great time.

Newton Dale

Length: 6 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Located in the North York Moors National Park, Newton Dale is a narrow dale formed from a glacier’s meltwater. There’s a circular 6-mile walking trail that takes you along the bottom of the valley and up into the hillside forest. As you enjoy your walk, you’ll get to take in views of stunning woodland scenery. The route starts and ends at Levisham train station, which is 8 miles north of Pickering. This is one of six stations of the North York Moors Railway, which is the UK’s busiest heritage railway. 

The trail isn’t too challenging. There are a few rather steep climbs and descents, though nothing too strenuous. So long as you and your dog can deal with a bit of steep terrain, you shouldn’t find the route taxing. As you make your way along it, you’ll have captivating forest views to take in; you should also hear the occasional sound of steam trains passing by.