Hornsea Mere Circular from Kirkholme Point
East Yorkshire
Hornsea Mere is the largest natural freshwater lake in Yorkshire where dogs are best kept on a lead and out of the water among the grazing sheep and cattle, about 3.2km long and 1.2km across at its widest, sitting just inland from the seafront at Hornsea. It is part of the Wassand estate, which was bought for fifty pounds in the 16th century, and the whole mere is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area for its birdlife. This 9.2km circuit starts at Kirkholme Point, where the boating jetties and cafe are, heads through the town and out along Hull Road, then crosses the wet meadows of Snipe Ground through a series of kissing gates. It passes Wassand Hall along a tree lined drive to Mill Lane before returning on quiet roads to the mere. The ground is flat throughout, on field paths, estate tracks and pavement.
This is a dog friendly walk on public footpaths, but it is a lead walk from start to finish. The fields around the mere usually carry sheep and cattle, and the mere is protected for its wintering and breeding birds, so dogs should stay on a lead and out of the water. Snipe Ground gets very muddy in winter, so expect a wet dog and pack a towel. Part of the loop follows roads through Hornsea and along Mill Lane. Parking is at Kirkholme Point, where the Mere Cafe makes a good finish, though the gates close at the end of the day.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Mere Cafe at Kirkholme Point; shops, cafes and pubs in Hornsea town.
- Parking
- Car park at Kirkholme Point on the mere shore, gated and locked at the end of the day.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Hornsea Mere Circular from Kirkholme Point, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in East YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Hornsea Mere Circular from Kirkholme Point dog friendly?
Hornsea Mere is a lovely spot for a dog walk, though it comes with some important conditions that are worth knowing before you go. The 9.2km circular route follows public footpaths, estate tracks and quiet roads, and dogs are welcome throughout — but this is a lead walk from start to finish, which earns it a 6/10 on our dog friendly rating. The good news is there's parking right at Kirkholme Point and the Mere Cafe makes a great place to finish up.
Can dogs be off lead at Hornsea Mere Circular from Kirkholme Point?
No — dogs need to be kept on a lead for the entire route. The fields around the mere carry sheep and cattle, and the mere itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area for its birdlife, so dogs should also be kept out of the water. It's a lead walk from start to finish, with no off-lead sections along the way.
What should I know before visiting Hornsea Mere Circular from Kirkholme Point with my dog?
The ground is flat throughout, which makes it an accessible walk, but Snipe Ground — the wet meadow section you cross through a series of kissing gates — can get very muddy in winter, so pack a towel for a muddy dog. It's worth noting that the car park at Kirkholme Point is gated and locked at the end of the day, so keep an eye on the time. Dogs must stay on a lead and out of the water for the whole route.
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