The Yorkshire Dales is a place where every muddy paw print is part of the welcome. At Stone House Hotel, Hawes, we often help guests plan dog-friendly walks in Hawes – something we love almost as much as our four-legged guests do. Whether you’re seeking a simple meander before breakfast, a dramatic fell hike, or an accessible stroll between business meetings, this guide highlights the best walks near Hawes for you and your dog, chosen by locals who know every style and pace of the Dales.

12 June 2026 · 10 min read

 

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Why Hawes is perfect for dog friendly holidays

There’s a reason we’re known as a top dog-friendly hotel in the Yorkshire Dales. Our countryside is spacious and full of energy. Hedgerows, open meadows, rushing becks, and sweeping moors surround Hawes and the Upper Wensleydale valley. Stone House Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales often hosts both seasoned walkers and families wanting gentle adventures. As a local, independent team, we gladly offer maps, dog towels, or even a tip on the best sandwich from the market if you’re packing a picnic.

Rest assured, most walks in Hawes start right from our doorstep or a short drive away. Many feature accessible, stile-free sections – a blessing if you’re walking with children, older relatives, or a more senior dog. You’ll also find welcoming village pubs and independent tearooms to refuel, where dogs usually get as kind a greeting as their owners.

 

Hardraw Force: Waterfall wander with dramatic views

Ask any local about an essential walk, and you’ll hear about Hardraw Force. The circular route from Hawes covers about 6.8 km, winding through rich hay meadows and peaceful enclosed pastures. Your dog can enjoy a steady trot (well-controlled dogs are specifically welcome here), while you listen for curlews and spot wildflowers in summer. The main attraction, of course, is England’s highest single-drop waterfall, hidden behind the ancient walls of the Green Dragon Inn – try to time your walk after a downpour for the loudest crash.

Paved and clear, this path suits all abilities and provides plenty of space for energetic dogs to stretch their legs. Watch out for livestock at certain times of year, and always carry a lead for the short sections through farmland. A camera is a must – this is one of the best dog friendly walks in Hawes for unforgettable photos.

Find out more about Hardraw Force here

 

Cotter Force: Accessible tranquility along the beck

If you’re looking for a truly accessible walk with your dog, Cotter Force shines. A short, flat gravel path from a layby on the A684 west of Hawes leads you directly to a secret series of woodland waterfalls. There are no stiles, barriers, or steps – just gentle riverside scenery and peace.

Because the path suits both wheelchairs and pushchairs, it’s also excellent for dogs who may need a slower stroll or are nervous in busy spaces. The shade in the woods is perfect on warmer days, and benches allow you to pause while your dog dips a paw or two in the beck’s cool edge. You might spot kingfishers or dippers if you’re quiet.

Read more about Cotter Force at Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

 

Yorkshire Dales Dog Friendly Walks Stone House Hotel Blog Image 4

 

Aysgill Force: Circular adventure with village charm

For a family walk with variety, the 6 km circuit to Aysgill Force checks every box. Head out from Hawes, passing the honey-stone cottages of Gayle village, and follow Gayle Beck upstream. This riverside stretch is a haven for happy sniffing and scampering.

Your destination, Aysgill Force, is a striking 12-metre waterfall tucked into a wooded cleft – a spectacular spot for a picnic or just a breather before you wander back. This route offers simple navigation and relaxed gradients, and you’ll pass local sheep and perhaps meet other dog lovers along the way. Stone House Hotel, North Yorkshire, is happy to share a hand-drawn map for this less-travelled gem if you ask at reception.

Read more about Aysgill Force

 

Great Shunner Fell: Challenge and reward on the Pennine Way

Experienced walkers or those with energetic dogs will love tackling Great Shunner Fell. Starting in Hawes or the nearby Hardraw hamlet, this moderate fell walk follows part of the Pennine Way. The route winds up open moorland to one of Yorkshire’s grandest viewpoints.

Keeping your dog on a lead around grazing livestock is essential, but there are long stretches of open terrain for off-lead walking where the land allows. From the summit cairn, you’ll see deep into Wensleydale and over to distant peaks, making this one of the best walks near Hawes for rewarding views. Dress for quick-changing weather, even on a bright morning.

Read more about Great Shunner Fell at Oscar & Hooch

 

Gayle Beck Walk: Gentle riversides and open space

Looking for an easy stroll you can fit in before supper at Stone House Hotel? The Gayle Beck Walk is a favourite for guests wanting something relaxed but still scenic. Start near the centre of Hawes and amble beside the gentle waters of Gayle Beck, looping through the little village of Gayle and back.

You’ll find grassy banks perfect for a quick paddle or stick-chase and enough benches and low stone walls to take a break as needed. This route is especially popular if your dog prefers a steady, flat path rather than hills.

Read more about Gayle Beck Walk

 

 

Hawes Circular Walk: Exploring the Dales in all its glory

For a full day’s adventure, nothing beats the Hawes Circular Walk. This 11-mile loop gives you a taste of everything: riverside paths, panoramic meadows, farm tracks, and classic village life. It’s a dog-friendly route, ideal for anyone wanting to see the very best of Upper Wensleydale in a single day.

Pack water, snacks, and spare leads for your dog if you tackle the full loop. The landscape changes every mile, so there’s mental and physical enrichment for you and your pet. There are also several places to cut the walk short if you decide to slow down or explore a particular stretch more thoroughly. It’s routes like this that make Stone House Hotel, Yorkshire Dales, a great base for walking groups and active holidays.

Read more about Hawes Circular Walk at Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

 

Dodd Fell: Moorland freedom and open skies

For those who love wide-open spaces with few boundaries, the moorland around Dodd Fell is exhilarating. This is open access land just above Hawes, so confident dogs (and owners) can roam off-lead with little interruption. The heather and wild grass underfoot, plus the big sky views and hush of the moors, offer something special – especially if your dog loves a good tumble.

There are several informal paths to choose from, so you can create a walk to suit your own time and energy. On a bright, clear afternoon, this is simply a lovely spot to share a snack with your walking buddy, away from crowds and roads.

Read more about Dodd Fell at Dog Park Near Me

 

Aysgarth Falls: Easy woodland paths and waterfalls

A short drive east from Hawes brings you to Aysgarth Falls, a series of broad, dramatic cascades set in leafy woodland. Here, several short and straightforward paths let you pick different sections of the river. All are flat, mostly stile-free, and well-marked, so it’s ideal for families or those preferring a gentler pace.

Benches tucked beneath the trees make perfect resting points. As a practical bonus, there’s often an ice-cream van parked near the main car park in warmer months, and village cafes are right nearby. Dogs seem to relish the cool spray and woodland scents.

Read more about Aysgarth Falls at Oscar & Hooch

 

Wensleydale Valley Walks: Your own adventure awaits

If you’d rather make your own path, Hawes is ringed by quiet footpaths and permissive trails along the length of the Wensleydale valley. Start at Burtersett, Bainbridge, or Askrigg for different perspectives, or simply ask the team at Stone House Hotel for an “off the beaten track” walk that matches your dog’s pace.

Wensleydale’s valley walks often feature less livestock than the uplands and offer huge skies, gentle gradients, and peaceful riverbanks. We recommend a woolly hat out of season – this part of Yorkshire carries its own weather.

Read more about Wensleydale Valley Walks at Dog Park Near Me

 

Yorkshire Dales Dog Friendly Walks Stone House Hotel Blog Image 2

 

Practical tips for walking with dogs in Hawes and the Dales

  • Always carry a lead. Many routes cross farmland, and sheep or cattle may be present even if you cannot see them from a distance.
  • Leave gates as you find them. If you’re walking before sunrise or after sunset, ensure you can be seen. The Dales grow dark fast, and not all paths have streetlighting.
  • Check the weather. Hawes is beautiful but can be brisk and changeable, especially in autumn and winter. Always bring an extra layer and water for your dog, even on short walks.
  • Bag up waste. Dog bins are provided in Hawes village and at major sites like Aysgarth Falls; please use them.
  • Pack snacks. Dogs (and their humans) will appreciate a treat after a good walk, and cafés in Hawes tend to welcome muddy boots and wagging tails.

 

Stone House Hotel: The best base for dog lovers

As a proud dog friendly hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, we offer warm, flexible hospitality for guests and canines alike. Our drying room welcomes muddy boots and paws. Many of our rooms cater to dogs, and we can suggest routes tailored to your needs – whether that’s a quiet spot for reflection after work or the best stick-chasing field for an energetic spaniel.

We also cater to business travellers who want to break up a remote-work day with a healthy walk. Just ask at reception, and we’ll point you to the best short loop, mapped directly from Stone House Hotel. Our lounge is always set for a restorative cuppa (and, often, dog biscuits behind the bar).

Ready to explore? Book your countryside escape at Stone House Hotel and discover the best dog friendly walks in Hawes – tailored by locals who truly care.

 

Frequently asked questions about dog walking in the Yorkshire Dales

Are dogs allowed off-lead on Hawes walks?

On open access moorland like Dodd Fell, well-behaved dogs can often roam off-lead, but you must keep your dog under close control and always put the lead on when livestock are present. Most riverside and valley walks require leads in fields for safety and courtesy.

Where can I find dog-friendly pubs or cafes in Hawes?

Many pubs around Hawes and within local villages, including those near Hardraw and Gayle, are dog-friendly. Water bowls and treats are common, and most venues welcome dogs in their bar areas. The team at Stone House Hotel can recommend specific options during your stay.

What facilities does Stone House Hotel offer for dogs?

We provide dog-friendly rooms with outside access, towels for muddy paws, and advice on local pet services. Maps and route suggestions are available for all fitness and energy levels, and dogs are welcome in our lounge and garden areas.

Are any walks suitable for dogs with mobility issues?

The Cotter Force walk is particularly suitable, as it is stile-free, flat, and accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. Aysgarth Falls also offers several short, easy paths with benches.

How can I plan my walk to avoid livestock and busy roads?

The Wensleydale valley paths and riverside routes near Hawes pass through more open, livestock-free land than the high fells. Early mornings or weekdays tend to be quieter. Staff at Stone House Hotel, Yorkshire Dales, can guide you to peaceful trails that suit your timings and preferences.