Blakey Ridge and the Lion Inn Circular

Yes, this walk earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The open moorland makes up most of the route, giving dogs plenty of space to roam, and the Lion Inn itself welcomes dogs into both the bar and garden — a lovely bonus at the end of a breezy ridge walk.

Dogs can enjoy good stretches of off-lead walking across the open moor, particularly along the old Ironstone Railway trackbed and the broader ridge paths where livestock aren't present. You'll need to pop leads on around Hill Farm and wherever sheep are visible on the in-bye fields, and again for the final half mile back to the pub where the route meets the Castleton road.

The underfoot mix of cinder track, heather path and grassy bridleway is generally manageable, though there are some muddy, rutted sections near Hill Farm to be aware of. The route sits at over 1,300 feet on the North York Moors, so it can be exposed in poor weather — worth checking the forecast before you head out. Parking is straightforward: there's a generous car park at the Lion Inn if you're eating or drinking there, or informal lay-by parking along the ridge at SE683989.