The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in North York Moors National Park

There are over 80 dog-friendly hiking trails in North York Moors National Park, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. You'll find a wide range of options from easy strolls to more challenging routes.

The North York Moors offer a diverse landscape for dog-friendly hikes. You can expect sweeping heather moorlands, deep, lush valleys (dales), ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastal paths. Trails vary from well-maintained paths to more rugged moorland tracks.

Yes, the North York Moors National Park provides a good mix of difficulties. Approximately 30 routes are considered easy, 44 are moderate, and 6 are more difficult, ensuring there's something suitable for every dog and owner's fitness level.

The dog-friendly trails in North York Moors National Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning scenery, varied terrain, and the sense of tranquility found on these routes.

Yes, the park is home to picturesque waterfalls. For example, you can find routes that lead to Mallyan Spout Waterfall, often accessible via woodland trails, providing a beautiful natural feature for you and your dog to enjoy.

Absolutely. The North York Moors National Park boasts 26 miles of dramatic Jurassic-era coastline. Many dog-friendly trails offer stunning sea views, passing towering cliffs, sheltered coves, and sandy beaches. Sections of the Cleveland Way National Trail are particularly good for coastal walks.

Yes, several iconic landmarks and viewpoints are accessible. You could explore routes near Roseberry Topping Summit, known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn,' or discover the magnificent The Wainstones sandstone crags. These offer fantastic views and unique geological features.

Many of the dog-friendly trails in the North York Moors are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Swainby and Cleveland Way Circular, which offers a moderate loop through varied landscapes.

Good starting points often include popular villages and car parks within the park. For example, you could begin a moderate hike like View from Beacon Hill Summit – Scarth Wood Moor loop from Osmotherley from Osmotherley, or explore routes from Cod Beck Reservoir, such as Upper Oakdale Reservoir – View from Beacon Hill Summit loop.

While this guide focuses on day hikes, the North York Moors National Park is home to long-distance paths like the Cleveland Way. Sections of this trail are dog-friendly and can be broken down into shorter, manageable day walks, offering extensive coastal and moorland scenery.

For a great woodland experience with your dog, consider the Dalby Forest and The Bridestones Trail. This moderate route takes you through the extensive forests of Dalby, offering shade and varied paths for an enjoyable walk.

When walking on the moorlands, especially during nesting season (March to July), it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds. Also, be aware of livestock and follow the Countryside Code. The heather can be dense, so check your dog for ticks after your walk.