Causey Arch and the River Team Walk

Yes, Causey Arch is a lovely spot for dogs, rated 7.5 out of 10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack Collective. The walk loops through a wooded gorge above the Causey Burn, with no open livestock grazing, making it a relaxed outing for most dogs. There are picnic tables on site and free parking at the signed picnic area, so it's an easy one to plan around.

Dogs will need to be kept on the lead on the arch itself and along the gorge edge where there are some significant drops. Away from those areas there is no livestock grazing to worry about, though the site is shared with cyclists and horse riders so it's worth keeping that in mind. The paths down into the gorge include wooden steps and rougher terrain, so lead control is sensible in those sections too, especially with younger or more excitable dogs.

The paths are a mix of surfaces — tarmac near the car park and rougher stone and timber steps descending into the gorge — so it's worth being prepared for a bit of varied terrain. Take extra care with younger dogs on the wooden steps down to the Causey Burn, as these can be tricky. The site is shared with cyclists, horse riders and Tanfield Railway volunteers, and on working days you may hear (or even spot) steam trains running nearby, which is worth bearing in mind if your dog is noise-sensitive.