Coverdale: West Scrafton and Arkleside Moor
North Yorkshire
The West Scrafton and Arkleside Moor walk is a genuinely quiet dog friendly moorland circular in Coverdale, one of the least-visited corners of the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from the tiny stone hamlet of West Scrafton you climb onto Arkleside Moor past disused lead mining workings, cross the broad heather top with views north to Great Whernside, then drop back via becks and pasture to close the loop above the village.
This is all sheep country, with stock on the moor and in the lower fields year-round, so dogs need to be on leads throughout. Expect heather, tussocks, peaty sections and some pathless navigation on the high ground, and bring everything you need as West Scrafton itself has no shop, no café and no pub. The nearest facilities are at Carlton a short drive down the dale, where the Foresters Arms welcomes walkers and dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No facilities in West Scrafton; the Foresters Arms at Carlton-in-Coverdale is the closest pub and has a dog-friendly bar.
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking in West Scrafton hamlet; park considerately and do not block farm gates or passing places.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coverdale: West Scrafton and Arkleside Moor dog friendly?
This walk is dog friendly, though it comes with some important caveats that earn it a 6 out of 10 on our rating. The moorland circuit is quiet and spacious, but sheep are present on both the open moor and the lower fields throughout the year, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead for the entire route.
Can dogs be off lead at Coverdale: West Scrafton and Arkleside Moor?
Unfortunately, no — dogs need to be kept on leads throughout this walk. The whole area is working sheep country, with livestock on the moor and in the pastures year-round, so on-lead walking is essential from start to finish.
What should I know before visiting Coverdale: West Scrafton and Arkleside Moor with my dog?
Come well prepared, as West Scrafton has no shop, café or pub, so bring water and snacks for both you and your dog. The terrain includes heather, tussocks, peaty sections and some pathless ground on the higher moorland, so it's worth having good footwear and a map. If you're after a post-walk drink, the Foresters Arms at Carlton, a short drive down the dale, welcomes walkers and dogs.
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