Whether you prefer lakeside strolls, riverside routes, or peaceful parklands, West Yorkshire offers plenty of opportunities to explore with your canine companion.
But sometimes it can be difficult to find a walk that not only welcomes dogs, but has space for them to play off-lead and socialise with other pups—perhaps even with a dog-friendly cafe to grab a coffee after.
In this guide, you’ll find a mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging walking routes, as well as dog-friendly amenities like cafes, pubs, and places to park and picnic. So grab your lead, pack some treats, and discover the best places to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog in West Yorkshire:
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park
- Harewood House
- Ilkley Moor
- Roundhay Park
- Bolton Abbey
- St. Ives Estate
- Chellow Dene Reservoir
- Anglers Country Park
- Shibden Park
- Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve
- Goit Stock Waterfall
- Pugney’s Country Park
- Ogden Water Country Park
- Scammonden Reservoir
1. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
📍 Location: Wakefield, WF4 4LG
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 2 to 3 miles (depending on route)
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a must-visit for any dog owner. Set in 500 acres of countryside, it’s home to a mix of stunning sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, all set within beautifully landscaped grounds. Your pup will love exploring the open fields, woodlands, and picturesque lakeside views.
Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the park, and there are plenty of shaded spots to rest while you take in the art. The café here is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a post-walk coffee and a doggie treat.
2. Harewood House, Leeds
📍 Location: Leeds, LS17 9LG
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 2.5 to 3 miles (depending on route)
Harewood House is a stunning stately home surrounded by 100 acres of beautiful grounds, including formal gardens, woodlands, and lakes.
While your dog won’t be allowed inside the house, the grounds are perfect for an afternoon of exploration. There’s a variety of paths and trails to follow, so your dog can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
Harewood also boasts a dog-friendly café where you can relax with your pup after a walk. With its mix of history, nature, and dog-friendly spots, Harewood House is ideal for a fun and relaxed day out.
3. Ilkley Moor, Ilkley
📍 Location: Ilkley, LS29 8BT
🚶♂️Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
🌳 Distance: 4 to 6 miles (depending on route)
If your dog loves a good adventure, head to Ilkley Moor, one of the most iconic walking spots in West Yorkshire.
Known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, Ilkley Moor offers numerous walking trails, perfect for energetic pups who love to explore. The paths can be rocky, so it’s best suited for dogs with a bit of stamina.
The moor is home to the famous Cow and Calf Rocks, and there are plenty of scenic spots to stop and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll also find some dog-friendly pubs around Ilkley, so you can treat your dog (and yourself) to a well-deserved break after your hike.
4. Roundhay Park, Leeds
📍 Location: Leeds, LS8 2HH
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy
🌳 Distance: 1 to 2 miles (depending on route)
Roundhay Park in Leeds is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, and it’s absolutely perfect for a day out with your dog.
The park spans 700 acres, offering a variety of walking paths, lakeside trails, and woodlands for your dog to explore. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a more energetic walk.
Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the park, and you’ll also find plenty of open spaces where your dog can run off-lead and play fetch.
Roundhay Park is home to Tropical World, which has a café where dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area. There’s also a great dog-friendly Leeds café, The Gardeners Arms, just a short walk from the park.
5. Bolton Abbey, Skipton
📍 Location: Skipton, BD23 6EX
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 2 to 5 miles (depending on route)
Bolton Abbey, located in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, is a popular spot for dog owners looking to enjoy a peaceful day out with their pets. The area is home to over 30 miles of dog-friendly walking trails, including riverside paths, woodland walks, and the famous Bolton Abbey ruins.
Dogs are allowed on leads throughout the grounds, and there’s even a dedicated dog-friendly beach by the river where your pup can cool off.
After your walk, you can stop by one of the dog-friendly cafés in Skipton, or even head to the Devonshire Arms, a dog-friendly pub nearby that’s perfect for a relaxed lunch with your dog.
6. St Ives Estate, Bingley
📍 Location: Bingley, BD16 1AU
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 2 to 3 miles (depending on route)
St Ives Estate is a stunning location for a dog walk, offering miles of woodland trails, open meadows, and ponds to explore. The estate is an old country house surrounded by 550 acres of woodland and parkland, providing a tranquil and peaceful environment for both you and your dog.
The trails are well-marked, with routes suitable for all levels of walkers, so your dog can enjoy the natural surroundings without having to exert too much energy.
Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the estate, and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for a relaxed walk.
After your walk, head to the St Ives Café, which is dog-friendly and offers a range of delicious snacks and drinks for you and your pup.
7. Chellow Dene Reservoir, Bradford
📍 Location: Bradford, BD15 7DF
🚶♂️Difficulty: Easy
🌳 Distance: 1.5 miles
The Chellow Dene Reservoirs offer a peaceful and scenic walk around two reservoirs in Bradford. The walk is relatively easy, making it ideal for older dogs or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Dogs should be kept on leads near the water, but there are plenty of places for them to roam freely in the surrounding woodland areas. After the walk, head into the nearby village of Saltaire for a dog-friendly bite to eat or a coffee at one of the local cafés.
8. Anglers Country Park, Wakefield
📍 Location: Wakefield, WF4 2AB
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy
🌳 Distance: 2.5 miles
In Wakefield, Anglers Country Park is an excellent destination for dog walkers looking for an easy, accessible stroll.
The circular route around the reservoir is around 2.5 miles, making it a great option for a gentle walk with your dog. The path is well-maintained, flat, and easy to follow, making it ideal for dogs of all ages.
Anglers Country Park is particularly well-suited for dogs who love water, as the reservoir provides the perfect opportunity for your dog to paddle or swim (on a hot day, this is a great way for them to cool down).
In addition to the lake, there are plenty of woodland areas for your dog to sniff around in. There’s also a dog-friendly café nearby where you can grab a bite to eat after your walk.
9. Shibden Park, Halifax
📍 Location: Halifax, HX3 9XQ
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 1.5 miles
Shibden Park in Halifax offers a wonderful setting for a dog-friendly walk. The park has something for everyone, from woodland trails to open fields and a picturesque lake.
The walk around the lake is relatively short, about 1.5 miles, but if you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can explore the woodland paths that surround the park.
Shibden Park is particularly appealing to dogs who enjoy a variety of environments. There are open spaces for running, woodlands for sniffing, and the lake provides a serene spot where dogs can cool off. Shibden Hall, which is located within the park, adds a historical touch to the experience.
After your walk, relax at the dog-friendly café in the park, where your pup can enjoy a well-deserved treat.
🐾 Read more: Best Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels in West Yorkshire
10. Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, Huddersfield
📍 Location: Huddersfield, HD6 4JJ
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Moderate
🌳 Distance: 1.5 miles
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve in Brighouse is a hidden gem that offers a serene dog-walking experience.
The reserve covers 50 acres of wetlands, woodland, and wildflower meadows, providing a variety of environments for both dogs and owners to explore. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles, making it a relatively short and enjoyable outing.
There’s plenty of wildlife to observe, including birds, which can make the walk exciting for your dog. Keep your dog on a lead in certain areas to avoid disturbing the wildlife, but there are plenty of open spaces where dogs can roam freely.
The Cromwell Bottom Café nearby is dog-friendly, offering a place to rest after your walk.
11. Goit Stock Waterfall, Keighley
📍 Location: Keighley, BD22 0LR
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Moderate
🌳 Distance: 2 to 3 miles (depending on route)
Goit Stock Waterfall, near Keighley, provides an exciting walk through woodlands and along a picturesque stream. The walk leads to the beautiful waterfall, and dogs are welcome on leads throughout the trail.
The natural surroundings are ideal for adventurous dogs who enjoy exploring. Nearby, there are dog-friendly cafes in Keighley for a relaxing stop after the walk.
12. Pugney’s Country Park, Wakefield
📍 Location: Wakefield, WF2 7EQ
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🌳 Distance: 1.6 miles
Pugney’s Country Park is a great spot for a dog-friendly walk in Wakefield. The park is set around Pugney’s Lake, offering scenic walking routes through woodlands, meadows, and along the lakeside.
Dogs are welcome to walk on-lead throughout the park, and there are several open spaces where they can roam off-lead too.
After the walk, you can grab a coffee or snack at the dog-friendly café located near the park’s visitor center.
13. Ogden Water Country Park, Halifax
📍 Location: Halifax, HX2 8YA
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 1 to 3 miles (depending on route)
Ogden Water Country Park, located near Halifax, is a fantastic spot for a dog-friendly walk. The park offers a variety of walking routes, ranging from easy to moderate, with scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.
Dogs are welcome on leads, and there are plenty of open spaces for them to roam. The park also features a well-maintained café with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, so you and your dog can enjoy a well-deserved rest after your walk.
14. Scammonden Reservoir, Huddersfield
📍 Location: Huddersfield, HD3 3BS
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌳 Distance: 2 to 3 miles (depending on route)
Scammonden Reservoir, near Huddersfield, is another great destination for dog owners.
With its peaceful, tranquil setting, the reservoir is perfect for a calm and scenic stroll. The walking paths around the reservoir offer stunning views of the water and nearby hills, making it a beautiful place for both you and your dog to explore.
Though there are no specific dog-friendly amenities at the site itself, there are plenty of local pubs and cafes in Huddersfield that welcome dogs, making it easy to find a spot for refreshments after your walk.
Explore the great outdoors with these dog-friendly walks in West Yorkshire 🐾
Next time you’re looking to explore with your furry best friend, try one of these incredible spots—and get ready for muddy paws, big smiles, and maybe even a cheeky sausage roll for your sidekick.
The best part? Many of these walks are surrounded by welcoming, dog-friendly pubs and cafés where you can both recharge after your adventure. So whether you’re based in Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax, or anywhere in between, you’re never far from a walk that promises wagging tails and happy memories.