Nine Great Dog Walks Across the North East and Yorkshire
Whether you're looking to get some fresh air, wanting a new adventure or simply looking for your next dog walk on your doorstep, we have you covered
Craster to Low Newton
This walk is one of our office dog Winston’s favourites and can easily be made shorter than the stretch of six miles it covers there and back, by parking at one of the many pull-in spots which line the road between Craster and Low Newton. Following the path north you’ll have uninterrupted views of the sea and rocky shoreline before you pass the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and reach the long sweep of Embleton Bay, sandwiched between the sea and the golf course which hugs the bay. Head up the ramp at Low Newton to the pretty white-washed square and take refuge in The Ship Inn, with a cold pint. Dogs are welcome indoors as long as they are clean and well-behaved, so bear this in mind if they've been frolicking in the waves.
Staithes to Runswick Bay
The coast is always a fantastic place to walk the dog – just make sure to wrap up warm and expect a sea breeze. Start this three-mile linear walk in Staithes (you can park in the public car park) and head toward The Staithes Story heritage centre. Once you've reached the bottom of the village join the Cleveland Way and head south towards Beacon Hill. Soon you'll come to Port Mulgrave, the halfway point between the two fishing villages. As you follow the climbing and dipping path south you'll come to Runswick Bay; as you reach this point in your walk make sure to look out across at Kettleness rocks, locally known as The Crocodile Head, and see if you can make out the crocodile shape.
Simonside
Embark on a circular four and a half-mile walk around Simonside to enjoy the truly breathtaking views from the top. This walk leads you through conifer forests and heather moorlands to the top of Simonside Crags which overlook the market town of Rothbury. To start your route, follow the red waymarkers from the wooden information shelter near the Simonside Forestry Commission car park and head uphill. Once you’ve reached the top and taken in the view, it’s time to head back down over the moorland and through a rocky outcrop. Keep to the flagged path across the heather moorland and on to Dove Crag before following the path steeply downhill.
Hardcastle Crags
Just north of Hebden Bridge there are more than 15 miles of footpath to explore across the 400 acres of countryside at Hardcastle Crags, all punctuated by tumbling streams, grassy meadows and towering trees. The Railway Trail is our favourite. This three and a half-mile route starts from Gibson Mill and follows the river through woodland. Several steep sections reward you with great views along the higher slopes of the valley. When you complete the loop and return to the 19th century mill, there’s a handy café where you can recover (and water bowls in the yard too).
High Force
This popular six and a half mile route starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre is the perfect winter walk. Join the signed footpath towards Wynch Bridge then enter the woodland that runs down to the River Tees (take a slight detour here if you want to get a good view of Low Force before returning to the path and crossing the bridge). Turn right to join the Pennine Way and continue along the riverside. At the Holwick Head Bridge, follow the path left climbing towards High Force, then though juniper woodland until you reach High Force Waterfall.
Kielder Water
There’s something magical about being amongst the trees and by the water’s edge in winter and there’s no better place to enjoy a bracing walk than at Kielder Water. With more than 600 square kilometres of forest, 26 miles of shoreline and an abundance of walking routes weaving through the most stunningly beautiful countryside, it’s the perfect place for a walk with the whole the family – including the dogs. For a moderate walk of just over two miles, start at Hawkhope car park at the northern end of Kielder Water and follow the waymarkers for the Lakeside Way path, taking you onto the Belling peninsula where you’ll have fantastic views across the water. When you come to the fork, turn right and follow the anti-clockwise route around the peninsula. At the Lakeside Way turn right then immediately left to climb the rough track to North Haul Road, taking you back to the car park.
Ribblehead
Known for its three peaks (Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent) as well as the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, Ribblehead is a walker’s paradise and perfect for dogs (and their owners) looking for a challenge. There’s a number of routes you can take, but for a steady circular walk start at Ribblehead station and follow signposts to Whernside where you are met with a spectacular view of the Ribblehead Viaduct. Pass through the boulders and continue on the path and through Winterscales Farm. Once through the farm, continue on to the left, either go over the stile for a diagonal route and across the fields, or take the route to the right for a stile-free walk. Both will lead you to Winterscale Beck where the footpath branches off, passing another farm, and back to Ribblehead Viaduct. Walk beneath the viaduct, through one of the 24 arches and turn right at the boulders before making your way back to the main road.
Jesmond Dene
For those wanting to get amongst nature, but stay close to the action, Jesmond Dene is the perfect place to go. Stretching over three kilometres, this hidden haven follows the River Ouseburn between Jesmond Vale and South Gosforth, and the many criss-crossing paths and bridges are perfect to explore. There are several routes you can take, but our go-to is to enter the Dene by Armstrong Bridge, head down the bank, past Pets' Corner and along Red Walk. Following the path, you’ll soon come to the Old Mill hidden amongst the trees, before crossing over an old stone bridge which overlooks the waterfall. Continue the circular route which will bring you back to Armstrong Bridge, or head up hill on the narrow path to Paddy Freeman’s Park.
Ilkley Moor
There are plenty of trails across Ilkley Moor – our favourite though is the White Wells Moorland walk which takes you from the edge of Ilkley town to the high moor, with wide views across Ilkley and Wharfe Valley. Start the walk at Darwin Gardens car park, turning left to cross the cattle grid and then right through the gate beside Hillside Court. Take the stone steps on the right, going up the bank, passing Upper Tarn before coming to White Wells Spa Cottage. Behind the cottage continue uphill to the end of Ilkley Crags before the route levels out. Continue along the northern flank of the moor, meeting a surfaced lane which you follow until you get to a small quarry where the path steepens. Turn right and pass the grand Wells house standing behind the lake which will take you back to your starting point.
