How Stean Gorge and the Stean Trail Circular
North Yorkshire
Lofthouse sits at the head of Upper Nidderdale where dogs stay on a lead throughout this 7.3km Stean Trail circuit, climbing through Cliff Woods before dropping to How Stean Gorge, a limestone ravine cut by How Stean Beck where the rock walls close in to just a few metres apart. The gorge is part of the Upper Nidderdale Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the trail passes above dramatic limestone cliffs and exposed rock before crossing traditional hay meadows at Low Riggs Farm. Underfoot is a mix of gravel tracks, woodland paths, fields and stepping stones, with stiles and gates throughout, and the stepping stone crossing can be slippery when wet.
This is a dog friendly walk with a good stop at the How Stean Gorge cafe, where dogs are welcome both inside and on the outdoor terrace. Keep dogs on a lead throughout, especially around the grazing livestock on the hay meadows and on the moor edges where ground nesting birds are present between March and July, when a short lead is recommended. How Stean Beck gives dogs a chance to drink and cool off, though the gorge's cliffs and slippery rock need care with an inquisitive dog nearby. Lofthouse has public toilets and the Crown pub for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- How Stean Gorge cafe (dog friendly, indoor and outdoor seating); public toilets and the Crown pub in Lofthouse.
- Parking
- How Stean Gorge car park, pay and display, or roadside parking in Lofthouse.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to How Stean Gorge and the Stean Trail Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Wayside Cottage - Kettlewell
Sleeps 3 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
Duck Cottage - Grewelthorpe
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £620 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is How Stean Gorge and the Stean Trail Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this 7.3km circuit through Upper Nidderdale is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The How Stean Gorge cafe is a highlight — dogs are welcome both inside and on the outdoor terrace, making it a great place to stop mid-walk. How Stean Beck also gives dogs the chance to drink and cool off along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at How Stean Gorge and the Stean Trail Circular?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout the entire route. The trail passes through hay meadows with grazing livestock and along moor edges where ground nesting birds are present between March and July — during that period a short lead is especially recommended. The dramatic gorge sections also call for extra care, as the cliffs and slippery rock can be hazardous with an inquisitive dog alongside you.
What should I know before visiting How Stean Gorge and the Stean Trail Circular with my dog?
The underfoot conditions vary quite a bit — expect gravel tracks, woodland paths, fields, stiles, gates and stepping stones, and bear in mind that the stepping stone crossing can be slippery when wet. If you're visiting between March and July, be aware of ground nesting birds on the moor edges and keep your dog on a short lead in those areas. Parking is available at the How Stean Gorge pay and display car park or roadside in Lofthouse, where you'll also find public toilets and the Crown pub for a well-earned stop after the walk.
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