John Devlin writes about pet travels and places to visit, and enjoys walking with his two golden retrievers.
Menagerie Wood: a magical forest adventure
Discover the enchanting Menagerie Wood near Pateley Bridge with your dogs, a hidden gem in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This 4-mile circular walk takes you through a magical woodland filled with intriguing sculptures, wildlife, and the remains of an 18th-century menagerie. The woodland paths and gentle inclines make this walk suitable for dogs of all sizes and abilities.
A Dip in the Nidd: riverside walks and picturesque pubs
The six mile walk from Conyngham Hall near to Mother Shipton’s Cave to the village of Bilton, near Knaresborough offers the chance to dip those paws and toes in the River Nidd before popping into the pub at The Gardeners Arms in Bilton where the welcoming beer garden is an excellent spot for canine pals.
Knaresborough is a pretty town with locally-run shops and excellent cafés for cake and good tea if you’ve worked up an appetite for more than a pint.
A city to city canal walk
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has a full stretch of canal towpaths which offer plenty of good places for dog walks. Leeds city centre, leafy Apperley Bridge, historic Saltaire or the Five-Rise Locks in Bingley are just some of the popular choices for a walk but it's advised to keep your dog on a lead, and the added bonus is that there is normally a pub or tea shop to pop into without taking too much of a detour.
It’s one of the busier dog walks in West Yorkshire, so be prepared to meet plenty of other dog walkers!
Rivelin Valley Park’s serene paths
Providing a great day out with your four-legged friend, Rivelin Valley Park located between Sheffield and the Peak District is an excellent, predominantly flat walk which takes in both the woods, stream and river routes.
Dogs don’t have to stay on the lead and there are plenty of places for them to run around to their delight. Start from the paddling pools at Rivelin Valley where you’ll also find a café and free parking. The gentle walking routes at this serene spot are well signposted.
Marsden Moor’s nature trails and views
Marsden Moor near Huddersfield is great for a stomp around moorland, let your dog roam free with wide open space and enjoy a nature trail walk in the Peak District. The Wessenden Valley Circular Route is a 6.5 mile route along the moor and boasts fabulous 360 degree views for pretty much all of the walk, mini waterfalls and six reservoirs to see.
Stop off for a break at The New Inn pub in Marsden for a refreshing drink for both you and your canine friend.
A Highwayman’s Route: Historic York
Follow the route that the famous highwayman Dick Turpin is said to have taken around York with his dog, Little Nell. At just 2.5 miles in length, it is the perfect stroll for smaller doggy legs. Dick Turpin’s Dog Walk starts at the historic Clifford’s Tower and heads along the fabulously named along Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate street before going past his local watering hole, The Last Drop Inn. The walk takes in sights such as York Minster and the Tower Gardens.
See the full routes at dogfriendlygetaways.com
