The Best Walks in Yorkshire With Pubs

Enjoy a 3 mile circular walk from the pretty village of Osmotherley and enjoy the expansive views, following along fields and woodland paths. Explore the village’s rich religious past with a medieval church and 18th century Methodist chapel, leading to the impressive ruins of Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens. Osmotherley is a noted walking centre – on the Cleveland Way and at the start of the Lyke Wake Walk, with no shortage of picturesque places to rest afterwards, including three pubs, with our favourite being a stop at The Golden Lion, for a chicken kiev and Timothy Taylors, whilst enjoying village views across the Market Cross. One of our finest pub walks in North Yorkshire.

Osmotherley Holiday Cottages

Richmond is known as the ‘The Gateway to The Dales’ and recognised as one of Britain’s most beautiful market towns, with streets steeped in history. Explore the 11th Century castle, fine historic buildings, Richmond Falls and the ruins of Easby Abbey. A good walking route is to follow in the footsteps of Richmond’s legendary disappearing Drummer Boy.

After a stroll around the castle walls, walk along the riverside and past the iconic Richmond Castle, to recharge and reward yourself with a treat from one of our favourite local pubs. The Holly Hill Inn serves a range of ales and wines as well as the famous Yorkshire tipple Black Sheep Ale, not to be missed during your trip to Yorkshire.

Holiday Cottages in Richmond

Tucked away in the village of Langthwaite in Arkengarthdale the CB Inn (or Charles Bathurst Inn, to give it its full name) is always a welcoming sight after a long day exploring the ridge of Fremington Edge with fantastic views over Swaledale and Arkengarthdale before dropping down into the bustling village of Reeth.  The journey back is a gentler route down in the valley, following little Arkle Beck much of the way. Alternatively, start in Reeth and have the CB Inn as your lunch stop! The pub offers outdoor seating amongst the most picturesque surroundings as well as cosy log burning stoves for colder months, to enjoy over Sunday lunch.

Yorkshire Dales

A route of about 7.5 miles takes you along the banks of the River Cover to visit the beautiful ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, often covered in an array of wildflowers (and next to a great tea room!), and uphill to High Jervaulx Farm, where you can try the Brymor Ice Cream made onsite. The return route is through fields and woodland to drop back into East Witton, to enjoy a pit stop at The Blue Lion, which is a great spot for a drink or to try something from the vast (and upmarket) menu. The restaurant is a fairly formal affair, really for a smart dinner rather than dropping in at the end of a walk, however tables at the front are perfect to watch the world go by and in a grassy beer garden at the back mean it is also a lovely place to enjoy the sunshine.

Cottages Nearby

Reeth is a picturesque village in the heart of Swaledale, with lots of beautiful countryside to explore on this circular walk. You’ve got three options, The Black Bull, The Buck, and The Kings Arms are worth a visit, with local ales and hearty pub grub overlooking the village green.

Start at the village green in Reeth and take a track known as the Quaker Flags. It’ll lead you to the historic Quaker Foundation building, and take in the incredible views across the green fields as you head down into the valley bottom meadows. Over a series of stiles and gates, head to the tiny village of Healaugh. Follow the path that runs alongside the River Swale to Reeth Swing Bridge and take the path that bears left back into the village for a well-deserved pint.

Cottages Nearby

A major natural landmark, Aysgarth Falls is also home to one of the best pub walks in the area. 2.2-miles long, you can start this 60-90 minute stroll in the beautiful flower-covered Freeholders Wood before passing Bolton Castle, where the views across Lower Wensleydale will impress. Reach St Joseph’s Wood where the sound of crashing water will tempt you through the trees and out to the Lower Falls. It’s the perfect place to pause before you head upstream, towards the Middle Force observation area and onto the bridge that overlooks the High Falls, the most famous and dramatic part of Aysgarth Falls. You’ll end at the National Park Centre and a choice for pubs.

Head North to The Wheatsheaf Inn, a rustic cottage-style watering hole where you can enjoy real ales and pub classics. Or head South to visit The Aysgarth Falls Hotel, a beautifully traditional pub where local beers and produce rule the roost.

Cottages Nearby Aysgarth Falls

One of our top recommendations for couples is The Little Drummer Boy Cocina on Rosemary Lane. Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the heart of Richmond.

There is both a lunchtime menu for day time bookings and an evening menu, something for everyone. They have a fantastic range of tapas dishes to choose from as well as charcuterie boards. You can come for just a drink, or stay for some food and watch the world go by.

The Little Drummer Boy Cocina 

Muker is a wonderful location for walking. It prides itself on its scenery and traditional charm. The Farmers Arms in Muker is a lovely village pub nestled in Swaledale. With good food and plenty of local ales. After a walk in the Dales, an open fire will warm you up.

Masham is an attractive market town and two great dog-friendly pubs include:

• The White Bear which is attached to Theakston Brewery
• The Bay Horse which has two roaring fires. Both offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and like to source as much produce from local suppliers as possible. Photo credit @thewhitebearhotel

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Wensleydale is in a great location for exploring the Dales best attractions. Asygarth Falls and Bolton Castle are less than 2 miles away. Illustrious guests who have visited include Alf Wight (aka James Herriott) and Greta Garbo after entertaining troops at Catterick. Dogs are welcome in the bar.

Cottages in the Dales

The Golden Lion in Osmotherley offers a cosy atmosphere, with candlelit tables, old pew benches and white stone walls. This is a popular and pretty unspoilt village in the North York Moors National Park. Families and dogs are welcome at all times. Even better, Paddock View cottage is just down the road…

The Durham Ox at Crayke is a 300-year old renowned Yorkshire gastropub with flagstone floors, oak panelling and roaring fires in winter. Dogs are welcome, and its location in the pretty village of Crayke, near Thirsk and York.

The Owl at Hawnby prides itself on its fresh local ingredients. The bar is cosy with roaring fires and serving real ales. There are two dining areas, one of which is dog friendly. It’s a great walking location, as you head into the Moors from Northallerton.

Cottages in the Moors

The Carpenters Arms at Felixkirk is an award-winning pub with a seasonal menu that is low in food miles. We can recommend their great drinks menu and Yorkshire puddings! The bar is dog friendly. Photo credit thecarpentersarmsfelixkirk.com

The Fox Hole at Piercebridge is a great gastropub mixing traditional features and contemporary décor. The village is worth exploring because of its two ancient Roman sites. Dogs are allowed, and dog beers are available! 

The George and Dragon in Hudswell has won CAMRA National Pub of the Year. The village near Richmond sits just off the Coast to Coast Walk, and serves pub classics and excellent ales. 

The Black Horse Inn at Kirkby Fleetham is a cosy inn and easy to access due to the nearby A1. The menu is wide, with great Friday fish and chips. Doggies are allowed in the bar.

The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk has a Dog Hall of Fame. Nestled amidst the stunning countryside where the Durham and Yorkshire Dales meet in spectacular rural landscapes.

The Tan Hill Inn  is famously on a lonely hill high in the Yorkshire Dales. A unique and historic inn dating back to the 17th century with exposed beams, stone-flagged floor, and welcoming fire. Four-legged friends are well-catered for.