Cropton Forest Circular Walk
North Yorkshire
Cropton Forest is a dog friendly Forestry England plantation above the village of Cropton, and this circular walk threads through Sitka spruce and birch along forest rides, with a section along the High Rigg above Rosedale for moor-edge views. It is a good choice in wet or windy weather, since the tree cover keeps the worst off.
Dogs can be off lead along most of the forest rides: livestock is limited to a small caravan park at the end of the walk and one set of grazed fields on the way out, so lead up for those and for any forestry work signs. The final steep climb past the New Inn is the only real pull; the rest is gentle. Underfoot it is firm forest gravel, woodland path and some occasional mud. Parking is on-street in Cropton village near the New Inn, which welcomes dogs, and there is free parking at the Forestry England entrance.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.9 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Forest, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- The New Inn at Cropton welcomes dogs and serves food; no facilities inside the forest.
- Parking
- Free on-street parking in Cropton village near the New Inn (YO18 8HH); free Forestry England parking at the woodland entrance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cropton Forest Circular Walk dog friendly?
Cropton Forest Circular Walk is a solid choice for dogs, earning a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The route runs through a Forestry England plantation with firm forest gravel and woodland paths underfoot, and the tree cover makes it a particularly welcoming option on wet or windy days. The New Inn in Cropton village also welcomes dogs and serves food, so there's a good pit stop before or after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Cropton Forest Circular Walk?
Dogs can be off lead along most of the forest rides, which makes up the majority of the route. You'll need to put leads on near a small caravan park towards the end of the walk and one set of grazed fields on the way out, as well as in any areas where forestry work signs are posted. Outside of those spots, there's plenty of freedom for your dog to roam.
What should I know before visiting Cropton Forest Circular Walk with my dog?
The walk is largely gentle, with the one notable effort being a steep climb past the New Inn at the end of the route. Underfoot you can expect firm forest gravel and woodland paths, with some occasional mud. Parking is free — either on-street in Cropton village near the New Inn (YO18 8HH) or at the Forestry England entrance to the woodland — and there are no facilities inside the forest itself.
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