Askrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force
North Yorkshire
Askrigg is the Wensleydale village that played Darrowby in the television series All Creatures Great and Small, where dogs share enclosed lanes and fields with grazing sheep between two fine waterfalls in the wooded gills above it. This 5km loop starts by St Oswald's Church and follows Mill Gill up through woodland, crossing the old mill dam footbridge to Mill Gill Force, where the beck drops about 70 feet over a series of ledges. It then crosses fields near the hamlet of Helm and climbs into a deeper wooded ravine to Whitfield Gill Force, a single 50 foot fall, before returning down the walled Low Straights Lane into the village. There are about 164 metres of climbing, on woodland paths, field paths and stony lanes, with steep banks in the gills and narrow Wensleydale stiles.
This is a dog friendly walk that packs a lot into a short distance. The enclosed lanes and woodland sections give long stretches where a dog with good recall can be off lead, and there is water for a drink and a swim at Whitfield Force. Sheep graze the fields between the two gills, so put your dog on a lead there. The drop near Whitfield Force is steep and the path to the best view is rough, so keep a close eye on an excitable dog. Parking is in a small honesty box car park in the village, and the King's Arms in Askrigg welcomes dogs in its bar.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pubs and shops in Askrigg; the King's Arms welcomes dogs in the bar. No toilets on route.
- Parking
- Small honesty box car park in Askrigg village, a short walk from the church.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Askrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Sorting Office
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,021 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Askrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force dog friendly?
This walk rates a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it earns it. The enclosed lanes and woodland sections give your dog plenty of room to roam, there's a pool at Whitfield Gill Force for a swim, and the King's Arms in Askrigg welcomes dogs in its bar after the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Askrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy good stretches off lead through the enclosed lanes and woodland sections of the route. However, sheep graze the fields between the two gills, so leads are essential there, and it's worth keeping a close eye on excitable dogs near the steep drop at Whitfield Force.
What should I know before visiting Askrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force with my dog?
The route is 5km with around 164 metres of climbing, taking in woodland paths, field paths and stony lanes, with some steep banks in the gills and narrow Wensleydale stiles to navigate. Sheep are present in the fields between the two waterfalls, so a lead is a must in those sections. Parking is in a small honesty box car park in the village, and there are no toilets on the route itself, though pubs and shops are available in Askrigg.
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