Seven Great Dog Walks for this Week
Fancy exploring some of the region's finest dog-walking spots?
ILKLEY MOOR
For those wanting to get amongst nature, 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 Blue Plaque house. Take the stone steps on the right, going up the bank, passing Upper Tarn before coming to White Wells 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.
AYSGARTH FALL
This popular route of just over two miles starts from the village of Aysgarth, taking you through the woodland nature reserve and along a stretch of the River Ure past Aysgarth Falls. Leave the car park heading towards the visitor centre to join the pavement on your right. Cross the road and head into Freeholder’s Wood taking the signposted path to Castle Bolton. Follow the path through woodlands and on to St. Joseph’s Wood before heading down towards the river. Continue west along the banks before reaching High Aysgarth Falls waterfall. Follow your path back along the track before reaching the car park where your walk began.
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COD BECK RESERVOIR
Just north of the North York Moors, Cod Beck Reservoir is an easy and leisurely one and a half mile walk, which is perfect for a weekend stroll with the dogs. Starting from the car park, take the path which runs parallel to the road, heading towards the green gate. Head through the gate and follow the path the entire length of the reservoir until you reach the curve of the embankment. Continue along the water’s edge, walking the path along the other side of the reservoir before coming to woodland and the path which curves towards a bridge. Once over the bridge head back through the green gate where you will see the car park where your walk started.
NEWTONDALE
This six-mile circular walk allows you (and your dogs) to explore the forest tracks of Newtondale. Starting at Lewisham station car park, turn left over the level crossing following the stone track. When the path runs to a tarmac lane turn right onto a narrow bridleway and into the woodlands towards Lewisham station walk. Cross a wooden bridge and follow the winding path before going through a gate into the field. At the far side, turn left leaving the field through a further gate and continue straight. Turn left uphill at the track junction then right on the tarmac road. Follow until you reach a bridleway into the woods and follow the path straight through the forest. The path soon heads downhill. Continue until your pass a barrier, turning right to return to Lewisham station.
STAITHES AND PORT MULGRAVE
This four-mile circular walk is perfect for exploring the coast with your four-legged friends. Start at the car park in Staithes, turning right, then head down hill passing the Cod & Lobster. Now heading back up hill, at the top of the road follow the signpost for the Cleveland Way along the cliff-top path. Soon coming to a gate, continue through and into the village. Turn right along a stone track when you reach the postbox and then take a left after the final building to cross the fields. Follow the public footpath signposted towards the woods and continue downhill before crossing a bridge. Leave the wooded area after a sharp right and continue along the path, over the bridge and towards Dalehouse. Once you reach the road, turn right and up hill and then take a left onto Staithes Lane where you will return to the car park.
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ROSEBERRY TOPPING AND CAPTAIN COOK’S MONUMENT
A great place for dogs to run and play, this 7.2 mile walk has lots of open landscapes – just make sure to keep dogs close for their safety. Starting at Great Ayton village green, head through the village and along the main street before passing through a metal gate, across a railway line and up to Cliff Ridge Wood. Head through the kissing gate and turn right at the top heading towards the forest. Take the footpath to the left and follow the track which leads to Captain Cook’s Monument. Once you’ve admired the view follow the Cleveland Way north towards Roseberry Topping. Following the stone steps, climb to the top before taking the path on your left facing away from where you came from, down the side of Roseberry Topping, across the field and through the woods. Bear left onto the footpath to Cliff Ridge Wood which will lead you back to Great Ayton.
HAWTHORN TO DURHAM HERITAGE COAST
Head to Hawthorn village and park along Stockton Road. This pretty two- to three-mile circular route starts and finishes at the end of the road beside a brick bungalow, so look out for the signpost for Hawthorn Dene and follow the track. Take the path on the right through the woodland before heading left, continuing to follow the signs to Hawthorn Dene. This track takes you though the dene towards the sea where you’ll come across Hawthorn Meadows and the railway line. The footpath joins the coastal path so access the beach via the steps or before the stile at the railway, turn left and continue up some steps following the track away from the sea. You’ll head back through woodland before returning to the road where you began.
