Glaisdale to Egton Bridge Riverside Walk
North Yorkshire
The River Esk winds peacefully through woodland between Glaisdale and Egton Bridge, two characterful North York Moors villages connected by 6.4 km of beautiful riverside walking. The path follows the river closely beneath a canopy of native broadleaves, crossing on stone bridges and remaining intimate and sheltered despite the open moorland above. The walking is remarkably gentle with virtually no significant climbs, and the clean, accessible river adds a constant presence throughout. In autumn, the woodland canopy turns gold above the flowing water, making this one of Yorkshire's most photogenic short walks.
This dog friendly walk is ideal for dogs who enjoy water and woodland in equal measure. The River Esk offers excellent access for drinking and paddling at multiple points, with clear water that's particularly inviting on warmer days. Off-lead potential is moderate in the wider woodland sections, though leads are sensible near the river path where other walkers pass. Sheep graze the moorland above, so keep dogs on lead if you venture beyond the woodland. Both Glaisdale and Egton Bridge have dog-friendly pubs, making this a perfect walk for combining countryside exercise with a relaxed stop afterwards.
At a Glance
Walk Must-Haves
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Hands Free Lead
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a lovely walk for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The River Esk provides plenty of opportunities for paddling and drinking along the route, and the woodland setting makes for enjoyable exploring. Both villages at either end have dog-friendly pubs , the Arncliffe Arms at Glaisdale and the Horseshoe Hotel at Egton Bridge , so you can round off the walk with a well-earned rest.
Off-lead potential is moderate , there are wider woodland sections where dogs can roam more freely, but leads are sensible along the riverside path itself where other walkers are likely to pass. Sheep graze the moorland above the woodland, so if you venture beyond the treeline, dogs should be kept on lead. It's a walk that rewards a bit of flexibility depending on your dog's recall and the conditions on the day.
The walk is 6.4 km with virtually no significant climbing, making it accessible for most dogs regardless of age or fitness. The river is clean and easy to access at multiple points, which is great on warmer days, but do keep an eye on your dog near the water's edge where the path runs close to the bank. Sheep on the surrounding moorland are the main thing to be aware of , stick to the woodland path and keep dogs under control if the landscape opens up. Parking is free near both railway stations, and the Esk Valley Railway serves both villages if you'd prefer a linear route.
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