Grassington to Burnsall Circular
North Yorkshire
Grassington to Burnsall follows 10.8 km of classic Wharfedale scenery, starting with the dramatic limestone ledges at Linton Falls before joining the Dales Way along the River Wharfe to Burnsall — one of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales with its five-arched bridge and inviting riverside. The return climbs above the valley via High Lane and field paths through limestone uplands, with sweeping views back down into Wharfedale before descending to Grassington. With 235 metres of elevation gain, this is a properly rewarding circuit that showcases the best of the Dales.
This dog friendly walk is excellent for water-loving dogs, with good swimming access at Burnsall below the bridge and at Loup Scar above the village. The riverside sections offer rich, layered scent on well-drained turf and river-washed limestone. However, livestock density is high through the farmland sections — sheep and cattle graze the lower meadows extensively — so leads are essential through fields and gates must be closed carefully. The Dales Way sections alongside the river allow more relaxed walking, and the two distinct river swimming spots make the farmland leads worthwhile.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.8 km (6.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- River, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Toilets at car park; multiple cafes and pubs in Grassington and Burnsall; Red Lion Hotel at Burnsall is dog friendly
- Parking
- Grassington National Park Visitor Centre Car Park, Hebden Road, Grassington, BD23 5LB. Pay and display; £3.50 up to 2 hours, £5.50 over 2 hours; cash and card
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grassington to Burnsall Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs and earns a solid 8/10 dog-friendly rating. Water-loving dogs will be particularly happy here , there are two good river swimming spots at Burnsall (below the bridge) and at Loup Scar above the village, and the riverside Dales Way sections offer relaxed, scent-rich walking along the Wharfe.
Can dogs be off lead at Grassington to Burnsall Circular?
It's a mix. The Dales Way sections alongside the river offer more relaxed walking where you can let dogs enjoy themselves, but leads are essential through the farmland sections, which have high livestock density , sheep and cattle graze the lower meadows extensively. Gates must also be closed carefully throughout.
What should I know before visiting Grassington to Burnsall Circular with my dog?
The main thing to be prepared for is the livestock , this is a working Dales landscape with sheep and cattle in the fields, so a reliable recall and a lead for farmland sections are a must. On the plus side, the two river swimming spots make a great reward, and if you need a rest stop, the Red Lion Hotel in Burnsall is dog friendly. Parking is at Grassington National Park Visitor Centre Car Park on Hebden Road, with pay and display charges of £3.50 for up to two hours or £5.50 for longer stays.
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Grassington National Park Centre Car Park, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5LB, United Kingdom
54.0717, -1.9998
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