Gunnerside Gill and the Blakethwaite Lead Mines
North Yorkshire
Gunnerside Gill cuts north from Swaledale into the moors where dogs need close control among grazing sheep, and it was once worked intensively for lead. The scars are still everywhere: hushes gouged out of the hillside by released water, spoil heaps, dressing floors and the ruined buildings of Bunton Hush Mine and Blakethwaite Smelt Mill, reached by a stone slab footbridge over the beck. This 8.9km circuit leaves Gunnerside on a signed path beside the beck, climbs through meadows and woodland onto Middle Bank, runs up the gill to Bunton and Blakethwaite, where a short detour reaches Blakethwaite Force, and returns down a clear track on the other side of the valley. There are about 303 metres of climbing on stony tracks, grassy paths and a few narrow sections.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of interest for a curious dog, and Gunnerside Beck gives water for drinking and paddling along much of the way. Sheep graze the valley and moor, cattle can be met on the lower fields, and ground-nesting birds breed on the moorland in spring, so dogs should be kept under close control and on a lead for much of the route. The mine sites have open levels, ruined walls and steep drops, so keep your dog close around them. Stiles are few. Parking in Gunnerside is limited to an honesty box area by the bridge, which fills early at weekends, and there are no public toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No public toilets; the King's Head pub is in Gunnerside.
- Parking
- Small honesty box parking area by the bridge in Gunnerside (cash); roadside parking when full.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Gunnerside Gill and the Blakethwaite Lead Mines, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Sorting Office
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,021 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Gunnerside Gill and the Blakethwaite Lead Mines dog friendly?
Gunnerside Gill rates 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a walk with plenty to keep a curious dog engaged. The beck runs alongside much of the route, offering regular spots for a drink and a paddle, and stiles are few, which makes progress easier. Just be prepared to keep your dog on a lead for much of the way due to sheep and other livestock in the valley.
Can dogs be off lead at Gunnerside Gill and the Blakethwaite Lead Mines?
Off-lead time is limited on this walk. Sheep graze the valley and moorland throughout, cattle can be encountered on the lower fields, and ground-nesting birds are present on the moor in spring, so close control is needed for most of the route. The old mine sites at Bunton and Blakethwaite also have open levels, ruined walls and steep drops, so keep your dog on a lead around those areas in particular.
What should I know before visiting Gunnerside Gill and the Blakethwaite Lead Mines with my dog?
This is an 8.9km circuit with around 303 metres of climbing on stony tracks, grassy paths and some narrow sections, so it suits a reasonably fit dog. Parking in Gunnerside is limited to a small honesty box area by the bridge, which fills early at weekends, so arriving in good time is wise — bring cash. There are no public toilets, but the King's Head pub is in the village if you need a rest stop after the walk.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Gunnerside village parking by the bridge, Gunnerside, Richmond DL11 6LE
54.3798, -2.0776
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk2.5 mi awaySwaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way
North Yorkshire
A classic Yorkshire Dales circuit from Muker's hay meadows along the Pennine Way to the Kisdon Force waterfalls at Keld.
Walk4 mi awaySwaledale: Keld to Muker Circular
North Yorkshire
A classic Swaledale circular through the wildflower meadows and gorge paths linking Keld and Muker, the picture-postcard walk of the Dales.
Walk4.4 mi awayAskrigg Waterfalls: Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force
North Yorkshire
A short Wensleydale loop for dogs from Askrigg to two wooded waterfalls, with enclosed lanes to stretch their legs and a pool to swim in.
Walk5.5 mi awayReeth to Grinton Circular, Swaledale
North Yorkshire
An easy low-level Swaledale loop between Reeth and Grinton via river meadows and a dramatic suspension bridge, with welcoming pubs at both ends.
Walk6.3 mi awaySemerwater Circular
North Yorkshire
A quiet and undervisited circuit around North Yorkshire's second-largest natural lake, taking in remote Raydale hamlets, open fell views and a peaceful lakeside far from the main Dales honeypots.
Walk6.9 mi awayAysgarth Falls
North Yorkshire
A gentle woodland and riverside loop taking in all three tiers of one of Yorkshire's most celebrated waterfall systems, with good scent work and easy terrain throughout.