Castle Eden Dene Yew Tree Trail

At a Glance

Distance

3.9 km (2.4 miles)

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

1 hr 20 min

Walk Type

Woodland, Historic

Route Type

Circular

Off Lead Potential

Moderate

Livestock Risk

None

Facilities

Car park, toilets and Oakerside Tea Rooms at Oakerside Dene Lodge.

Parking

Oakerside Dene Lodge car park, Castle Eden Dene NNR (Natural England), Stanhope Chase, Peterlee.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Castle Eden Dene Yew Tree Trail dog friendly?

  Castle Eden Dene Yew Tree Trail is rated 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a genuinely rewarding place to bring a dog. There's no livestock in the dene, plenty of wildlife scent from deer and foxes, and deep shade through the woodland in summer. Dog fouling rules are strictly enforced and offenders are prosecuted, so make sure to bag and bin.

• Can dogs be off lead at Castle Eden Dene Yew Tree Trail?

  Dogs with good recall can enjoy some freedom here, as there's no livestock in the dene. That said, you'll want to keep your dog close wherever the path runs near the steep gorge sides and crumbling cliff edges, and call them back if deer are around. It's a sensible rather than a free-for-all off-lead walk, but well-suited to dogs that listen well.

• What should I know before visiting Castle Eden Dene Yew Tree Trail with my dog?

  The Yew Tree Trail is a 3.9km waymarked loop with some steep and potentially slippery sections, so boots with good grip are recommended — and that goes for muddy days especially. Castle Eden Burn can be dry in summer, so bring water for your dog rather than counting on finding it on the trail. On the plus side, there's a car park, toilets and a tea room at Oakerside Dene Lodge where you start and finish.

Oakerside Dene Lodge Car Park, Stanhope Chase, Peterlee SR8 1NJ

54.7474, -1.3372