A Paw-fect Weekend: Things to Do in North Yorkshire with Dogs Around Akebar

Scenic Walks and Dog Friendly Adventures

Bringing your dog to Akebar Park means you’re perfectly placed to enjoy some of the most picturesque and dog-friendly walking routes in the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you’re looking to set off straight from your holiday home or hop in the car for a short scenic drive, there are plenty of adventures to enjoy together, ranging from riverside rambles to woodland wanders and historic trails.

Walks from Akebar Park

If you’d prefer not to drive, you can start exploring right from the park. A popular walking route begins on the west side of Akebar Park, where a public footpath follows the gentle stream towards the charming village of Finghall.

From there, you can continue on towards Thornton Steward reservoir for tranquil water views, head to Constable Burton with its pretty village green, or even wind your way down to the peaceful banks of the River Cover for a calm, shaded riverside stroll.

Walks in Coverdale

Just a stone’s throw from Akebar Park, Coverdale is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most peaceful and picturesque valleys, an unspoilt gem filled with heather-clad moorland, winding country lanes, and sweeping views of Pen Hill.

This lesser-known dale is perfect for walkers seeking tranquillity and stunning scenery away from the busier tourist routes. A great circular walk begins in the village of Carlton, where you can follow footpaths along the valley floor before climbing gently up towards West Scrafton, passing dry stone walls, sheep-dotted hills, and traditional farmsteads along the way.

For more of a challenge, extend your route to the summit of Pen Hill for panoramic views across Wensleydale and beyond. It’s an ideal day out for both seasoned walkers and four-legged companions who love a good stretch in open countryside.

Walks in Wensleydale

Wensleydale, one of the most iconic and accessible dales in Yorkshire, lies right on Akebar Park’s doorstep. Known for its lush green meadows, winding rivers, and charming stone villages, it offers a wide variety of walking routes suitable for all abilities.

A lovely circular walk starts from the market town of Leyburn. This takes you along The Shawl, a dramatic limestone edge with breathtaking views over the dale—before looping down towards the River Ure and across to the pretty hamlet of Wensley.

For those looking to go further, you can continue to Redmire or link up with the footpaths around Bolton Castle and the stunning Bolton Hall estate. With its mix of riverside paths, open fields, and gentle hills, Wensleydale is a walker’s paradise, and your dog will love every moment of it.

Walks in Swaledale

Swaledale, just a short drive from Akebar Park, is a wild and rugged corner of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its dramatic scenery, flower-rich meadows, and winding drystone walls. This dale feels beautifully remote and untouched, making it a perfect destination for walkers seeking a more adventurous day out.

One rewarding route begins in the village of Reeth, where you can follow the river Swale upstream through a landscape dotted with old lead mining ruins and sheep-grazed pastures.

Continue towards the peaceful hamlet of Healaugh or extend the loop to take in Fremington Edge for stunning panoramic views across the dale. With its mix of riverside trails, hillside climbs, and picture-postcard villages, Swaledale offers a wilder walking experience that’s sure to get tails wagging.