Beverley Westwood and Burton Bushes from Beverley Minster
East Yorkshire
Beverley Westwood is a vast tract of common pasture on the western edge of Beverley where dogs need a lead near the cattle and sheep that graze freely through summer, given to the townspeople by the Lord of the Manor in 1380. Locals still hold the right to graze cattle and sheep there, overseen by a committee known as the pasture masters, and the open grass is shared with Beverley Racecourse and the golf club. This 6.3km circuit from Beverley Minster heads out through Keldgate to the Westwood, passes the old windmill that now forms part of the golf clubhouse and the Black Mill on the high ground, then drops into Burton Bushes, the last surviving remnant of the old West Wood. It returns past the racecourse edge and back through town by North Bar. There is just 53 metres of climbing, on clear grassy tracks, woodland paths and pavement.
This dog friendly walk is hugely popular with local dog owners, but the Westwood is a working pasture. Through the summer months, cattle roam freely across the Westwood, so dogs should be on a lead wherever they are grazing, and walkers are asked to watch for flying golf balls where the route crosses the course. Outside the grazing season there is much more freedom for a dog with good recall on the open grass, and Burton Bushes gives shade and scent at any time. There is no water on the Westwood, so carry some for your dog. Parking is free on the Westwood itself.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.3 km (3.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic, Park, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No facilities on the Westwood; cafes, pubs and toilets in Beverley town centre; an ice cream van is often on the Westwood in summer.
- Parking
- Free parking on the Westwood, or town centre car parks near the Minster.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Beverley Westwood and Burton Bushes from Beverley Minster, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old St Johns Church
Sleeps 10 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £2,071 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in East YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Beverley Westwood and Burton Bushes from Beverley Minster dog friendly?
Beverley Westwood is a well-loved spot for local dog owners, and this 6.3km circular route rates a solid 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The open common pasture and the wooded paths of Burton Bushes offer plenty to keep a dog happy, though the working nature of the Westwood means there are some important rules to bear in mind before you go.
Can dogs be off lead at Beverley Westwood and Burton Bushes from Beverley Minster?
During the summer grazing season, dogs must be kept on a lead wherever cattle and sheep are present on the Westwood — livestock have grazed here freely since 1380 and have right of way. Outside the grazing season, dogs with reliable recall can enjoy much more freedom on the open grass, and Burton Bushes is a great spot for sniffing and exploring at any time of year.
What should I know before visiting Beverley Westwood and Burton Bushes from Beverley Minster with my dog?
There is no water available on the Westwood, so bring plenty for your dog, especially on warmer days. The route also crosses Beverley Racecourse and the golf course, so keep an eye out for golf balls in those sections. On the plus side, parking is free on the Westwood itself, and if you need a cafe, pub or toilet, Beverley town centre is close at hand — there's often an ice cream van on the Westwood in summer too.
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