Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure
North Yorkshire
Boroughbridge grew up around a crossing of the River Ure where dogs go on a lead past the working lock gates at Milby Cut and the A1M underpass, and this 8.7km two-loop circuit from the town centre visits its most striking monument: the Devil's Arrows, three prehistoric standing stones of millstone grit. The route continues past Milby Cut, an 18th century canal bypass with working lock gates, and climbs gently to Kirby Hill and its church, before returning along the River Ure with views across to Newby Hall on the far bank. With only 52 metres of climbing over the whole loop, this is a gentle walk on riverside paths, hedge lined lanes and field tracks.
This is a dog friendly walk with the River Ure providing water for most of its length, and plenty of scent along the hedgerows and field edges for a dog to work. Off-lead potential is moderate on the quieter lane and riverside sections, though dogs should go back on the lead near the canal locks at Milby, where the drop into the water is sudden, and around the A1M underpass and stock bridge crossings. Livestock is possible in the field sections, so keep an eye out. Boroughbridge has cafes around the historic market square, and the Three Horse Shoes welcomes dogs in its bar and pool room.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafes around Boroughbridge market square; the Three Horse Shoes allows dogs in its bar and pool room.
- Parking
- Pay and display car parks in Boroughbridge town centre.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Duck Cottage - Grewelthorpe
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £620 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure dog friendly?
This is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The River Ure runs alongside much of the route, giving dogs plenty of access to water, and the hedgerows and field edges offer good sniffing opportunities throughout. Back in Boroughbridge, the Three Horse Shoes welcomes dogs in its bar and pool room, and there are cafes around the historic market square if you need a post-walk refreshment.
Can dogs be off lead at Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure?
Off-lead potential is moderate on this walk — the quieter lane and riverside sections give reasonable freedom, but there are several spots where leads are essential. Dogs should be kept on lead near the canal locks at Milby Cut, where the drop into the water is sudden, as well as around the A1M underpass and stock bridge crossings. Livestock is also possible in the field sections, so it's worth staying alert and clipping the lead on if needed.
What should I know before visiting Boroughbridge, the Devil's Arrows and the River Ure with my dog?
This is an 8.7km two-loop circuit with just 52 metres of climbing, so it's a genuinely gentle outing on riverside paths, hedge-lined lanes and field tracks — well suited to most dogs. The River Ure provides water for much of the route, which is a bonus on warmer days. Parking is available at pay and display car parks in Boroughbridge town centre, making it easy to start and finish in the town.
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