North England Dog Friendly Walks
North England
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Cheshire
Northwich Community Woodlands, Anderton - There are circular routes to make a walk that can last over 2 hours. It is possible to walk along the river and view the Anderton Boat Lift (fairly steep hill up to Pay and Display car park at Anderton). On the whole this is a nicely enclosed area and any animals are in very secure fields so no worry about them being chased. Need to watch out for the occasional cyclist and horse rider. Access to canal towpath at one point to prolong walk further. Possibility of a paddle at "Lesley's Leap
Tatton Park, Knutsford - Over 1000 acres of deer park set within National Trust property. Tea room near to the Mansion. Two meres on the Estate, so ample opportunities for a little swim. Need to be aware that there are sheep and deer roaming free so not suitable if you have a budding contestant for One Man and His Dog. Please note that to take a car into the park is £4.20, including National Trust members.
Snidley Moor - Near:Frodsham, Cheshire. Size: 54.12 ha (133.73 acres). Grid ref:SJ512752. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 117, Explorer 267. Sited on a prominent sandstone escarpment in northwest Cheshire, these undulating woods offer far-reaching views from the Welsh borders to the western Pennines and the Bowland Fells. There is a rich history to be discovered here. At the summit of Woodhouse Hill the remains of an Iron Age fort can be made out, now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and Snidley Moor’s surviving patches of heather and bilberry suggest a long history of being grazed heath with woodland. Over 3km of footpaths, including a section of the Sandstone Trail, cross and link the sites which form the second largest continuous block of broadleaved woodland in Cheshire. This is a Woodlands Trust Walk.
Delamere Forest Park - Linmere, Northwich, and Delamere are the nearest towns or villages. Situated approximately 10 miles from the outskirts of Chester and close to the M56. The forest park is well sign posted from the A54, A556 and B5152. OS Grid Reference: SJ546712. Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a place for families to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest. Delamere offers great walking and cycling along with a cafe and Information centre as well as a learning programme for schools visiting the forest. For the more adventurous there is a fantastic Go Ape high ropes trail. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Primrose Hill - Delamere Northwich Chester is the nearest town or village. By Road - From the A556 into Kelsall turn south down minor road beside the pub called "The Farmers Arms". Follow the road round to the entrance to the forest where you may park. OS Grid Reference: SJ545676. Primrose Hill is located on a hill and contrary to its name is not home to primroses. However the views are excellent and the larch and pine trees are especially enjoyable in the Autumn. The forest is great for walking including the Sandstone Trail which is waymarked. In addition to walking Urchins Kitchen is well worth visiting. The Urchins Kitchen is a sandstone gorge. This is a Forestry Commission Walk
Co. Durham
Black Plantation - Near: Lanchester, Durham. Size:13.83 ha (34.17 acres). Grid ref:NZ136449. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 88, Explorer 307. No public rights of way exist within the wood and access to the site is provided by a network of permissive paths that create a circular route through the wood from two pedestrian entrances located off the B6296. Being location away from any town or village, the wood receives few visitors. This is a woodland trust walk.
Spurlswood Valley Walk, Hamsterley Forest - Spurlswood Valley Walk can be started from Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre in Hamsterley. Hamsterley, Witton-le Wear, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, and Durham are the nearest towns or villages. Turn right in Hamsterley village following the brown tourist signs, turn left in hamlet of Bedburn to enter the forest and access the forest drive and car parks (£3 toll fee). OS Grid Reference: NZ066298. The trail starts from the Grove Car Park, approximately 1.5 miles beyond the Visitor Centre on the Forest Drive. This enjoyable walk has several features of interest, offering scenic views of forest valleys. From the car park this walk follows a forest road for a short distance. It then branches left onto a quieter road. Along this section you will see many large wood ant nests. On leaving here the path winds to the head of Whiskey Gill before skirting an abandoned half cut mill stone. Now the path descends to Blackling Hole, a waterfall beneath the access bridge to a forest car park. The route returns to the Grove on another elevated track above the beck and the forest drive, on the opposite side of the valley. Follow the red markers. Length of trail:4.5 miles. Approximate time of trail:2.5 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Cumbria
Loweswater, Lake District - Brilliant views down onto this quiet and peaceful lake. The view extends from the Solway Coast and Scottish hills to the north right around to the Vale of Lorton and heights of Grasmoor and Robinson, Crummock Water with Buttermere and the high fells beyond. A medium walk, but with plenty of interesting scenery. This is a peaceful walk in the northern Lakes, away from the tourists and is definitely off-the-beaten track. The Kirkstile Inn is a pleasant watering-hole where dogs are welcome except from 6pm to 10pm.
Brought-in-Furness (Just off the A595) - Parking at the village square in the village of Broughton-in-Furness follow the signposts to the Public toilets. You can then follow the track down to a 9 mile trail of an old disused railway.line that has been resurfaced for walkers.
Hadrians Wall Trail - 84 miles of signposted trail from east to west coast between Wallsend in the East and Bowness-on-Solway in the West. There are still parts of the original wall along the route.
Hodbarrow Lake Nature Reserve, Haverigg - This beautiful walk takes you along the outer barrier of the lagoon with the estuary to your right, then follow the tracks and quiet roads around the edge of the lagoon, back to your starting point (aprox 3 1/5 mile walk)
St Bees Beach, Near Whitehaven - Follow signs for St Bees from the main A595 road. The beach is to the west of the village and is 3 miles from Whitehaven and Egremont. St Bees is one of Cumbria’s most popular beaches. It’s a great family beach which welcomes dogs too. Like Camber Sands, at high tide there’s a long sandy beach, but far less at low tide. And to take a dog for a walk of epic proportions, simply join the famous Coast to Coast Walk which stretches from St Bees on the west coast of England to Robin Hoods Bay on the east coast.
Valley of Eskdale - From the car park at Dalegarth, turn left and follow the road, then take the first right opposite brook House Inn & Restaurant. follow the walled track, past the church until it reaches the river Esk. Follow the river over the footbridge, then second left into the woodland. Follow the path, passing through Low Birker and on to Doctor Bridge where you cross back over the river Esk. Follow the river downstream until joining up with the original track, then follow back to the car park.
Miltonrigg Woods - Near:Brampton, Cumbria. Size:63.36 ha (156.57 acres). Grid ref:NY559612. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 86, Explorer 315. Just a few miles south of historic Hadrian's Wall is a landmark of Nature's making – Miltonrigg Wood, an outstanding feature of the Cumbrian landscape. A network of paths lead you through this peaceful ancient woodland. The wood is accessible for all abilities and includes a surfaced route, which is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with buggies. This is a woodland trust walk.
Bogle Crag, Grizedale Forest Park - Bogle Crag can be started from Bogle Crag in Grizedale Forest Park. Hawkshead is the nearest town or village. From Grizedale Visitor Centre head south on the minor road to Satterthwaite. First turning on the left about 1 mile south of the Visitor Centre. OS Grid Reference: SD336944. Look out for the ancient beech trees and some of the most famous sculptures such as Andy Goldsworthy's "Taking a wall for a walk". Pitsteads and a potash pit bring back the past when the oakwoods were used extensively for iron smelting. Follow the Lilac Markers. Length of trail:3 miles. Approximate time of trail: 1.5 to 2.5 Hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk
Comb Forest Trail, Whinlatter Forest Park - Comb Forest Trail can be started from in Whinlatter Forest Park. Keswick is the nearest town or village. Road:- From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts. OS Grid Reference: NY209245. An enjoyable walk with superb views overlooking Keswick. Welcome to Whinlatter Forest Park, England's only true Mountain Forest. Rising to 790 metres above sea level Whinlatter Forest Park offers spectacular views of the Lake District and into Scotland. Follow the Red Markers. Length of trail:1.75 miles. Approximate time of trail: 1hr. This is a forestry Commission Walk.
Lancashire
Formby Beach - Parking is available at the National Trust Formby Point Estate car park. There is a sandy beach with sand dunes to be explored as well as a network of footpaths through fields and woodland. Dogs must be kept on the lead through the national trust woodlands where there are many red squirrels to be seen.
Hollingworth Lake - Rochdale - Hollingworth Lake is high in the penine hills above Littleborough with spectacular views over the hills around Rochdale. Built to supply water to the nearby Rochdale Canal, the Lake has been used for recreation since Victorian times, when it was known as The Weavers Seaport. Park in the Country park and follow the paths around the Lake, ending up back at the cafe, or stop off at the pubs and restaurants along the way.
Gisburn Forest - Slaidburn, Clitheroa, Blackburn, Wigglesworth, and Skipton are the nearest towns or villages. By road from Lancaster - Minor road to Abbeystead and Newton south. At Newton B6478 north. OS Grid Reference: SD749576. Located in the North East corner of Lancashire and within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All year round, Gisburn Forest offers different experiences for different people. Explore on foot, on horseback, by bike. Find popular trails and quiet glades. Enjoy a walk alongside Stocks Reservoir or up into the forest or try our two funky forest bike trails, the choice is yours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Northumberland
Location: Bellingham NE48. A beautiful stroll along wooded Hareshaw Dene to see Hareshaw Linn, a spectacular 30-foot waterfall. The Walk takes you over 5 bridges and is one of my favourite shorter walks in Northumberland. Wonderful views and a vmagical ambience. It is an ideal walk to do in the morning or early evening in all weathers.
Type of walk: Woodland. Walk Grade: Easy. Distance: 2.5miles. Parking Available: Yes
Thanks to Lynda for suppling the walk details!!!
Hadrians Wall Trail - 84 miles of signposted trail from east to west coast between Wallsend in the East and Bowness-on-Solway in the West. There are still parts of the original wall along the route.
Reivers Trail, Kielder Forest - Reivers Trail can be started from Sidwood in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Greenhaugh Village is the nearest town or village. Greenhaugh lies north west of Bellingham. Once in Greenhaugh travel north through the village and continue for a couple of miles following signs to Sidwood picnic and parking place. OS Grid Reference: NY776891. This fascinating trail takes you back in time to the turbulent days of the Border raiders of Reivers.There are two routes, the longer route passing five bastles, with each bastle having a description board. The shorter route takes in only three bastles. Follow the Red Markers. Length of trail:2.5 or 4 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour or 2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk
Woodland Walk, Hepburn Forest - Woodland Walk can be started from Hepburn Car Park in Hepburn which is part of Rothbury. Chatton is the nearest town or village. Take the Alnwick road to Chatton. OS Grid Reference: NU073248. Gentle walk through the Wood on forest roads. Points of interest: Replica of a stone-lined grave (cist).Weapons and personal belongings were buried alongside the dead in such graves 4000 years ago. Follow the green Markers. Length of trail:2.5 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Crag Top Walk, Thrunton Wood - Crag Top Walk Thrunton Wood can be started from Thrunton Wood Car Park in Thrunton which is part of Rothbury. Thrunton and Rothbury are the nearest towns or villages. Follow Brown Tourist Information signs off the A697, just north of the intersection with the B6341 Rothbury to Alnwick road. OS Grid Reference: NU 085 097. The Crag Top Walk (way-markded green trail) is ideal if you only require a short walk to stretch your legs or to walk the dog. This trail includes resting places with picturesque views of Whittingham and beyond. The melodious sound of woodland birdsong can be heard in summer and often roe deer can be spotted amongst the trees. Follow the Green Markers. Length of trail:2 miles. Approximate time of trail:45 minutes. This is a Forestry Commmission Walk.
Yorkshire
Carleton Moor and the Penine Way - Start by the stream up Catlow Gill on to Tow Top Moor joining the Pennine Way to the Beacon at Pinhaw. Then descend to Elslack Reservoir and rejoin the Pennine Way to Elslack Bridge, Elslack Hall and Elslack. Continue with views across to the hills surrounding Settle , Malham and Bolton Abbey back to Carleton. (A Map is recomended for this walk.)
Danes Dyke - Follow signs for Danes Dyke. One mile to the west of Flamborough village on the B1255 from Bridlington. Over on the east coast, dogs should follow their noses to Danes Dyke beach, a small dog-friendly beach, located between Bridlington and Flamborough Head in an area which was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2002. It is a mixture of sand and pebbles and has the feel of a well hidden beach. The beach is reached by taking a pleasant five-minute stroll along a nature trail through woodland.
Sutton Bank, North York Moors - Starting from the Sutton Bank National Park centre, follow the paths past the Kilburn White Horse through woodland and grassy areas, with fantastic views of the Vale of York and Lake Gormire. A map is useful for walking in this area. You may need to keep your dog on the lead for part of the walk as there are steep drops to the side of the paths.
Coatham Woods, Stockton on Tees, North Yorkshire - Activity trail and woodland walk. As well as normal footpaths through the woods there is an activity trail that can be followed consisting of tunnels, weaves, log walk, hurdles, water splash and other obstacles. The Kennel Club and Forestry Commission teamed up to create a trail that is great fun for dogs and owners alike.
Dalby Beck Walk, Dalby Forest - Dalby Beck Walk (Yellow) can be started from Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop in Dalby Forest. Thornton-le-Dale is the nearest town or village. Follow directions for Dalby Forest given on the Dalby Forest page. The Visitor Centre is located approximately one and a half miles from the entrance to the forest. OS Grid Reference: SE 857875. A walk climbing briefly out of the Dalby Valley into the surrounding forest to give views over Dalby Dale before joining with the 'red' walk to continue on to Ellerburn Pond. The route is on a mixture of forest roads, stone path and compacted soil that can be slippery in wet weather. Follow the Yellow Markers. Length of trail:Three miles. Approximate time of trail: Two hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Falling Foss Walk, Sneaton Forest - Whitby is the nearest town or village. By car or cycle. From Whitby follow the B1416 south crossing the River Esk at Ruswarp follow the roads for about three miles until it turns sharply left (east). There are signs saying May Beck and Byway to Falling Foss. Sneaton Forest is a true mixture of new and old. The larger part of the forest to the south is principally a conifer plantation of the 1960's while the northern area is chiefly old broadleaved woodland among steep valleys. Main interest lies in the old woodland, Falling Foss (a spectacular waterfall after rain), The Hermitage ( a huge boulder hollowed out to form a shelter in the 1700's) and Maybeck Picnic Place. Follow the Red Markers. Length of trail:One or Three miles. Approximate time of trail:45 minutes or two hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
White Walk, Guisborough Forest - White Walk can be started from Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre in Guisborough Forest. Guisborough is the nearest town or village. The entrance to the visitor centre is about 300 metres along the A173 for its junction with the A171 just west of Guisborough. The entrance is signed. OS Grid Reference: NZ 586152. A 2 1/2 hour circular trail starting from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre at Pinchinthorpe. The walk includes a moderate steep climb and takes in forestry and farmland. It goes past the Hanging stone, from which a small detour gives rewarding views over Teeside and the Coast. It also goes past the recently restored Blue Lake which used to store the water to pump hydraulic machinery at Home Farm. Follow the White Markers. Length of trail:3 3/4 miles miles. Approximate time of trail:2 1/2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Wombwell Woods - Wombwell is the nearest town or village. From Wombwell High Street take B6096 Hough Lane, west towards Jump. At the roundabout take the third exit towards the M1, then at the second roundabout third exit onto Woodhead Lane. The car park can be found on the second turning about 300 metres on your right. OS Grid Reference: SE 376 020. This wonderful ancient semi-natural broadleaf woodland provides ideal habitat for a huge variety of wildlife species. Visitors are free to wander the many paths that criss-cross throughout the woods, or visit the newly opened Upper Woodhead area, a summer home for numerous butterfly species and birds such as swifts, swallows, skylarks, pipets, and wheatears. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Kiveton Community Woodland - Kiveton is the nearest town or village. From M1 take junction 31 and turn onto A57 (Sheffield). At first roundabout turn left (signposted Wales), follow road up until left turn signposted Kiveton Park. Follow road along to railway station at Kiveton Bridge, turn right along Colliery Road. OS Grid Reference: SK 490 827. Kiveton is a site of remarkable diversity. The flat area close to the Colliery Road entrace, which includes the amphitheatre, offers a scenic space for community events and informal play. The adjoining fishing ponds are a magnet for wildlife as well as fishermen. As you cross the bridge and head up the zig zag path to the view point you enter a wilder area where nature thrives. The paths on this part of the site take in both mature and new woodland, natural grassland and diverse wetland. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Blue Trail, Brodsworth Community Woodland - Blue Trail can be started from Long Lands Lane entrance in Brodsworth Community Woodland. Woodlands and Doncaster are the nearest towns or villages. Follow the A638 (Great Northern Road) away from Doncaster through Woodlands, after the shops you will go straight through one set of lights. Take next left onto Long Lands Lane. Follow road round a sharp bend to the right and take third road on your left, follow to the main car park (if you get to Markem Grange Nursey you have passed the site entrance). OS Grid Reference: SE 526 078. The Blue trail follows a path around the perimeter of the site. Passing two sets of metal mushroom sculptures, carved wood stools and several picnic benches. Look out for the view posts on this walk, just look through the eyes! Follow the Blue Markers. Length of trail:2.0 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 Hour. This is a Forestry Commission Walk